Bettering lives, creating smiles together.
To alleviate poverty and improve the welfare of needy and vulnerable members of the society.
To empower members of the society with practical knowledge and skills for their social and economic sustainability.
From our Founder
The journey began in a humble village where many basic needs were beyond reach. As a young girl growing up, I often wondered if life could be different. Rather than accepting the circumstances, I made a personal commitment to become part of the solution.
I committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of vulnerable groups, especially persons with disabilities. I lead a community-based organisation focused on economic empowerment, youth mentorship, the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs), sexual and gender-based violence awareness, and children’s rights advocacy. Through the initiative "Smiles of Compassion," we also support vulnerable individuals including the elderly and widows. My efforts have been recognised nationally, earning me the Mashujaa Day Heroine Award (2020) and a nomination in the 2023 Unsung Heroes Awards, for women empowering women.
As a woman living with a disability, I was privileged to work for an organisation serving persons with disabilities. Working closely with vulnerable individuals and families exposed me to the many challenges they faced. Their stories touched my heart and ignited in me a passion to empower others and create lasting change.
That passion gave birth to Smile Women of Africa, an organisation founded on the belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to live with dignity, hope, and purpose.
Today, we work to empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities through economic empowerment, mentorship, and compassionate community support, because I believe that when we lift one person, we help transform an entire community.
Mashujaa Day Heroine Award
2020
Unsung Heroes Awards Nominee
2023 : women empowering women
Beatrice Aori Juma
Founder & CEO
2019
A vision for transforming lives and restoring hope took shape, leading to the formation of Smile Women of Africa.
2020
Registered the organisation and established its governance structure. Launched the women's economic empowerment and financial literacy programme.
2021
Began menstrual hygiene education and the distribution of sanitary products in schools.
2022
Started mentorship programmes for learners in schools and institutions.
2023
Expanded outreach to vulnerable widows, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, and mobilised local resources through the Smiles of Compassion initiative.
The people guiding Smile Women of Africa's work across Busia County.
Founder & CEO
A social worker, entrepreneur, community development leader, and disability inclusion advocate committed to women’s economic empowerment, youth development, mentorship, and community development. Drawing on her lived experience as a person with a disability, she champions inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities while supporting vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Board Chairperson
A passionate educationist and hands-on administrator with extensive experience in senior school management. She finds great fulfilment in working with grassroots communities, committed to empowering and uplifting lives. Her transition from gainful employment to community service reflects her dedication to giving back to society.
Board Treasurer
An Office Administrator working under the Ministry of Interior, and a dedicated community volunteer passionate about empowering women and youth through mentorship, advocacy, and community development initiatives.
Board Secretary
A finance professional, data analytics expert, and digital skills trainer passionate about empowering individuals, entrepreneurs, and organisations through technology-driven solutions. She specialises in financial management, data analysis, digital transformation, and capacity building, promoting innovation, financial literacy, and sustainable growth.
Board Member & Assistant Secretary
A passionate social worker with extensive experience serving orphans, vulnerable children, older persons, widows, and persons with disabilities. She is committed to uplifting communities, restoring hope to families, and mentoring young people to realise their full potential.
Peace & Security Advisor · Gender Equality Advocate
A retired military officer with 24 years of service and deep experience in peace, security, and community engagement. He chairs the Busia County Peace Council, trains community members and law-enforcement officers on peace and security, and is a published author on crime prevention and safer communities.
Communications & Youth Programs
A Journalism and Mass Communication professional specialising in Public Relations and Advertising, with a passion for storytelling that informs, inspires, and connects communities. She advocates for menstrual hygiene, women's rights, and the empowerment of girls, using communication and digital platforms to amplify social issues and expand access to information.
Health & Disability Inclusion Advocate
A nurse, entrepreneur, and community advocate who champions disability inclusion, drawing on her lived experience as a person living with disability. Proficient in Kenya Sign Language and an official of the Busia chapter of the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives, she works for accessible healthcare, dignity, and equal opportunities, especially for persons living with albinism.
Smile Women of Africa is registered under the Community Group Registration Act, 2022 (Registration No. DSD/40/228/02/203979), continuing work first registered in 2020. We operate across Busia County, in Matayos, Nambale, Teso South, Teso North, Samia, and Bunyala.