Launching the Economic Empowerment Manual: why we do it, and why it matters
For many young women we work with, economic vulnerability is the root of other harms: violence, poor mental health and barriers to care. Our new manual sets out a path to independence that lasts.
1 min readORHI Communications
At Olive Rights to Health Initiative, economic empowerment is not an add-on to our work. It is a necessity. Under the FEF-OSC 2025 project we launched our Economic Empowerment Programme for young female sex workers and young women who use drugs, to build sustainable livelihoods, restore dignity and help them take control of their futures.
For many of the young women we work with, economic vulnerability is the root cause of other challenges: exposure to violence, poor mental health, limited access to health care and dependence on unsafe ways to survive. Without stable income or skills, choice becomes a luxury.
More than training
We combine skills training, mental health support, rights-based advocacy and systems strengthening so that empowerment lasts. Participants choose a skill that matches their interests and local market opportunities, from catering and pastries to beauty and cosmetology.
The Community Economic Empowerment Manual is a practical guide for continuous learning, replication and stakeholder engagement, so that empowerment does not end with one project cycle.
Why it matters
When young women are supported economically, they gain confidence, their mental well-being improves, they use health services more freely, and they contribute to their families and communities. Economic empowerment is about income, and also about choice, safety and dignity.
We invite partners, stakeholders and community members to use the tools developed through this project. Get the Economic Empowerment Manual.
