Economic Empowerment for Women and Youth with Disabilities

At The Autism Foundation International (T.A.F.I), we strongly believe that sustainable community transformation begins with economic empowerment, especially for women and youth living with disabilities. Women’s economic empowerment is a pre-requisite for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economic growth. When women and marginalized groups are empowered to fully and fairly access opportunities to earn a living, the entire community benefits, including autistic children and their families.

We recognize that improving women’s economic well-being contributes to a powerful cycle of change: healthier families, improved education outcomes for children, stronger communities, and greater long-term development. Economic empowerment directly supports women’s ability to invest in their children’s health, education, and future, creating a ripple effect that benefits the most vulnerable, including children with autism.

TAFI is dedicated to advancing disability inclusion by engaging women and youth with disabilities, including parents and caregivers of autistic children, in meaningful and practical Income Generating Activities (IGAs). We offer capacity-building training covering critical areas such as market access, value addition, small business management, financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills, and pathways to microfinance support. By equipping participants with these tools, TAFI supports their ability to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to society.

One of our innovative solutions includes promoting food security through hydroponic smart farming. TAFI has established a demonstration farm that serves as both a training hub and a real-world showcase of how to grow fresh, healthy food in small spaces. Women and youth with disabilities can learn practical skills to implement smart farming at their homes, improving nutrition while generating income.

In addition, TAFI mentors women on how to create and manage revolving funds and social enterprises in the cottage industry sector. These initiatives are especially valuable for women caring for autistic children, giving them flexible, community-supported means of earning an income while still being present for their children’s specialized needs. This kind of autism support in Kenya is vital because it recognizes that the needs of the entire family, not just the child, must be addressed to achieve lasting success.

Through these programs, TAFI aims to challenge stereotypes about disability and autism, fostering a culture of inclusion and opportunity. We believe empowering women and caregivers financially is an essential step to ensuring that children with autism can access quality care, therapy, and education. When mothers and families thrive economically, they are more capable of advocating for their children, participating in autism awareness fundraising, and breaking down harmful stigma around autism in Kenya.

TAFI’s economic empowerment programs directly connect to our wider mission of supporting autistic children. They help build stronger, more resilient families and create networks of support that last. Our work goes beyond just providing therapy for children — it uplifts entire communities and strengthens the foundations needed to achieve our mission.

We invite you to donate to autism charity initiatives like ours, which not only improve children’s lives but transform the communities that surround them. Your support helps us scale these programs, provide critical training and resources, and reach even more women, youth, and families. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future where autistic children, their parents, and their communities can flourish.

[Donate Now] — Be part of this life-changing mission today.