For women in Kenya’s male-dominated construction and technical trades, the job site can be a lonely, hostile place. Facing the "double stigma" of gender bias and the devaluation of blue-collar work, many are turning to a secret weapon: digital communities.

A new report reveals that private WhatsApp and Facebook groups have become essential lifelines for female electricians, plumbers, and masons. In these digital safe spaces, they find the mentorship and psychological safety that is often missing on the dusty construction sites of Nairobi.

Safe Spaces in the Cloud

Research shows that women in trades often face isolation. "When a foreman shouts at you or a client doubts your skills because you are a woman, you have nowhere to vent," explains a female electrician in Nairobi. "But in our WhatsApp group, you realize you are not alone."

• Technical Support: Beyond emotional support, these groups serve as real-time technical hotlines. A plumber stuck on a complex piping issue can post a photo and get instant advice from a veteran "fundi" sister in Mombasa.
• Job Linkages: The networks are disrupting the "boys' club" of job referrals. Members share leads on safe, women-friendly construction sites, bypassing the gatekeepers who often demand sexual favors for work.
• Organizations: Groups like the African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT) are formalizing these networks, providing training that blends technical skills with digital literacy.

Changing the Face of Labour

These online communities are doing what policy often fails to do: keeping women in the workforce. By validating their experiences and sharing survival strategies, the "Fundi Sisterhood" is building a foundation for the next generation of female artisans.