Standard Chartered, in collaboration with Women Win and Vijana Amani Pamoja (VAP), has marked a significant milestone in youth empowerment, celebrating a decade of impact through the Goal Programme. Under the Futuremakers by Standard Chartered initiative, the program has successfully equipped 90,679 adolescent girls and young women in Kenya with financial literacy, leadership training, health education, and employability skills.

A wrap-up event at Standard Chartered’s Head Office in Nairobi commemorated this achievement, bringing together key stakeholders, programme partners, and beneficiaries to reflect on its lasting impact.

A Decade of Empowering Young Women

Launched in 2014, the Goal Programme has played a crucial role in addressing gender inequity, promoting financial inclusion, and fostering economic independence among young women aged 12 to 24. The initiative used a unique combination of sports, play, and life skills education to create a holistic learning experience.

Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand, and Marketing, Kenya & Africa at Standard Chartered, highlighted the programme’s impact:

“The Goal Programme reflects our commitment to empowering young women and driving financial inclusion. In partnership with Women Win and Vijana Amani Pamoja, we’ve equipped thousands with financial education, employability training, and entrepreneurship support. As we close this chapter, our broader Futuremakers initiatives will continue creating opportunities for young women to drive positive change in their lives and communities.”

Global Impact and Legacy

Beyond Kenya, the Goal Programme has reached over one million young women across 23 countries, reaffirming Standard Chartered’s commitment to advancing gender equality and economic empowerment on a global scale.

Virginia Munyua, Programme Lead at Women Win, emphasized the role of sports in the programme’s success:

“Women Win is proud to have partnered in this initiative that has used the power of sport to educate and empower young women. Creating safe spaces for girls to build leadership skills and challenge societal norms has been a key driver of the programme’s success.”

Echoing these sentiments, Enouce Ndeche, CEO of Vijana Amani Pamoja, added:

“The Goal Programme has not only provided safe spaces for young women to grow but has also sparked positive change within families and communities. We are proud to be part of a partnership that advances the rights of adolescent girls, creating a future where they can thrive without limitations.”

Futuremakers: The Next Chapter

While the Goal Programme comes to an end, Standard Chartered remains committed to youth empowermentthrough the broader Futuremakers initiative. The bank will continue supporting projects focused on employability, entrepreneurship, and financial education, ensuring that young people—especially women—have the necessary skills and opportunities to build a better future.

This milestone underscores Standard Chartered’s dedication to driving financial inclusion and sustainable development, reinforcing the bank’s role as a key player in fostering economic resilience among young women in Kenya and beyond.