Empowering vulnerable genocide widows

The project aimed to empower 400 vulnerable genocide widows and 1,200 of their dependents. It would alleviate the women’s poverty by giving them the skills, resources and confidence to generate income. The women were to be trained and form Income Generating Activity (IGA) groups, develop viable businesses, and access capital to set up and scale businesses. The women would also receive counseling support. Elderly widows and those affected by HIV were to be trained in subsistence gardening and provided with solar lamps and clean cook stoves.

The project significantly exceeded the number of beneficiaries targeted to reach despite the challenges over the past year resulting from COVID-19. 770 vulnerable genocide widows received livelihoods and counseling support. The most vulnerable 346 of them also received either a solar lamp, clean cook stove or kitchen garden. As a result, 2,606 dependents benefited from the project through the increased income, well-being and food security of the households. Distribution of kitchen gardens, solar lights and cooking stoves resulted in improved food security, and reduction in household expenditure on fuel, contributing to better health outcomes. 77% of beneficiaries reported that they were now able to financially support their families. Access to counseling resulted in a reduction in vulnerability resulting from poor mental health and more positive outlook contributing to improved well-being.

The Survivors Fund (SURF) is a British charity founded in 1997. It aims to help genocide survivors and their families rebuild their lives. For this project, SURF will be working with the local organisation: AVEGA AGahozo, the National association of widows of the genocide.

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