Felista Nashipae and Team Almasi: Pioneering Change Through the End Cut App

Felista Nashipae and Team Almasi: Pioneering Change Through the End Cut App

Felista Nashipae, at the age of 13, along with her peers from Team Almasi, has redefined what it means to be a young female entrepreneur in Kenya. These girls, hailing from Samburu County, a region known for its deep-rooted traditional practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early child marriage, have used technology to challenge harmful cultural norms. Their innovation, the End Cut app, is not only a platform for raising awareness about FGM but also a solution that empowers women in their community economically by promoting their artisanal work. 

Photo and credit Tucker Tangeman

 Women Entrepreneurs in Africa: Champions of Change

Across Africa, women entrepreneurs are emerging as pivotal drivers of social and economic transformation. They are tackling some of the continent's most pressing issues, such as poverty, gender inequality, and access to education, using innovative approaches. Despite the numerous challenges women face—such as limited access to financing, entrenched patriarchal norms, and high poverty rates—many African women are leveraging their entrepreneurial spirit to create solutions that benefit both their communities and their countries’ economies. 

In Kenya, women are increasingly taking up entrepreneurial roles, transforming sectors ranging from agriculture to technology. The rise of women entrepreneurs in the country highlights the critical role women play in driving economic growth and fostering social change. These female innovators are not just confined to small businesses; they are developing tech solutions that address critical societal issues, much like Felista Nashipae and her team.

 The Birth of End Cut App: A Technological Response to FGM and Early Child Marriage

The End Cut app, developed by Team Almasi, demonstrates the power of young girls in Samburu to influence change through technology. This app serves two critical purposes: it educates the community about the dangers of FGM and early marriage, and it offers a solution by helping women sell their beadwork and other artisanal products. 

As Trevor Koronei Lopokoiyit, a Global Shaper who mentored the team, explained, the app creates an alternative source of income for families, reducing the economic incentives that often lead to young girls being married off (Lopokoiyit, 2022). By empowering women to sell their crafts, the End Cut app is changing the narrative in Samburu and shifting the economic dynamics that sustain harmful practices. The app includes stories of FGM survivors like Dr. Josephine Kulea, a powerful advocate for girls’ rights, creating a platform for education, economic empowerment, and social change.

 Global Recognition and Impact

Team Almasi’s groundbreaking work was recognized on the global stage when they won the Technovation Global Impact Award in 2022. Competing in a virtual event that saw participation from multiple countries, these young girls stood out for their innovative approach to addressing one of the most sensitive issues in their community. The award not only highlighted their technological acumen but also underscored the potential for social entrepreneurship to make a significant impact in marginalized regions. 

Despite the challenges they faced—ranging from limited access to technology to dealing with poor internet connections—the girls, with the support of mentors from organizations like Global Shapers and E-Mentoring Africa, were able to develop their app after undergoing a rigorous technology curriculum. Their efforts earned them Ksh 250,000, which they plan to invest in further developing the app and extending its reach within Samburu and beyond (Wanderi, 2022).

 The Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Closing the Gender Gap in Kenya

Kenya is making significant strides in promoting gender equality, especially in terms of economic participation. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024, Kenya ranks 12th out of 146 countries for gender parity in economic participation and opportunity (World Economic Forum, 2024). This impressive ranking reflects the country’s growing efforts to empower women economically, as evidenced by the rise of female entrepreneurs across various sectors.

Female-led social enterprises like End Cut are part of the broader narrative of women’s growing role in economic transformation in Kenya. The entrepreneurial landscape is increasingly opening up for women, particularly in tech and innovation. This progress is vital because economic empowerment is closely linked to the reduction of gender-based violence, improved access to education, and a higher quality of life for families. Moreover, research shows that when women are economically empowered, they reinvest in their communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change (World Bank, 2019).

 Conclusion: Kenya’s Progress in Gender Parity

The success of Team Almasi and the End Cut app exemplifies the powerful role that young women and girls can play in social entrepreneurship, especially when tackling issues rooted in gender inequality. Through innovation, these girls have created a tool that not only fights against FGM and early marriage but also fosters economic independence for women in their community. Kenya’s journey toward closing the gender gap, particularly in economic participation, is furthered by initiatives like these, which highlight the entrepreneurial potential of women to drive lasting change.

With Kenya ranking 12th globally in economic participation and opportunity for women, the country is moving closer to achieving gender parity (World Economic Forum, 2024). The efforts of young innovators like Felista Nashipae and her peers are contributing to this progress by addressing some of the root causes of gender inequality and creating new opportunities for women. Their work stands as a testament to the power of social entrepreneurship in transforming communities and advancing gender equality.

Curator  Munllonch

Photo by Tucker Tangeman

References

Lopokoiyit, T. K. (2022). Global Shapers Nairobi Hub: Empowering Girls to End FGM with the End Cut App. Retrieved from https://ow.ly/CaUa50TJuIn

Wanderi, M. (2022). Samburu Girls win Technovation Global Impact Award. The Star. Retrieved from https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022/09/samburu-girls-win-technovation-global-impact-award

World Economic Forum. (2024). Global Gender Gap Report 2024. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/reports/global-gender-gap-report-2024/

World Bank. (2019). Women, Business, and the Law 2019: A Decade of Reform. Washington, DC: World Bank.

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