As a global defender of children’s rights, UNICEF is a natural beneficiary for a project that recognises how deeply women shape children’s lives and the future of whole communities. Supporting women and girls is not only an act of empowerment and protection – it is an investment in leadership, equality, and possibility.
Proceeds from Ventaglio’s charity auction and collectible editions directly support UNICEF’s Women-Led Innovation Challenge in Kenya – a programme helping young women grow sustainable businesses through skills training, mentorship, seed funding, and access to professional networks.
The Women-Led Innovation Challenge
The Women-Led Innovation Challenge is a UNICEF programme in Kenya supported by Ventaglio. It aims to equip young women and girls with the skills, resources, and confidence to lead sustainable enterprises that strengthen communities and create long-term opportunities for the next generation.
The initiative focuses on women aged 18-35, particularly those facing barriers to education, finance, digital tools, markets, and professional networks. By supporting women as innovators and entrepreneurs, the programme addresses interconnected challenges: poverty, unemployment, gender inequality, and climate vulnerability.
This mission is put into practice by helping women build sustainable businesses in sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, circular fashion, eco-products, waste reduction, and nature-based solutions.
Through a national open call and targeted outreach, 100 women will join an eight-week bootcamp in entrepreneurship, innovation, business development, and financial planning.
Participants will then pitch their ventures, with at least 45 receiving seed funding of up to €2,000. Alongside funding, the programme provides mentorship, digital learning, peer networks, and practical tools to help women build resilient businesses and support Kenya’s greener future.
Kenya’s young population represents enormous potential. Yet for many young women, especially in rural areas, informal settlements, and marginalised communities – that potential remains limited by structural barriers, social norms, and unpaid care responsibilities.
When women are given the tools to earn, lead, and build, the benefits extend beyond the individual. Increased income and stability can improve access to food, clean water, education, healthcare, safer living conditions, and protection for children and families.
By investing in women-led innovation today, philanthropists and partners can catalyse systemic change, supporting a more equitable, sustainable future for Kenya’s children and youth. The Women-led Innovation Challenge stands as a strategic, high-impact opportunity to transform demographic potential into lasting social, economic, and environmental progress.
About UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged and hardest to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, UNICEF works to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential. Its work spans health, nutrition, safe water, sanitation, education, child protection, climate resilience, and emergency response.
Before, during, and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground bringing lifesaving support and hope to children and families. Impartial, non-political, and neutral, UNICEF’s focus is protecting every child and safeguarding their future.
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