Sewing Machines for Women of TUBAHUMURIZE
TUBAHUMURIZE supports and empowers socially and economically marginalized women living in Rwanda. It serves over 300 women and their families, all of whom have been deeply affected by the war, genocide and HIV/AIDS. The women are genocide survivors, victims of gender-based violence, live with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses, are widows, single mothers, grandmothers and orphan girls heading up households. Sadly, many fall under more than one of these categories.
The women live in poverty without the resources to provide many of the necessities of life. Most have not received an education. They have lacked opportunities to heal from trauma, and to grow and integrate into society. They have not learned skills that could enable them to provide for themselves and their families over the long term.
TUBAHUMURIZE would like to offer an opportunity to 20 of these women who are ready to learn a trade. It will do this by teaching sewing and tailoring so they can develop a sustainable income.
With the funds raised, TUBAHUMURIZE will purchase 10 new treadle sewing machines plus fabric and supplies. As well, a sewing instructor will be retained over the course of the year. Since the women students will be at TUBAHUMURIZE for a full day as they learn their craft, a hearty and healthy midday meal will be served.
Background of TUBAHUMURIZE -- "to console and give hope"
Tubahumurize was founded in 2006 by Jeanne Mwiliriza, who wanted to do something to support the many traumatized and vulnerable women and girls of Kigali.
Tubahumurize's goal is to give these women a more hopeful future by:
- helping them recover from the genocide through trauma counselling;
- teaching women skills which will generate income
- providing training in entrepreneurship and small business management; and
- lending women small, revolving micro-loans to start a small business.
Ongoing work is HIV/AIDS education, bedside care and support.