Tatu Gatere, founder of Buildher. (Credit: Courtesy of Buildher)
She’s Empowering Tradeswomen in Kenya
Tatu Gatere offers training in carpentry, painting and tiling to women throughout the East African nation through her company, Buildher.
Tatu Gatere is the woman behind Buildher, the first organization in Kenya to provide women with hands-on training in construction work. Since 2018, the Nairobi-based entrepreneur has been providing women with training programs that develop their skills in carpentry, painting and tiling – her attempt to address a significant gap for women in these traditionally male-dominated roles. Gatere also runs the Buildher Shop, a women-run workshop that produces sustainable furniture while also providing jobs and practical experience. Gatere hopes that, by empowering women with these skills, she will not only transform their economic lives, but the lives of their children as well.
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
We go beyond conventional job training methods, driving change by blending expertise with empowerment. We help women build sustainable careers by providing hands-on construction training in finishing trades. We empower women to step confidently into leadership roles in an industry that has historically excluded them. And, our Savings Programs enable women to save, invest, and secure their futures, while our community projects reshape perceptions of women in construction.
Through these combined efforts, we are shifting both national and global narratives — demonstrating what is possible when women are fully equipped to lead, thrive, and redefine their roles in the construction industry.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
We are proud to have trained over 680 women to date — more than any other construction training program in the country. Through our efforts, we are helping women to transform their lives, helping them move away from debt and poverty to access dignified housing, healthy nutrition, and the ability to educate their children. We have also established the only 100% women-run furniture manufacturing shop in Kenya, where we produce beautifully crafted, sustainable furniture that showcases the skills of our craftswomen.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
The construction industry is fraught with bias, harassment, and discrimination, which makes it difficult for women to establish themselves. Additionally, women carry the extra burden of caregiving responsibilities, and the industry often lacks the flexibility to accommodate this. Supporting women in managing unpaid care work, while at the same time promoting professionalism and career development, is a significant hurdle. Furthermore, addressing these dynamics in a specific geographic area is complex, and scaling solutions across diverse cultures and regions adds another layer of difficulty.
To navigate these complexities, we are focused on developing a comprehensive model that prioritizes program improvement, assessment, and feedback. We have established partnerships with organizations to provide gender-focused services to the women we train. And, we collaborate with advocates for gender equity in construction to create a broader supportive network that drives impactful change.
Have you experienced any significant personal situations that affected your business decisions?
Balancing my overall health has been incredibly difficult, especially after sacrificing my personal well-being, relationships, and friendships to build Buildher. I believed that this dedication would expedite my journey, yet it has led to some of my greatest disappointments. I am currently reassessing my priorities and working towards a healthier work-life balance.
Also, navigating family obligations and cultural expectations as an African woman presents unique challenges that can divert focus from both personal and strategic goals. Many women in our communities bear the overwhelming responsibility of supporting loved ones facing financial hardships. With such vast economic disparities, the trauma of poverty continues to negatively impact countless lives across the continent — an issue I believe we need to discuss more openly.
Moreover, while seeking funding and expanding my network, I’ve received feedback from well-meaning individuals that ultimately felt incredibly dismissive. Although constructive criticism has helped me pivot and improve, remarks that lack a true understanding of the realities of our work can be disheartening. Learning to filter valuable insights from the noise is essential.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Prioritize self-care and establish a healthy work-life balance from the outset. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers and collaborators who understand the challenges of entrepreneurship.
And, be open to adapting your strategies and priorities as you grow. The landscape of entrepreneurship is constantly changing, and flexibility is your greatest asset. Embrace the journey, celebrate every win, and remember that success is not just about reaching your individual goals — it’s also about the impact you create along the way and the person you become through the process.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
I take time to reconnect with myself through quiet moments, meditation or breathwork. It helps me realign with my purpose and clear away any negative self-talk. I also remind myself that this whole journey is about me – as women, we often prioritize everyone else, frequently placing ourselves last.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
Almost anything by Osunlade, an American DJ, and Mose, a musician based in Guatemala.
Who is your most important role model?
I discovered Non Traditional Employment for Women (NEW) early in the launch of Buildher. This program in New York focuses on providing women with training and job placement in non-traditional fields, including construction. At that point, I hadn’t seen any other organizations doing this vital work. Their example inspired me to forge ahead, reinforcing my belief in the potential of women to thrive in the construction industry.
Instagram: @Buildher
X: @Buildher
LinkedIn: @Buildher
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