Empower women more through dual training in Kenya

On International Women’s Day (IWD), we reflect on the gender equality gap that still exists and holds societies back from realising their full potential. The theme for IWD 2025, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” underscores the urgency to take collective steps towards achieving gender equality and safeguarding women’s rights.

While notable progress has been made in promoting women and girls’ rights, the pace remains slow for example in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). There is need to accelerate these efforts and ensure that women are not left behind, including in sectors that hold the key to unlocking economic opportunities. 

In Kenya, unemployment remains a critical challenge. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics’ Quarterly Labour Force Report (2023), more than 35% of young people are unemployed, with young women disproportionately affected.

To address this, Finland and Germany partnered with the Kenyan Ministry of Education to support dual training, which combines classroom learning with hands-on industry training and mentorship. Through the ‘Youth Employment and Vocational Training’ programme implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the governments of Finland and Germany have been supporting Kenya in addressing skills mismatches and improve employability, increase productivity, stimulate economic growth, and encourage entrepreneurship. The programme integrates gender-transformative initiatives to promote equitable access for women to technical and vocational education and training, and consequently, to the job market. 

Finland and Germany share a strong commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusive development, which is key to the implementation of Dual Training in Kenya. We recognise that increasing gender equality in Kenya’s TVET sector will benefit individuals while contributing to broader economic growth and social cohesion. Ensuring that girls and women have access to TVET is not only the right thing to do, but also a smart choice to tap into Kenya’s economic potential. 

To achieve this, the programme has implemented several key measures to promote inclusivity and gender equality in Kenya’s TVET sector. In 2023, the programme utilised international expertise from the Finnish Centre of Expertise in Education and Development (FinCEED) and Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) to develop an Equity Plan that guides in gender mainstreaming policy development, educational reform, and operational planning, ensuring minimum targets for female and disabled trainees are met. 

To ensure sustained efforts in advancing gender equality in Dual Training, interventions must extend beyond policy recommendations and enrolment. TVET institutions and companies must address cultural barriers, discrimination, and gender-based violence to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all women and girls. 

Finland and Germany remain committed to supporting Kenya in her efforts to #AccelerateAction and provide a respectful and inclusive environment for women and girls to thrive. We believe that by promoting gender equality in technical education and employment, we can contribute to a more just and prosperous Kenya.

The writers are Ambassadors of the Republic of Finland and the Federal Republic of Germany