Group photo with the Tana River County Government officials Department of Gender.
A significant transformation is underway in Tana River County as women entrepreneurs transition their businesses into the digital era. The Tatua Digital Resilience Centre at KICTANet supports this shift through the EmpowerHer project, which prioritizes comprehensive digital resilience over basic connectivity. Safety and security are recognized as essential for economic growth.
Many women in Tana River face barriers to digital inclusion, including poverty, limited smartphone access, and financial exclusion. These challenges often prevent them from accessing broader markets, despite producing high-quality goods. As Florence Ouma, KICTANet’s Gender and Digital Rights Advisor, notes, sustainable progress requires more than distributing devices. It also involves addressing the social and cultural norms that shape women’s access to technology.
Central to this initiative is the understanding that digital inclusion must be accompanied by digital safety. John Gathii, a Tatua Digital Resilience Fellow, highlights the need for women to have the knowledge and confidence to identify online risks. For women entrepreneurs, digital security is essential for protecting personal and business data. Without these skills, the digital space can pose significant risks. The Tatua Digital Resilience Centre therefore focuses on building digital confidence, enabling women to navigate online spaces securely and without fear of fraud or harassment.
Digital skills session
During recent Intergenerational Community Dialogues in Hola, participants identified several practical steps to enhance online safety and economic participation:
– Digital entrepreneurship and financial literacy training to help women understand both technical tools and financial systems.
– Increased online safety awareness, addressing concerns that are primary barriers to digital participation.
– Stronger collaboration between the Departments of Gender, ICT, and Trade to provide cohesive support for women.
– Identification of community champions to mentor others and co-create action plans tailored to local needs.
EmpowerHer aims to equip 15,000 women across Nairobi, Tana River, and Nyandarua with the skills to use technology for economic independence. As Caroline Mwikali, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at KICTANet, explains, success will be measured not only by the number of women reached but also by the long-term impact on their businesses and incomes. By documenting these experiences, Tatua and KICTANet seek to inspire more women to view technology as a safe and effective path to economic independence. With community support and the right tools, women can thrive in the digital economy.
For support with digital resilience assessments, cyber hygiene training, or policy development, reach out to us at info@tatua.digital or help@tatua.digital . Watch our Cyber Hygiene series on YouTube or Digital Security Resources for accessible tips.
