Buildher: Empowering Women, Building Futures
We recently had the privilege of touring Buildher’s offices, workshops, and classes, witnessing firsthand how this transformative organisation is redefining Kenya’s construction industry. Buildher is crafting more than just structures—it’s building a future where women break barriers, thrive in male-dominated fields, and challenge societal norms. Since its inception in 2018, this non-profit social enterprise has been on a mission to empower low-income women by equipping them with skills, certifications, and opportunities to elevate them from economic uncertainty to independence.
As a National Industrial Training Authority (NITA)-approved examination centre, Buildher offers trainees more than technical expertise. The certifications awarded validate the women’s proficiency in fields such as carpentry, joinery, painting, and tiling—credentials that give them a competitive edge in Kenya’s burgeoning construction sector.
Tatu Gatere, the Founder and CEO of Buildher, shares that the organisation’s primary goal has always been to position women for success. By offering industry-recognised certifications, a significant barrier—proving their competence in a male-dominated industry—is effectively removed.
Buildher’s 12-month training program goes beyond technical skills. Participants also receive training in leadership, financial literacy, and personal development, preparing them for both professional and personal success. The results are impressive: over 80% of Buildher’s graduates secure meaningful employment, with many earning an average of USD $227 per month—substantially higher than Kenya’s minimum wage.
One of Buildher’s standout initiatives is the Buildher Shop, a women-led sustainable furniture workshop. A selection of alumni are absorbed into this shop, where they gain hands-on experience while earning a steady income. The workshop not only provides practical training but also generates revenue to sustain Buildher’s programs, creating a self-sustaining model that benefits both the women and the organisation.
To date, Buildher has trained over 730 women, including 300 women fundis certified through NITA, demonstrating the ripple effect of their work. These graduates go beyond merely securing jobs—they become role models in their communities, shattering stereotypes and proving that women can excel in construction.
The transformative impact of Buildher extends even further, driven by collaborations with a diverse network of partners. These partnerships include not only construction firms but also property managers and commercial and residential clients, dispelling the misconception that Buildher works exclusively with construction companies. Through these collaborations, trainees receive real-world exposure while the organisation advocates for gender-inclusive workplace policies.
As Tatu Gatere puts it, Buildher’s alumni don’t just transform their own lives—they shift perceptions. Each woman trained becomes a beacon of possibility, inspiring others to dream and achieve beyond societal expectations.
At the helm of this movement, Tatu Gatere leads with passion and a vision for inclusivity. To learn more about her inspiring journey, don’t miss the full feature in the Heroes column of our December issue of Parents Magazine, where she is celebrated as a trailblazer dedicated to building futures and transforming lives.
