The Women’s Empowerment Project at Dakuna Mission in the Eparchy of Emdeber (Ethiopia) was born as a result of a discernment based on walking with and listening to the needs of women in the area. One of the greatest needs identified is that of empowering women who are the heart of families at Dakuna.

Today, 80 women are registered; they are organized into 4 work groups who meet weekly to learn practical skills. Their training includes making of handcraft (such as baskets, sugar pots and table mats), beadwork (producing beautiful bracelets, bangles, key holders and pen holders) and food preparation (such as njera, coffee etc).

Despite having to walk long distances, the women faithfully attend meetings, finding joy in working together, often singing and dancing as they learn. Their products are then sold in local markets, bringing sustainable income that helps improve their families’ lives.

But the MCSPA’s St. Scholastica Mission at Dakuna goes beyond training: we provide pastoral accompaniment, supporting the women spiritually and building community around faith. We foster solidarity, where women learn not only skills but also encourage, support and uplift one another. We work hand in hand with local leaders to ensure that development efforts are rooted in the local culture, dignity and sustainability.

A special moment came this past August 27 when we celebrated the Feast of St. Monica, patron of one of the work groups. The day was marked with gratitude, joy and renewed hope showing that this project is not only about economic growth but also about nurturing faith and unity.

We thank our partners, World Doctors of Italy, represented by Dr. Gabi Janssen and Monika, whose generosity and commitment have made this initiative possible.

The presence of MCSPA in Dakuna is a sign of hope: by empowering women, we are planting seeds of transformation for families, the community and the Church. Together, we walk the path of faith and development, hand in hand with the people of Dakuna.

Josephine Amuma, MCSPA

Dakuna, Eparchy of Emdeber (Ethiopia)

I am a third-year commerce student at Strathmore University and a volunteer with the Community Service Centre. Recently, I joined a women’s promotion camp in Nariokotome Mission, collaborating with Strathmore Turkana Education Project and the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA).

Along the western shore of Lake Turkana, lies a humble but powerful movement that strings one bead at a time. My journey to Nariokotome introduced me to a group of extraordinary women whose resilience, creativity and spirit continues to inspire me long after my departure from Turkana.

These women are part of a beadwork project that empowers them to earn a sustainable income in a community where the odds are often stacked against them. They have neither had the opportunity to go to school nor a stable source of livelihood. Here the land is vast and bare, while access to the necessities like water and food is difficult. Rather than give up, these women have chosen to stand up.

Most of these women walk long distances each day to participate in the program. Some make a 3-hour journey on foot, driven not by obligation but by dedication. Despite the physical challenges, their positivity, work ethic and humility stand out. They sing as they work: their melodies weaving through the air with the same grace and rhythm as the beads through thread.

I had the joy of interacting with them closely, wearing their colourful shangas, dancing, laughing and joining them in song as they worked. Though we were separated by language, we were united in purpose and joy. The “raiya” women, i.e. those women who have never been to school, still call out with excitement to Teacher Jenny whenever they face a challenge, knowing that guidance and support are always available. Their eagerness to learn is unmatched.

Most of these women are fast learners, now creating up to three pieces a day. Over time, they have not only refined their skill but also gained the confidence to recognize the value of their craft.

This project, led by Lydia and Lenny and supported by Strathmore and it’s partners, is more than just beadwork. It is a lifeline, a source of identity and pride. The project leaders constantly remind the women that this is their office, and that they should approach it with the same pride and professionalism as at any workplace. The women take this to heart, cherishing the fact that they, too, have a job, a purpose and a place of belonging.

With the breathtaking view of Lake Turkana as backdrop, there truly was no better way that I could have spent my semester break. I got the impression that this is not just a community initiative; it is a transformational project weaving resilience and sisterhood among the women.

My experience there has been a testimony to the lengths that Turkana women will go to for a better life. I have witnessed the power of patience, hard work and belief. There is a beauty that blossoms when women are given the tools, not handouts; but skills to shape their own futures and I am grateful to have been a little part of it.

By Stacy Nyamwange,

BCom 3rd Year, Strathmore University, Nairobi