100 Weeks
Empowering Women to Graduate from Poverty and Build Sustainable Futures
The 100 Weeks Programme combines direct cash transfers, financial literacy, entrepreneurship training, and community-led savings mechanisms to help women build resilient livelihoods, strengthen household well-being, and achieve long-term economic independence.
A Proven Pathway to Economic Empowerment
The 100 Weeks Programme is inspired by the proven Cash+ model that supports women living in extreme poverty through a combination of direct financial support, skills development, and community empowerment. Over a period of 100 weeks, participants receive weekly cash transfers alongside training, coaching, and mentorship designed to help them build sustainable livelihoods and graduate from poverty.
The programme focuses on strengthening women’s economic resilience while creating opportunities for long-term growth, financial independence, and improved household well-being.
What We Support
Direct Cash Transfers
Participants receive weekly unconditional cash transfers that help meet immediate household needs while creating opportunities to invest in income-generating activities.
Entrepreneurship Development
Women are supported to establish and grow sustainable businesses through practical training, business planning, and mentorship.
Financial Literacy
Participants learn budgeting, savings, record keeping, investment planning, mobile money management, and responsible financial decision-making.
Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)
The programme strengthens savings culture and social capital through community-based savings and lending groups.
Life Skills & Leadership
Women gain confidence, leadership skills, negotiation techniques, and knowledge that strengthens their role in household and community decision-making.
Sustainable Livelihoods
The programme promotes diversified income opportunities that enhance resilience to drought and economic shocks.
Who Benefits?
Women Living in Poverty
Supporting women facing economic vulnerability and limited access to opportunities.
Women's Groups
Strengthening collective action, savings culture, leadership, and economic participation.
Households
Improving food security, education outcomes, healthcare access, and overall well-being.
Communities
Building stronger and more resilient local economies through women's empowerment and livelihood development.
Why the Programme Matters
Women in pastoralist communities often face multiple barriers, including limited access to financial services, low income opportunities, climate-related shocks, and social inequalities. These challenges contribute to cycles of poverty, food insecurity, and restricted economic participation.
The 100 Weeks Programme addresses these challenges by providing:
- Direct financial support
- Practical business skills
- Financial literacy training
- Savings group participation
- Leadership and life skills development
- Climate-resilient livelihood opportunities
Focus Areas
Beadwork Enterprises
Supporting women involved in traditional crafts to increase production, improve quality, and access markets.
Aloe Farming & Processing
Promoting value addition and sustainable income generation through aloe-based enterprises.
Poultry Production
Expanding income opportunities through small-scale poultry enterprises.
Kitchen Gardening
Improving food security and household nutrition while creating opportunities for additional income.
Climate-Smart Enterprises
Encouraging environmentally sustainable businesses that contribute to resilience and long-term prosperity.
Expected Outcomes
Reduced Poverty
The programme aims to support participants in graduating from extreme poverty through sustained economic improvement.
Stronger Businesses
Women establish and grow viable enterprises capable of generating stable income.
Increased Savings
Participants develop stronger saving habits through participation in VSLAs and financial literacy programmes.
Improved Household Well-Being
Families experience improved food security, education access, healthcare outcomes, and financial resilience.
Greater Women’s Leadership
Participants gain confidence and become more active in household, community, and economic decision-making.
Programme Impact
The 100 Weeks Programme seeks to create lasting change by combining immediate support with long-term empowerment. Women leave the programme with stronger enterprises, increased savings, valuable skills, and support networks that continue well beyond the life of the project.
Through this approach, Rasilimali SACCO and its partners are helping build resilient households, empowered women, and thriving communities across pastoralist areas of Kenya.
Building Resilience One Step at a Time
The journey out of poverty requires opportunity, knowledge, and support. The 100 Weeks Programme provides all three by empowering women to build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen their families, and create a better future for generations to come.