Resilience and solidarity: the transformative impact of women in Goma
Despite the difficult context of war in North Kivu, the mothers supported by HAD-VSK show admirable resilience. The creation of vegetable gardens, for example, encourages community integration and becomes a source of inspiration for other mothers in the neighbourhood, who follow their example.
Former beneficiaries of the agro-ecology training are now passing on their knowledge to other women. The success stories are numerous and illustrate perfectly the impact of our actions:
- Ushindi Birali uses the income from her income-generating activity (IGA) to pay her child’s school fees.
- Edwige Katungu has started trading in chicks and eggs, becoming a leading figure in her neighbourhood. Anyone looking for poultry or eggs now turns to her.
- Thanks to the sale of some of her rabbits and hens,Feza Rucokoza is preparing her child for secondary school. Today, she already owns six goats, a real springboard to independence.
- One young mother says proudly: ‘No man will ever again be able to seduce me with 5 dollars in exchange for my body, because I can now provide for my child on my own’.
Young mothers : agents of change
The young mothers are also enthusiastically involved in setting up tree nurseries and actively participate in the activities of the green brigade: raising awareness about ‘zero plastic on the ground’, planting trees and creating gardens, all initiatives that restore hope and dignity.
The presence of young refugee girls, recommended by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), is a source of great pride. By sharing their experiences, these young women develop exceptional friendships with the other participants, strengthening solidarity and mutual trust.
