Lydia Nyambura: From Lacking Confidence to a Thriving Virtual Assistant

Before joining our mentorship program, Lydia Nyambura, a gig worker based in Nairobi, lacked the confidence and skills to navigate the gig economy. Through the program, Lydia was equipped with knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the digital space and boosted her confidence. 

In March 2024, we launched the mentorship program in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) that implements the Gig Economy global project under the Digital Transformation Center (DTC) in Kenya. The program sought to equip women gig workers like Lydia with tailored support and guidance from experienced gig workers, and empower them to navigate the gig economy. 

As the gig economy continues to evolve the digital gender divide is growing, leaving women behind. We are on a mission to bridge this gap, unlock potential and foster digital inclusion. Delve into Lydia’s inspiring story to learn how we are making a difference through the mentorship program.

Enhanced digital and entrepreneurial skills

On June 26th, Lydia joined our mentorship program to gain essential skills that would enable her to excel in the gig economy. She was paired with a mentor, Stacy Kennedy —a virtual assistant expert who supported her in her journey. During the mentorship, Lydia received guidance and tools that improved her digital and entrepreneurial skills. 

Some of the areas she was mentored in include, how to tailor a cover letter, resume and Linkedin profile to the job market; how to use different tools for note taking and graphics design tools like Canva and the importance of networking intentionally on professional social media platforms such as LinkedIn.’ 

Speaking about her experience of the program, she said,

“My experience was very positive and really insightful. The program  provided targeted training to enhance my digital and entrepreneurial skills. This includes learning how to leverage digital tools for freelancing, understanding market trends, and improving my ability to deliver quality services in a competitive environment.” 

Received tailored support and guidance 

When transitioning to or stepping into a new career path, having an experienced professional who can support you in your area is utterly crucial. Through the mentorship program, Lydia was accorded valuable support and guidance including, personalised advice on how to market her skills, manage finances, and build a sustainable career in the gig economy. Her mentor’s assistance has been instrumental in helping her set realistic goals.

“My mentor emphasised the importance of creating a unique and consistent personal brand. This advice led me to refine my online profiles, develop a professional portfolio, and clearly communicate my value proposition, which has significantly improved how potential clients perceive me,” Lydia said attesting to the support she received from the mentorship. She also added that, “Instead of trying to be a jack-of-all-trades, my mentor advised me to specialise in a niche where I can excel. This focus has allowed me to hone my skills in specific areas, making me more competitive and allowing me to negotiate for higher rates for my services.”

Lydia was also advised to take into account effective time management as a key element of success in the gig economy. Implementing the strategies shared by her mentor including organising her work, setting priorities, and maintaining a work-life balance, led to increased productivity and helped Lydia to avoid burnout. “Rather than constantly chasing new clients, my mentor encouraged me to focus on building strong, lasting relationships with existing clients,” she noted. 

Increased confidence and access to resources

“I wasn’t that confident when I started. The program has boosted my confidence by equipping me with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed. Understanding the intricacies of the gig economy and knowing how to position myself has made me more confident in pursuing opportunities and negotiating better terms,” Lydia cited the transformation she has undergone in the program.

Besides increasing her confidence, Lydia also gained access to resources such as templates, tools, and platforms that are specifically designed to support gig workers. These resources have made her become an efficient gig worker and made it possible for her to continuously improve. 

The soon-to-be virtual assistant guru is encouraged to pursue opportunities in the gig economy: “The mentorship program has played a pivotal role in making me more competent, connected, and confident in the gig economy, enabling me to take on more opportunities and thrive as a freelancer.”

From aspiring to practising

Lydia’s future goal is to fully transition to a remote role and a virtual assistant role later on. Citing how the mentorship has made her aspirations possible, she said,

“The mentorship laid a solid foundation of how I’m able to see those aspirations to fruition. Through the program, I’ve connected with a community of mentors and peers who are also navigating the gig economy. This network has been invaluable in exchanging ideas, finding collaboration opportunities, and getting support when facing challenges.”

Lydia’s story is a testament to women gig worker’s ability to tap into opportunities in the gig economy and contribute to both their personal and professional growth. Even though women are participating in the gig economy, they continue to grapple with challenges such as discrimination and lacking access to resources which hinders their growth. Our mentorship program has supported and impacted over 1000 women, leading to improved skills, confidence and an empowered gig workforce

About the Project Partners: 

Digital Transformation Center, Kenya (DTC)

The DTC is an initiative implemented in Kenya by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union through the German Development Cooperation. It was commissioned in early 2023 to support the country’s digital transition towards a sustainable and human-centred digital economy and society. For more information, email dtc-kenya@giz.de.