In Migori County, CIHEB-Kenya is transforming the lives of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) through practical livelihood programs that promote economic independence and resilience.

A snapshot of DREAMS Goat project at Gotkachola ward, Migori county

Through the support of the DREAMS initiative, groups of young women have taken up goat keeping, chicken rearing, and tailoring - turning simple ideas into thriving income-generating ventures.

What began as small, community-based projects has grown into sustainable businesses that not only provide daily income but also instill confidence and leadership among participants.

Many of the girls now use proceeds from the sale of goats, eggs, and tailored garments to support their education, meet personal needs, and even help their families.

In the quiet village of Kangeso, East Kamagambo Ward, a group of 15 young women are redefining what empowerment looks like. Supported by the DREAMS program under CIHEB-Kenya, these adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) have come together to form a remarkable group known as the Iron Ladies - and true to their name, they are strong, determined, and unstoppable.

With training in tailoring and dressmaking and startup support that included six sewing machines, these young women have turned a small initiative into a thriving enterprise. Today, they are running a fully operational tailoring shop, specializing in fashion design, with a unique flair that caught us by surprise during a recent visit. Their designs are not only stylish-they’re bold, creative, and full of personality. Fashion truly is their second language.

What’s even more inspiring is that this project has grown beyond expectations. The Iron Ladies now have savings of KES 225,900 in their group account - a clear testament to their hard work, discipline and hunger for growth. They've reinvested part of these savings into purchasing more materials, mannequins, and even expanded into soapmaking using locally available materials. These soaps are sold within the community, adding another income stream to their growing portfolio.

According to Nancy Yienga -, CIHEB-Kenya’s DREAMS Coordinator, this is one of the most sustainable and promising models of empowerment the program has seen. "They no longer rely on us," she said proudly. "They’ve taken full ownership of their journey, and that’s what DREAMS is all about.”

Cynthia Achieng Otieno, the group’s secretary, stood out during our visit. Her meticulous record-keeping showed just how serious the Iron Ladies are. She shared that the community now turns to them not only for repairs but also for school uniforms and soap. In fact, a recent deal for uniforms earned them nearly KES 80,000. "CIHEB-Kenya gave us wings," Cynthia said with a smile. "Now we’re flying.

Beyond income, these activities have strengthened social bonds and encouraged financial literacy. The AGYW have been trained in basic business management, record-keeping, and saving, helping them develop the skills needed to sustain and expand their enterprises.

For CIHEB-Kenya, these stories are a reflection of what empowerment truly means — equipping young women with tools to secure their futures, reduce vulnerability, and lead healthy, self-reliant lives.