The Lower Eastern Women Cooperative Society (LEWOCO) provides a range of services to support women financially and empower them.
LEWOCO offers microfinance services, providing small loans to women entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses. These loans could be used for various purposes such as purchasing inventory, equipment, or raw materials.
They conduct financial literacy workshops or training sessions to educate women on topics such as budgeting, saving, investment, and managing debt. These programs help women make informed financial decisions and improve their financial well-being.
LEWOCO organizes skill development programs or vocational training to equip women with the skills needed to generate income. These programs cover various fields such as tailoring, handicrafts, agriculture, or food processing.
They assist women in accessing markets for their products by providing marketing assistance, connecting them with potential buyers or distributors, or facilitating participation in trade fairs or exhibitions.
LEWOCO establishes networking opportunities and support groups for women entrepreneurs to share experiences, knowledge, and resources. These networks foster collaboration, mentorship, and peer support among women in business.
They help women access essential resources and inputs needed for their businesses, such as seeds, fertilizers, agricultural equipment, or raw materials for manufacturing.
LEWOCO advocates for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, women's rights, and economic empowerment. They represent the interests of women entrepreneurs at local, regional, or national levels.
At Lewoco, our mission is rooted in empowering women and fostering sustainable livelihoods. With a rich history spanning over 35 years, we have been working closely with Machakos Cooperative Union to market the handwoven baskets created by our dedicated members on an international scale. Our primary objectives are clear and resolute:
We are committed to providing our more than 3000 women members, spread across 28 women groups, with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to improve their income and enhance their livelihoods through the marketing of their handwoven baskets. We strive to create an environment where their skills and talents flourish, leading to economic self-sufficiency and personal growth.
While our core membership is essential, we also aspire to have a broader impact. We aim to work indirectly with 15,000 beneficiaries in the surrounding communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change. By extending our support and initiatives to these individuals, we hope to uplift entire families and communities, ultimately contributing to the well-being of society as a whole.
With these goals in mind, we are driven to continue our journey of empowerment and transformation, embracing the values of inclusivity, sustainability, and progress as we work towards a brighter future for all.