Challenges
- most of the local women sustain only on farming as the only source of income
- lack of job opportunities in Rwenzori area
- many women are widows and mothers to many children
- women are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes as the nature and land is the source of their family living
- traditional customs leave women in unprivilaged positions
Our focus
- Creating opportunities for income
- Providing training in tailoring
- Running a craft shop where the women sell the handcrafts like baskets and beads
- Running microfinance project, saving groups that help women to be financially independent
- Providing full sponsorship for children from poor families (single mothers, widows)
- Creating possible women´s involvements in tourism industry (teaching handcrafts, village experience etc.)
“We meet every week for our saving group. Sometimes we also make buskets that we sell to the visitors. We save money to cover the school fees, the food and farming expenses. We also like to see each other and chat at meetings.”
Jennet and Paula, Ruboni community
“Joining saving group helped to improve my life significantly. I am saving money mainly to pay school fees for my three children. Saving group helps me to have more control over my finances.”
Rose, Ruboni village
“Learning tailoring was my dream. I did not have a sewing machine but RCCI provides us with space where we can come anytime to make clothes. That helps me to raise some money and not depend on my husband´s income.”
Yerese, Ruboni community
I learnt weaving baskets when I was young. Recently I started to teach it to local women that we can make baskets and sell them in our community craft shop. That helps us to make little money. We really enjoy making them as we always gather and make stories while weaving and coloring.
Agnes
