Cultivating Change

All too often, people who lack economic power, especially women, are exposed to poor treatment and abusive relationships. We’re working with communities in Rwanda to ensure that people who’ve experienced gender-based violence (GBV), and those whose economic status places them at greater risk of gender-based violence, can gain financial independence, improve their social status and better defend their rights.

“Most…girls of my age in my area have children because they are vulnerable to sexual abuse by men who manipulate them with small gifts…” – Julie, 18, Trainee, Rwanda

Alongside our partners we’re training people and supporting them to gain better-paid employment. By connecting people with tea estates, and helping them develop specialist tea harvesting skills, we’re creating opportunities for people to improve their livelihoods and bring more money into rural communities struggling with high rates of unemployment.

“People in their communities used to consider teen mothers and GBV survivors in general as people who are hopeless, without a destination, depending on others, and speechless. But our time has come to restore hope in ourselves, become independent, and make our voices heard.” – Charlotte, Trainee, Rwanda

Please give whatever you can to our Cultivating Change appeal and support community members, health workers and activists as they challenge injustice and build safer, healthier, more prosperous communities.

• £16 could pay for materials to support survivors of gender-based violence undertaking work readiness training
• £65 could pay for 3 peoples’ protective equipment so they can earn a living wage harvesting tea
• £200 could pay for a trainer to provide a month of work training for survivors of gender-based violence