Reseau Culturel Sangwa support different initiatives on businesses for women survivors of water disasters in Rubavu and Women street vendors in Nyarugenge Districts

Restoring Livelihoods and Building Resilience for Women

Réseau Culturel Sangwa (RCS), in partnership with and with financial support from the Melania Foundation, implemented livelihood recovery initiatives to support women affected by the 2023 water-related disasters in Rubavu District. These disasters caused widespread destruction of property and disrupted livelihoods, leaving many families in vulnerable conditions. Recognizing the vital role women play as both caregivers and economic pillars of their households, RCS prioritized empowering them to rebuild and recover sustainably.

Through this intervention, women beneficiaries received start-up capital to launch small-scale businesses, including fruit and legume trading, alongside essential agricultural tools such as hoes to support kitchen gardening (uturima tw’igikoni). These combined efforts enabled women to diversify their income sources, strengthen food security, and make productive use of their time.

The impact of this initiative has been transformative. A total of 50 women supported by RCS are now running sustainable businesses, improving their living conditions, and restoring dignity within their families. Among them, 20 women survivors of the Rubavu water disaster have made remarkable progress—rebuilding their homes, meeting essential family needs, and establishing stable income-generating activities. Some have even expanded their ventures by investing in motorcycles, creating new opportunities for increased earnings and mobility.

In addition, 30 women who were previously engaged in informal street vending in Muhima and Gitega sectors of Nyarugenge District have transitioned into operating within local markets. This shift has provided them with safer, more stable, and dignified working environments, significantly enhancing their economic security and overall well-being.

From recovery to resilience, these stories reflect the power of targeted economic empowerment. With the continued support of the Melania Foundation, these women are not only rebuilding their lives but also laying strong foundations for long-term self-reliance and sustainable development within their communities.

With the financial support of:
👉 Melania Foundation