Turase ku ntego: Transforming lives of rural women through dialogue

October 15 marked the International Day for Rural Women. On the same day, a group of 55 rural women under Turase ku ntego co-operative in Nyanza came together to reflect on the challenges and the achievements they have accomplished over the last 10 months when the coop was formed. The story of Turase ku ntego depicts the transformation journey of the rural woman in Rwanda. Founded by women in Nyanza District, its aim is to rally women in the fight against issues such as poverty and gender based violence in rural areas. The co-operative has not only improved women’s lives financially; it has also played a key role in reconciling feuding couples and ensuring unity in communities. It addresses issues of domestic violence and supports women living with HIV. A few men (husbands) also joined the co-operative as a sign of support for their wives. Members are sensitised on the dangers of violence and the benefits of living in harmony as couples. Godance Mugeni, the president of the co-operative, says that the alarming cases of domestic violence in the community triggered the need to do something for her and other women. She says that there was no peace amongst families, with women being victims in most cases.Yet other issues such as poverty also needed to be addressed. At the age of 40, Mugeni is separated from her husband; she struggles with the ordeal of living with HIV yet she has the responsibility of caring for her three sons. “When my family got to know that I was HIV positive, they abandoned me. Later, I separated with my husband, but I knew I was not the only woman going through such hardships, that’s why I decided to step out of my misery and do something for myself and fellow women,” Mugeni says. “Life has been better since the co-operative was launched, and the social welfare of member’s families has greatly improved,” Mugeni adds. Some of the women of Turase ku ntego with their husbands during one of the lessons. Mugeni also says that the support they have recieved from Reseau Des Femmes Oeuvrant Pour Le Developpement Rural (the network of women working for rural development) has been tremendous. The network provides training on fighting domestic violence, families are also taught how to live in harmony, women are also empowered about their rights in the family and to be involved in the decision making as well. “I managed to open up an account in a Savings and Credit Co operative (Sacco) which enabled me to acquire a loan. I have managed to construct a house where I live with my children, and they are also getting an education as well,” Mugeni adds. She says that they have managed to achieve more than they imagined. “We will continue urging women to stand up for themselves, help them know their rights and urge those who fear to speak out to get the courage to address issues of violence. For those living with HIV, we will give them support and advise others to protect themselves,” Mugeni says. Appoline Kambayire, the vice mayor in charge of social affairs in Nyanza district, says that they have been facing issues of domestic violence, though the situation is now improving. She points out issues such as heavy drinking, adultery and use of drugs as causes of violence in homes; such cases are reducing because of the effort from both parties. Reseau Des Femmes is among the partners that have helped the coop through sensitising and training especially in the sectors of Kigoma and Mukingo. “They sensitise families; they also support the women living with HIV and those with issues of domestic violence,” Kambayire says. She explains that in areas where they have received assistance, a difference is noticeable as people now understand what domestic violence is. “We hope that these drills are extended to other sectors as it will help curb violence against women and in the end, the rural woman will develop further,” Kambayire says. What the beneficiaries say Royce Mukarurinda is a married woman; for a long time, she was not on good terms with her husband. Her husband was an alcoholic who used to spend money the way he pleased without even consulting her. “To my husband, I was just another piece of property he owned, he would hit me whenever he came home drunk, and sometimes, he would go to Kigali and spend days there and would come home when he felt like,” Mukarurinda narrates. Officials from Nyanza district attend to the women. (Photos by D. Mbabazi) “After I joined this co-operative, things changed for the better. I can access loans, we now rear goats which we received from Reseau Des Femmes, and we are indeed improving financially. “We lacked essentials, not because we lacked the money, but my husband used to spend all the money in the bar. All this has changed for the better; I am now a business woman and a farmer. I talk to my husband and he listens, we now run our home as partners,” Mukarurinda adds. Twishimire Mpabuka, Mukarurinda’s husband, says, “We used to fight and it was the neighbours who always came to our rescue. I always used the money the way I pleased without even consulting my wife, something that almost ended our marriage.” Mpabukasays he realised that he was living in the dark and making his family suffer.“But now, all that has changed as I now know the essence of gender equality; we now serve as an example for other couples in our neighborhood.” Mpabuka advises other men to treat their wives with respect since it’s the only way a home can truly be happy and achieve its goals. “In reference to the trainings that we have been given, I discovered that when a man and a woman co-operate in everything, the home develops. We used to stay in a one-bedroom house but we now own a three-bedroom house, it’s an achievement,” Mpabuka says. Anatoli Yampfashije has spent 15 years with her husband and her experience as a married woman wasn’t anything close to the marital bliss she expected. “My family always lacked the basic needs, I couldn’t provide for my children and my husband cared less about us. He would even get the little that we owned, sell it and use the money the way he pleased,” Yampfashije recalls. She says that when she joined the co-operative, her life changed for the better, especially when her husband joined the co-operative. “We have been sensitized on domestic violence, we work together as a couple and provide for our family as husband and wife,” Yampfashije adds. “I have learnt how to stand on my own as a woman. I got a loan which helped boost my small business, that’s why I’m greatly thankful to the co-operative and Reseau Des Femmes which helped empower us.” editorial@nwtimes.co.rw ******************************************************************** I SAY: Focus on sensitisation Florantine Nyiraneza, vendor Florantine Nyiraneza Sensitisation on different development projects is the best solution towards empowering rural women. Some women are far from trading centres where several social and economic development activities take place, and this denies them the chance to know how to develop their lives. Thus, through dedicated sensitisation in rural areas, women can access basic knowledge and skills that will empower them. Bring essential services closer Gorette Twagiramukiza, vendor Gorette Twagiramukiza Bringing services near their communities and encouraging them to participate is a good start. Rural women have the same ability as those in town but they lack opportunities and activities to exercise their potential. One way to empower them is to bring some essential services, such as modern markets and other business activities, and encourage them to take the lead and work to improve their standards of living. Help them change their attitude Immaculate Uwizeyimana, farmer Immaculate Uwizeyimana I think the first thing to do is to talk to them and change their attitude regarding how and where they see themselves. The majority of rural women hold low opinions of themselves; they think they are poor and thus can’t amount to anything big. One way to empower them is to train, inspire and motivate them to look at themselves as winners not losers; people with ability and skills to change their lives for the better. They need inspiration Reberata Mukagihana, entrepreneur Reberata Mukagihana We are all inspired by other people’s success and development and it is through this inspiration that we decide to take a step towards improving our standards of living. Rural women need inspiration; in my opinion one way to empower them is to take them for workshops and seminars and give them the opportunity to share inspiration with other women who have achieved a lot and elevated their lives to another level. Personally, I attribute where I am now to the inspiration I got from such workshops and seminars. Compiled by Dennis Agaba

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Turase ku ntego: Transforming lives of rural women through dialogue