Gasabo: Women find empowerment through different programs

By Lydia Atieno.

In Gasabo District-Kigali, vulnerable women from different backgrounds meet on the daily basis to look for a living amidst the impact caused by COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to Root Foundation, a local NGO that works with vulnerable children and women in Kigali.

Here, mothers are empowered through income generating skills development and Covid-19 peer counseling.

For income-generating skills development, a group of 14 mothers are given a tutor in sewing and crafts-making classes, and they learn how to use a sewing machine and make clothes.

The women make handicraft items as well and are given skills on how to start and manage a small business amid Covid-19.

After three months of training, they are expected to graduate and, each has a choice to start their independent small businesses after, or continue working through the existing cooperative.

Providence Niyosenga, one of the beneficiaries narrates that through the initiative of peer counseling, she has learned more on how to cope with what is going on.

“From the stories shared amongst ourselves, Niyosenga, who is also the leader of the mothers’ group says it’s motivation to some of them who thought they were the only ones affected. Encouraging each other is also something they strive for as women, according to her.

Another beneficiary Valentine Mukarwego says as a single mother of three, stays at home and undergoes the effects of Covid-19 with her children who rely on her solely.

“Apart from the basic needs we get, having something that can generate income, especially during this period, means a lot to me and my family,” she says.

Mukarwego goes on to add that at the moment, she is able to generate income through sewing, making crafts, and clothes.

Also, apart from her kids being supported in studies, she has also learned the importance of their education, which for now is among her priorities.

After sewing classes, the mothers also discuss the experiences they are going through in their homes during this time.

They learn the best practices in parenting, academic assistance to children, and other domestic challenges from each other.

The organization started with 47 children and now serves 309 children and their mothers in Gasabo District.

According to Patrick Kiruhura, one of the founders, their broader vision is to contribute to creating an Africa in which all vulnerable children develop their potential and grow up to become valuable community members.

Previously, Cheez Muragwa, the executive director of the organization says the women would meet for a fellowship to discuss their children, mainly focusing on rights, gender, fairness and each one’s responsibilities when raising a child.

He says that currently, the education programme offers scholarships for more than 40 selected children of all different school levels.

Besides, 80 per cent of what the organization earns through the sales of their sewing and handicraft products goes to the women and 10 per cent is saved for their health insurance.

“This is supposed to alleviate their struggles to provide for their children,” he adds.

Meanwhile, 70 teen girls receive reproductive health education and sanitary supplies through the established Umwali, an initiative designed for teen girls.

80 per cent of all the mothers in the programme understand what gender-based violence, domestic violence is, and how to respond in case they or their children are abused.

The women have also formed a cooperative where they save money for the future.

Across every sphere, from health to the economy, security to social protection, the impacts of COVID-19 are exacerbated for women and girls simply by virtue of their sex.
Compounded economic impacts are felt especially by women and girls who are generally earning less, saving less, and holding insecure jobs or living close to poverty.

In Rwanda, according to Covid-19 Rapid Gender assessment done by UN, it concluded that women are the most affected by COVID-19 in terms of their economic activities and income sources.

For this reason, there is need to develop new and continue accelerating ongoing programmes on women’s economic empowerment by the gender machinery and other stakeholders.

Also, extra efforts are also needed to implement actions proposed in various relevant policies aimed at increasing women’s access to productive resources such as land and financial resources, increase capital start-ups, and address gender stereotypes in the private sector, especially in recruitment.