Stories & blogs - Post
07
JanIn Nairobi’s most underserved communities, women are far less likely than men to have access to the internet. Yet digital connection can be life-changing – enabling women to grow businesses, reach new markets and build more secure futures for their families.
For Elizabeth “Lizzie” Nzule, gaining practical digital skills became the turning point in rebuilding her livelihood. Looking back, Lizzie says, “When I remember where I started, I was crying all day long. Now I have my own business and employ someone else. My life has changed beyond what I imagined.”
When Lizzie lost her office job during the Covid-19 pandemic, the family could no longer afford rent in the city, so they sold household essentials and moved to Mumbi, where living costs were lower.
Determined to earn an income, Lizzie then began selling cosmetics from home. But without market insight or business skills, she invested in products that didn’t sell.
In 2023, Lizzie joined Hand in Hand. She learned how to track income and expenses, manage stock, plan for growth and use social media to promote her business.
Applying these skills, Lizzie created her own brand and opened Lizzie Collections, a cosmetics shop in Mumbi. She began using WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok to share professional content and respond directly to customers. Lizzie has since expanded her business to include a nail spa.
Her monthly income has almost doubled, she has hired one employee, secured medical insurance for her family and can now afford her son’s college fees.
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