KOWED creates sustainable pathways for women to transition from vulnerability to self-reliance through employment and enterprise development
WHO WE ARE
(KOWED) It is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the socio-economic well-being of women, youth, and vulnerable groups in refugee and host communities, founded in 2014 to empower refugee women in Uganda The name Kandaakiat means “women of strength” in Arabic, reflecting the resilience and courage of the women it serves. It supports refugee women in Kampala and refugee camps through programs in education, livelihoods, health, and advocacy, helping them improve their lives and achieve their goals. Guided by inclusiveness, dignity, accountability, and collaboration, it partners with community leaders and organizations to deliver practical, needs-based interventions. Through training, mentorship, savings groups, and small business support, Kandaakiat strengthens resilience and fosters a sustainable community transformation. When She Knows, She Grows.
WHAT WE DO
Kandaakiat specializes in five main areas that aim to empower refugee women in Uganda. We provide education, skills training, livelihood support, health and psychological support, and peace-building initiatives to empower women, youth, and communities to thrive.
Empowerment And Livelihoods
Women and Youth Empowerment, livelihoods, and skills development focus on giving women and young people the skills, opportunities, and support they need to earn income, start businesses, and improve their lives sustainably
Education
Education and Financial, Health and Psychological Support focus on providing learning opportunities, financial assistance, healthcare services, and mental health support to improve overall well-being and stability
Peace Building And Cohesion
Peacebuilding and social cohesion focus on promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and cooperation among communities to reduce conflict, strengthen trust, and build lasting peaceful relationships
HOW WE WORK
At Kandaakiat, we empower women and youth through practical skills, entrepreneurship training, and financial literacy. Our programs in leatherwork, tailoring, and business management equip participants to create high-quality products, start and grow businesses, manage finances wisely, and achieve economic independence. By fostering confidence, innovation, and self-reliance, we help individuals transform their lives, strengthen their communities, and build sustainable futures.
LEATHER PRODUCTION
We work by engaging communities to identify their needs and deliver targeted programs that empower individuals and strengthen livelihoods. Through our skills development initiatives, beneficiaries receive hands-on training, mentorship, and access to resources that enable them to generate sustainable income. For example, over 300 beneficiaries have completed training in various leather production techniques, learning to craft high-quality shoes, bags, and other accessories. This not only equips them with marketable skills but also promotes entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and economic independence, helping them transform their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
TAILORING
Over 350 beneficiaries have received tailoring training from Kandaakiat centers, gaining practical skills in garment making, design, and finishing techniques. This training equips them to create high-quality clothing and accessories, helping them pursue careers in tailoring, start their own businesses, or access employment opportunities in the fashion and textile industry. Beyond technical skills, beneficiaries also receive guidance on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and market access, ensuring that their training translates into sustainable income and improved financial well-being. This initiative empowers individuals to achieve economic independence, build confidence, and contribute positively to their communities.
CRAFTWORK
KOWED provides craftwork training to refugee women and girls, equipping them with practical skills in creating handmade products such as crafts. This training not only helps participants generate sustainable income but also offers a platform for self-expression and creativity. Through the program, women and girls gain valuable knowledge in design, production techniques, and quality standards, while building confidence, self-reliance, and leadership skills. By combining skill-building with empowerment, KOWED enables refugee women to transform their lives, contribute economically to their households, and actively participate in their communities, fostering both personal growth and social inclusion.
EDUCATION
Our programs focus on adult literacy and foundational education, providing flexible and inclusive learning opportunities tailored to the needs of adults who may have missed formal schooling. Participants build essential reading, writing, and numeracy skills, alongside practical competencies such as financial literacy, problem-solving, and digital basics, which are critical for everyday life and employment readiness. This holistic approach empowers learners to improve their personal and professional capabilities, enhancing their confidence, independence, and ability to participate fully in society. By equipping adults with these foundational skills, we create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and meaningful economic participation.
AGRICULTURE
The training course equipped women with the knowledge and practical skills needed to grow vegetables in their own backyards, fostering food security and income generation. Participants learned essential techniques, including soil preparation, planting, watering, pest management, and proper garden maintenance, ensuring healthy and productive yields. In addition to hands-on gardening skills, the program emphasized sustainable and organic farming practices, crop planning, and post-harvest handling, enabling participants to maximize their harvests for both household consumption and local market sales. By empowering women with these agricultural skills, the initiative promotes self-reliance, improves nutrition, and contributes to the economic well-being of families and communities.
FINANCIAL LITERACY
A total of 302 women and girls have received comprehensive training in business formation, management, and financial literacy through our programs. This training equips them with essential skills to start and run their own businesses, manage finances effectively, and make informed economic decisions. Participants learn budgeting, savings, investment strategies, record-keeping, and planning for future growth, enabling them to transform their small ventures into sustainable sources of income. By fostering financial independence and entrepreneurial thinking, the program empowers women and girls to take control of their economic futures, build confidence, and contribute meaningfully to their households and communities.
OUR MISSION, VISION AND CORE VALUES
OUR MISSION
To promote and strengthen the growth of a just and developed society for the social, political, economic, physical, and mental well-being of women through an inclusive approach, capacity building, and advocacy.
OUR VISION
A society where women are collectively and individually self-reliant and free from injustice
CORE VALUES
- Transparency and Accountability
- Cooperation and Teamwork
- Respect for Human Rights
- Gender Equity and Diversity
- Knowledge Sharing
WHERE WE WORK
KOWED operates across Uganda, with a strong presence in vulnerable and underserved communities. Our programs are implemented in both urban and rural settings, focusing on empowering women, youth, and marginalized populations through sustainable livelihood initiatives, digital empowerment, and skills development.
We actively work in:
📍 Kabusu Kampala, Uganda
Supporting urban women and youth with entrepreneurship training, digital literacy, financial inclusion, and employment opportunities.
📍 Bweyale, Kiryandongo District Uganda
Empowering rural communities through vocational training, Livelihoods, SME development, and women-led economic initiatives.
📍 Refugee & Host Communities
Providing livelihood support, business training, and social empowerment programs to refugee women and vulnerable households.
Our Approach
We work directly with communities, local leaders, and partners to ensure our interventions are sustainable, inclusive, and impactful. By combining skills training, mentorship, and economic empowerment strategies, KOWED strengthens resilience and promotes long-term development.
