Author: Leslie Vryenhoek
The word “empowered” often feels overused, a buzzword stripped of its true impact. However, Jemimah Nyakongo’s journey is a profound testament to empowerment in its most authentic and powerful sense. Her transformation from a silent, marginalized homemaker in a rural Kenyan village to an influential global leader for home-based workers is not just inspiring, but a deeply moving narrative of resilience, collective action, and the unwavering pursuit of dignity and voice.
As the eldest of four children, Jemimah’s early life saw her parents investing in her education as a community health worker. Yet, despite her qualifications, the harsh reality of the job market meant formal employment remained elusive after graduation. This setback led her to vocational school, where she honed valuable handicraft skills. She found a nascent sense of community and purpose within a local youth group, earning a modest income from beautifully woven baskets and intricate paper necklaces. These earnings, though small, were a vital lifeline, helping to support her parents and two brothers who grappled with medical needs stemming from cerebral malaria, highlighting her innate sense of responsibility and dedication to her family.
At the tender age of 20, Jemimah entered into marriage, a significant life change that saw her relocate to her husband’s village—a common cultural practice that, for her, brought an unexpected wave of loneliness and profound isolation. This feeling intensified after the birth of her first child, leaving her yearning for connection and purpose beyond the confines of her new home. It was in this vulnerable state that she discovered the Rachuonyo Moyie Women Group. Composed of women from her home village, this group became her sanctuary, offering not just solace and a much-needed sense of belonging, but also tangible opportunities for economic empowerment. Together, they meticulously crafted and sold woven plastic shopping bags at local markets, a collective endeavor that provided Jemimah with both a crucial income and, more importantly, a sense of shared identity and purpose.
Despite her diligent efforts within the group and her essential roles as a housewife and mother, Jemimah keenly felt a lack of status and recognition within her community. At village meetings, she was routinely expected to defer to those deemed more important—teachers, doctors, and other figures of authority—her voice consistently suppressed and unheard. “You don’t even have the thought of having a voice,” she reflects with a poignant honesty, recalling a time when she had long accepted her perceived lack of value. This deeply ingrained sense of voicelessness underscores the profound societal barriers she faced.
Her remarkable transformation, a true awakening, began six years ago with an unexpected invitation to a meeting specifically for home-based workers. Urged by her supportive women’s group, Jemimah, with characteristic determination, sold a basket to cover her transport costs and attended the WIEGO (Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing) meeting. What she discovered there was nothing short of astonishing: she learned that she was, in fact, a worker, and her contributions, often invisible and undervalued, were vitally important to the economy. The discussions that unfolded resonated deeply within her, articulating the very issues she confronted daily: the pervasive lack of recognition for her labor, limited access to stable markets, the absence of crucial social protection, the burden of unpaid care work and childcare, inadequate and irregular income, and perhaps most frustratingly, no control over the pricing of her own creations.
“That meeting, it was only us—and they wanted to hear what we had to say!” This realization ignited a spark within her. With newfound courage, she spoke up, sharing her experiences and insights. “I talked—and I was heard,” she recalls with a wonder that still resonates, marking a pivotal moment where her voice, for the first time, was not only expressed but acknowledged and valued.
From that moment, Jemimah’s world rapidly expanded. When another critical meeting was planned in Nairobi, her fellow home-based workers in Kisumu, recognizing her burgeoning leadership qualities, nominated her. Her women’s group unequivocally seconded this nomination. Nairobi, a sprawling, daunting, and largely unknown metropolis, presented a new set of challenges, not least of which was convincing her husband. He often used intimidation as a means of control, but Jemimah, now emboldened, found an opening when he cited childcare as an obstacle. Resourcefully, she arranged for a trusted group member to assist with her children, and with renewed resolve, she made the journey.
Upon her return, her enthusiasm was palpable as she eagerly shared her learnings and insights with her women’s group and fellow home-based workers in Kisumu. Empowered by the growing awareness of her own capabilities and the invaluable knowledge of her economic contributions, she became an unstoppable organizer. She never missed a home-based worker meeting, even resourceful enough to borrow a phone for virtual attendance when necessary. “The power from within is now trying to project itself, and it is not being suppressed!” she declared, a powerful affirmation of her unyielding spirit.
Working tirelessly alongside like-minded individuals and home-based workers across Kenya, Jemimah played a pivotal role in the establishment and successful launch of HomeNet Kenya in 2020. Her dedication was recognized when she was elected as its Chairperson. Under her passionate leadership, HomeNet Kenya quickly grew, boasting an impressive membership of over 7,000 individuals. “I never gave up—I said, ‘whatever it takes, it’s important we exist and they know us,'” she passionately states, articulating her profound belief in the power of collective visibility. “When we are many, the voice is amplified.” This mantra became the bedrock of her advocacy.
Her newfound strength and sense of purpose had a profoundly positive impact on her children—two teenage daughters and a young son—who, despite occasionally missing her attention, wholeheartedly supported her crucial work. On her 40th birthday, her daughters penned a heartfelt poem that beautifully expressed their pride and admiration, reading, in part, “You’ve taught us courage, taught us care, To dream big dreams and always dare….” This deeply personal tribute underscores the ripple effect of her empowerment, inspiring the next generation within her own family.
Around the same time, the Africa Regional Platform of home-based workers was taking shape, and Jemimah was once again nominated to represent Kenyan home-based workers, a testament to her growing influence and leadership. Her reputation spread, and when the time came for the Africa region to nominate two representatives to the HomeNet International (HNI) working group committee, she was, without hesitation, chosen. In 2021, at HNI’s official launch, Jemimah proudly became one of two African representatives on its esteemed governing body, marking her ascendancy onto the global stage opening more representative opportunities at different gatherings across the globe.”I had been working on myself over time and with the support and guidance around me, I was no longer intimidated,” Jemimah explains, highlighting her personal growth and the crucial role of her support network. With a newfound sense of confidence, she applied for a passport and visa, embarking on a journey that would take her far beyond the familiar confines of her village life, a symbolic step into a wider world.
In 2023, as HNI meticulously prepared for its first historic in-person Congress in Nepal, an event designed to bring together home-based workers from 29 diverse countries, Jemimah was an integral part of the delegation, having been elected as an executive member of HNI representing the vibrant Africa region.
During the momentous HNI office bearer elections held in Nepal at the physical congress, Jemimah was selected as HNI’s first Treasurer. Overwhelmed with a complex mix of emotion and self-doubt, she grappled with the enormity of the role, considering Africa’s status as the youngest region and her own relative inexperience as the youngest person elected. However, the unwavering support from the executive committee, fellow office bearers, and the International Coordinator quickly assuaged her fears, assuring her of their full guidance and mentorship. “We will be here to support,” they told her, recognizing her potential and commitment. “That’s what it is to be a worker leader.”
Still, the sheer reality of her new position was difficult to fully absorb. When her name was officially announced, a wave of profound emotion washed over her. “I’m up there and I’m thinking about my journey,” she recalls, tearfully addressing the assembled home-based workers. “I am because you are. I could not do these things without your support.” This powerful statement encapsulated her humility and her deep understanding that her individual achievements were inextricably linked to the collective strength and solidarity of her community.
Leading HomeNet Kenya and serving as HNI Treasurer are, remarkably, volunteer positions. Despite her significant global responsibilities, Jemimah continued to weave baskets, her hands meticulously working to earn income. She mastered the art of multitasking, her nimble fingers engaged in craft while her mind simultaneously navigated complex meetings and discussions, a testament to her dedication and the economic realities faced by many home-based workers.
In May 2025, when HNI International Coordinator Janhavi Dave stepped down with the completion of her first term, the search for a successor proved challenging. The HNI office bearers, with the full backing of the executive committee, nominated Jemimah to take on the interim role of leading the organization, which represents an astonishing 1.5 million home-based workers across 30 countries. This daunting task involves the critical mission of bringing their amplified voice to international policy-making forums. This time, however, Jemimah did not hesitate. “Be the vessel and amplify the voices of the home-based workers,” she steadfastly told herself, and then, with unwavering conviction, declared aloud, “I will take up this challenge.”
Jemimah’s remarkable transformation from an isolated, once-oppressed, and silent young woman to a global powerhouse is a story rooted in a profound awakening. It began with a deep understanding of her own identity, her inherent rights, her vital economic contributions, and the undeniable power of collective belonging, capacity building, and powerful representation. She expresses profound gratitude for the unwavering support and affirmation she has received from numerous allies: the Rachuonyo Moyie Women Group, the HomeNet Kenya (HNK) fraternity, the HomeNet Africa (HNA) fraternity, HNI regional coordinators, the HNI executive committee, the HNI Secretariat, the HNI office bearers, and her fellow home-based workers across the globe.
Now, as she embarks on this new phase of her extraordinary journey, Jemimah is acutely focused on acquiring the advanced knowledge, sophisticated leadership skills, and robust support systems necessary to inspire and mentor the next generation of women worker leaders.
Beyond mastering terminologies and understanding legal frameworks, she recognizes the critical need to become profoundly proficient in comprehending how complex global issues and rapidly shifting dynamics will impact home-based workers. This includes far-reaching challenges such as climate change, evolving tariffs, and the disruptive emergence of the platform economy, all of which pose unique threats and opportunities.
She is also keenly exploring the profound implications of artificial intelligence (AI), thoughtfully questioning whether AI will lead to the displacement of home-based workers or, conversely, offer innovative new avenues for income generation and skill development. “I want to get a better understanding of this, so we can be better equipped to tap into these new trends and economy,” she asserts, demonstrating her forward-thinking approach and commitment to preparing her community for the future.
This is a considerable undertaking—a continuous journey of learning, knowing, and impartation of knowledge to the vast network of home-based workers she so passionately leads. Yet, Jemimah Nyakongo is unequivocally ready for the challenge, embodying the true spirit of a leader who is not only empowered but empowers others.
Every set back is a setup for a comeback – and when you keep believing in yourself, you dont just find success, you find meaning.
Her story is a beacon of hope, proving that with courage, solidarity, and a relentless belief in one’s own voice, even the most marginalized can rise to lead on the global stage.
