The Power of Second Chances: Clean Start Africa is Creating Opportunities to Build Futures of Women
AGF is committed to creating a world where women have equal opportunities to succeed.
This International Women’s Month 2025, African Guarantee Fund reaffirmed its commitment to #AcceleratingAction for gender equality by hosting a powerful and heart-warming session to celebrate Clean Start Africa—an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to empowering women impacted by the criminal justice system.
Beyond Celebration: A Call to Action
International Women’s Day is more than a moment of celebration; it is a call to action. While progress has been made in advancing gender equality, women across Africa continue to face deep-rooted social and economic inequalities. One of the most overlooked areas of injustice is the plight of incarcerated women—many of whom are not criminals but victims of socio-economic hardships.
Within Sub-Saharan Africa’s justice system, women and girls constitute approximately 3.4% of the total prison population, yet their challenges remain largely unspoken. In Kenya alone, as of 2023, nearly 3,000 women were behind bars, often due to an inability to pay minor fines rather than criminal behavior.
Hearing From the Women Themselves
The most moving moments of the event was hearing testimonials from women who have been supported by Clean Start Africa. Their stories painted a true-to-life picture of the challenges they face, from stigma and exclusion to economic hardship and social isolation. Yet, their resilience, courage, and hope stood out, proving that empowerment and second chances can transform lives.
L-R: Jane Kiio, Emma Atieno and Anne Ngonyo with her daughter.
Accelerating Action Through Impact
At AGF, we believe that action must lead to impact. As part of our commitment to driving meaningful change, we announced a donation of USD 20,000 to support Clean Start’s Charcoal Briquette Project—an initiative designed to provide formerly incarcerated women with sustainable income-generating opportunities. This financial contribution will also go towards mentorship, economic empowerment, and advocacy initiatives, ensuring that more women get the support they need to rebuild their lives.
We also got to hear insightful perspectives on policy reform, economic opportunities, and the urgent need for a shift in societal perceptions toward women who have been incarcerated. Her powerful words reinforced the importance of collective responsibility in breaking the cycle of exclusion and marginalization.
Building a Culture of Inclusion at AGF
Gender equality is not just an external cause for AGF—it is embedded in our organizational DNA. Currently, 53% of AGF’s workforce is female, and at the board level, 44% of our leaders are women. We are committed to fostering an environment where women are not only represented but also supported, mentored, and empowered to thrive.
The Road Ahead: Keeping the Momentum Going
As we reflect on this inspiring event, one message is clear: the time for equality is now. The time to accelerate action is today.
AGF stands ready to be part of this movement—not just for International Women’s Month, but every day. By supporting organizations like Clean Start Africa and strengthening our own gender equality initiatives, we are committed to creating a world where women have equal opportunities to succeed.
