Nurturing Young Leaders in Nicaragua with Casa Congo, Sirenitas Surf Club & CHAVA

In the scenic coastal stretches of El Astillero and Limón 2, Nicaragua, extraordinary community efforts are bringing about real change in the lives of young girls. Rockflower, in collaboration with Casa Congo, Sirenitas Surf Club and CHAVA, is nurturing a new generation of young leaders through an inspiring initiative designed to empower adolescent girls through surfing, workshops, and community engagement.

Since 2023, this unique partnership has been dedicated to impacting the lives of young girls by fostering a sense of agency and self-worth. The initiative began with a clear mission: to guide young girls through a workshop curriculum that not only teaches surfing but also integrates crucial life skills and goal-setting exercises. This program is uniquely designed to instill confidence and guide these young women toward a self-directed and limitless future.

The program kicked off with significant enthusiasm, expanding its reach from 15 to 30 participants by incorporating additional girls from nearby communities such as El Gigante and El Astillero. This expansion has sparked a vibrant exchange of experiences and a flourishing sense of sisterhood among the participants, demonstrating the power of community in personal development.

The initiative's journey over the past year has been marked by inspiring workshops and significant growth in participant engagement. The transition to new leadership in early 2024 brought fresh energy to the program, with Clara stepping in as Program Director and Kerry, a Sirenitas program alumna, taking on the role of Program Coordinator. This leadership change is a testament to the program’s commitment to nurturing its own graduates into roles where they can further influence and expand the project.

A key component of the project has been the educational workshops, particularly those conducted in partnership with CHAVA, focusing on menstrual health and reproductive knowledge. These workshops have proven pivotal in breaking down stigmas and empowering participants with essential health education, enabling open discussions about topics often considered taboo.

As the project moves forward, Las Sirenitas and Casa Congo continue to prepare for a series of workshops aimed at deeper understanding of agroecology and the impacts of climate change. These sessions are designed to equip the girls with practical knowledge and skills in sustainable farming practices, enhancing their ability to contribute positively to their communities and the environment.

Rockflower is proud to support this transformative initiative that goes beyond traditional education by integrating surfing—a sport that teaches balance, strength, and perseverance. This program is a profound example of how holistic education and sports can play a pivotal role in connecting and uplifting young women. We are excited to continue supporting these young leaders in Nicaragua, helping them to harness their strengths and achieve their potential.

Celebrating a Decade of Growth: Tine Girls Model Schools Expand to Six Campuses in Pakistan

Rockflower is proud to celebrate a significant milestone with our partner, Community Services Program (CSP), as the Tine Girls Model School initiative marks their tenth anniversary with an expansion to six campuses across Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Founded in 2014, these schools have become a beacon of growth and empowerment for children in some of the most underprivileged areas of Pakistan.

A Decade of Educating Children

The journey began in a small village in Kashmir with the vision of promoting girls' education. The mothers of the girls who previously had not had access to any type of formal education, were inspired by the spirit of Tine Ward, Founder and CEO of Rockflower, and asked if they could name the school after her. Over the past decade, the Tine Girls Model School has grown from a single campus to six, each serving as a building block for development through education. These schools not only focus on academic excellence but also emphasize skills development, effective communication, STEM education, and essential life skills.

Recent Developments and Expansions

In 2024, the newest campus at Phullawai celebrated its establishment, already welcoming 23 admissions. This growth underscores the demand and critical need for accessible education for girls in the region. CSP's chairman, Mr. Siddique Hussain, emphasizes their commitment to gradually expand these educational services across more districts of Kashmir and Pakistan, with the goal of fostering quality education that empowers girls to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the country at large.

There are currently 538 pupils, 14 teachers and 4 assistants involved in the program. Rockflower has also committed to providing a building for the campus at Chiran who until now have to take all their lessons outside, this is particularly challenging during the harsh winter months. 

A Look Back at Last Year's Progress

Reflecting back on the past few years, the Tine Girls Model Schools have continued to make impactful strides. The introduction of digital learning tools in partnership with the Origin Learning Fund has brought new learning opportunities to students, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative has equipped children with the skills needed to navigate and succeed in a digitally-driven world, further enhancing the educational experience at these campuses.

Looking Forward

As we look ahead, Rockflower continues to support CSP in their mission to expand the reach of these transformative educational programs. Through continued collaboration and support, we aim to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive educational environment.

Rockflower and CSP are committed to continuing this journey of education and empowerment, striving towards a future where every girl in Pakistan can achieve her potential and contribute to her society's growth and development.

Brighter Smiles and Futures: Dare Now Uganda’s Impact Through Oral Health Initiatives

Dare Now Uganda, a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering marginalized groups in Kampala City and Wakiso district has been a Rockflower partner since inception in 2019. Dare Now Uganda’s main focus is to enhance the lives of women, girls, young people, and their families through economic opportunities, education, and health interventions. They recently shared an update on their Oral Health Initiative for young children.

Dare Now Uganda held a welcome distribution event at a community school, which marked a significant milestone in their Oral Health Program. This initiative, aimed at improving the oral hygiene of children in remote rural schools, has seen profound impacts on both individual and community levels.

During the event, 250 pupils and teachers received essential dental care supplies, including toothbrushes and toothpaste. A striking moment came when only 30 out of these children indicated that they regularly brushed their teeth—a clear indicator of the challenges and needs within these communities.

The importance of oral health extends beyond just preventing tooth decay; it is crucial for overall well-being and plays a significant role in a child’s education. Poor oral health can lead to discomfort and pain, which in turn can affect a child’s attendance and performance at school. By addressing these basic health needs, Dare Now Uganda is not only alleviating immediate physical discomfort but also enhancing the educational experience and future potential of these children.

The success of the Oral Health Program is a testament to the power of community support and the impact of targeted health interventions. It shows how addressing fundamental health needs can create ripple effects, improving education outcomes and empowering entire communities.

Rockflower continues to support Dare Now Uganda in their ongoing efforts to provide essential services to those most in need. Join us in celebrating this incredible journey and help us spread the word about the transformative power of community health initiatives.

FOWACE Demonstrates the Importance of Funding Those Closest to the Problem

Rockflower was an early funder of Foundation for Women and Children in Libera (FOWACE) in 2017 as it sought to tackle food insecurity for those widowed by the Ebola epidemic. Over the last seven years, we have continued to support FOWACE as they dedicate time and resources to supporting some of the most vulnerable groups in rural Liberia, by providing a range of vital services from life skills and job training to self empowerment and legal aid.

Empowering Women Through Access to Justice

FOWACE's Access to Justice program continues to champion the rights of women in rural communities, where traditional practices often deny women access to inheritance and property. FOWACE operates in rural communities where 95% of the women are illiterate and the culture and traditions subject women to various forms of abuse. This program has not only opened the eyes of women to their rights but also educated men on the importance of gender equality in property ownership. Despite challenges such as providing transportation, accommodation, and medical assistance for women traveling to seek justice, FOWACE remains committed to supporting every woman's journey towards empowerment and legal recognition.

Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) – A Beacon of Hope

The VSLA program, has proven to be a transformative force in the lives of disadvantaged women across Liberia. By facilitating access to financial services and fostering social cohesion, the VSLA program has empowered women economically, socially, and politically, contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable development. With 20 active VSLA groups and growing demand, FOWACE is eager to expand this program to reach more communities, though resources remain a limiting factor.

Educational Outreach and Counseling Services

FOWACE's commitment to education and awareness is evident in their continuous outreach to schools and communities. Recent initiatives include educating high school students about their rights and access to justice, with a special focus on empowering girls. Additionally, FOWACE has established a Counseling Center offering both individual and group counseling sessions for women and girls facing domestic violence issues. These services are crucial in helping them cope with and overcome challenges, fostering a supportive community environment.

Community Engagement and Awareness

In recent weeks, FOWACE has conducted extensive awareness campaigns, reaching out to over 600 women, children, and men to educate them on the importance of justice for women and children. Their efforts also include providing essential support such as transportation and accommodation for women seeking justice for abuse cases.

Rockflower continues to provide resources in terms of funding and organizational support for FOWACE to ensure there is no loss of continuity in their invaluable work. The progress and positive changes seen through FOWACE's initiatives are not only encouraging in their depth of impact, but underscore the importance of funding those closest to the issues who are deeply embedded in the communities they serve. We are deeply grateful to our community of supporters whose generosity makes this work possible.

Building on Years of Painstaking Work, Zimbabwe's Young Women are Breaking the Chains of Early Marriage

Rockflower is proud to highlight the success of our partner organization, Women Advocacy Project (WAP), in hosting the transformative Stand Up and Speak Out training program. This radically transformational event took place at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) in Belvedere from January 3rd to 5th, 2024, bringing together 44 young women from local communities.

Established to protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalized women and girls, WAP has been at the forefront of advocacy and change making for many years. The Stand Up and Speak Out training program comes as a testament to the practical application of their commitment to focusing on educating young girls about the dangers of early child marriages and equipping them with the skills to advocate for their rights.

The workshop was an opportunity for WAP to build on the support it has received over the years from Rockflower and several other organizations to establish themselves as the one of the most respected voices for change in Zimbabwe. It has served as a platform for raising awareness about the effects of child marriage and the many solutions available to provide alternative paths to opportunity and freedom. According to a national study, 33.7% of girls under the age of 18 in Zimbabwe are married; a stark contrast to just 2% of young men.

Participants, many of whom were members of clubs established by WAP in 2018, engaged in interactive sessions that covered a wide range of topics from sexual reproductive health rights, to the intricacies of sex and gender. Discussions on intersectionality, human rights, youth participation, and financial empowerment were led by respected figures in their fields.The program’s climax was the adoption of WAP’s powerful slogan, "Give us books not husbands," symbolizing the participants' resolve to prioritize education over early marriage.

The young women left the workshop not only with a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of early child marriage but also with a renewed sense of agency. They expressed a commitment to disseminating their newfound knowledge within their communities, aiming to raise awareness about gender-based violence and promote gender equality.

Rockflower has partnered with WAP since 2016 and was one of the first to commit to funding their vision and expansion. Over the years they have received support from many other sources both within Africa and internationally, however their greatest asset has always been in the dedication and commitment of their fierce group of young women determined to carve out a better life for themselves and their peers.

As we celebrate the success of this program, Rockflower remains dedicated to ensuring that WAP remains as a beacon of hope of what is possible for so many young women who would otherwise be left without a sense of agency or voice over the trajectory of their future.

Rockflower Celebrates Successes in Empowering Young Girls with Janaki Women Awareness Society

Rockflower is proud to share the remarkable progress and success stories from our ongoing partnership with Janaki Women Awareness Society (JWAS) in Nepal. Through our collaborative project, "Share the Learning: Scale the Impact" we have witnessed transformative changes in communities, particularly among the Musahar community, one of the most marginalized populations in Nepal.

The project, aimed at combating child marriage and gender-based violence, has made significant strides by educating and empowering adolescent girls and their families. Through household and community level educational sessions, the initiative has reached 1000 adolescent girls, including approximately 50 from the Musahar community. These sessions have provided vital information on the detrimental effects of child marriage and the importance of education for girls.

Success Story Highlights:

Janaki Kumari Sada’s Journey of Change: At just 18 years old, Janaki's testimony underscores the power of education against child marriage. Initially unable to convince her parents against the early marriage norm prevalent in her community, the educational sessions provided by the project became a turning point for Janaki. "I am very happy that my parents attended these educational sessions and they are aware. Now, they know that child marriage is a wrong practice," Janaki shared, revealing the transformative impact of awareness and education on her family's perspective.

Ragini Kumari Sada’s Realization: Ragini, another young girl from the Musahar community, expressed a newfound understanding of the importance of education, lamenting her missed opportunities for schooling. The educational sessions illuminated a path for her and others in her community to resist early marriage. "With the education of these sessions, I have realized now that, parents must send their children to school which can prevent them from early marriage," Ragini reflected, highlighting the critical link between education and the prevention of child marriage.

Rangila Kumari Sada’s Renewed Hope: Rangila's story epitomizes the project's capacity to instill hope and inspire change. Facing the prospect of early marriage, the educational sessions she and her parents attended offered a new vision for the future. "However, when my parents attended the session against child marriage, they are very positive for not marrying me before the 20 years of age," Rangila recounted, adding, "My life was going to be hopeless. However, now a ray of hope is returning." This narrative captures the profound effect of education and dialogue in altering long-held beliefs and practices within communities.

This project not only addresses the immediate concerns of child marriage and gender-based violence but also lays the foundation for long-term societal change by promoting education and empowerment for young girls. The success stories of Janaki, Ragini, and Rangila are just a few examples of how targeted interventions can inspire hope and drive positive change in communities.

JWAS plans to continue this impactful work by promoting the program in the media, including the production of a short documentary and encouraging journalists to share their experiences. These efforts aim to inspire further support for the program and replicate its success in more communities.

Rockflower is committed to supporting JWAS in its mission to empower young girls and transform societies. We look forward to continuing our partnership and sharing more success stories from the field.

From Vision to Visibility: UWADS’ Impactful Year of Growth

Uganda Women Advocacy and Children Development Services (UWADS), is one of several Rockflower partners that took the time to take stock of all the achievements and challenges overcome in 2023. By building on lessons learned in their quest to empower women and girls in 2023, they hope to consolidate further support in 2024. Here are a few of the highlights we are proud to share with you.

UWADS in 2023: Triumph Amidst Adversity

2023 was marked by recovery, rebuilding, and significant accomplishments against the backdrop of economic and climatic challenges. The central theme of the year “Creating opportunities for women and girls to find gainful employment locally,” guided UWADS' endeavors, leading to notable achievements.

A significant triumph for UWADS this year was the expansion into new regions. The organization extended its reach beyond the Mbale district, venturing into additional sub-counties and districts including Bududa, Jinja, Sironko, and Manafwa. This expansion meant bringing hope and opportunity to more women and girls, many of whom face similar challenges across these regions. By establishing contacts with community development officers and district leaders, UWADS has laid a strong foundation for long-term growth and impact.

UWADS focused particularly on skills development, training more women in baking, mushroom growing, entrepreneurship, and small business management. These skills are more than just tools for livelihood, they are the stepping stones towards self-reliance and confidence. The bakery project, in particular, has been a beacon of success, enabling women to participate actively in the economic development of their communities whilst laying the groundwork for their own entrepreneurial ventures.

Education remained a cornerstone of UWADS's efforts in 2023. The organization amplified its advocacy for young girls, striving to increase the number of beneficiaries of the tuition assistance program. This year, they reached out to a partner in Butaleja district, which led to the placement of some secondary school girls in schools where they were also able to receive mentoring and life skills development. This initiative is a testament to UWADS's commitment to not just educating girls, but nurturing them into adulthood.

Another highlight of the year was the receipt of a generous donation from Tools with a Mission (TWAM) - UK. The tailoring group within UWADS, now equipped with new tools, has evolved into an independent unit, exploring group business opportunities such as making uniforms for schools. The addition of a sweater machine and a hands-on trainer has further enhanced their capabilities. The organization is also excited about introducing women to new skills such as welding, carpentry, and building, signaling a new era of diverse vocational training.

Perhaps the most heartening achievement of UWADS in 2023 has been in the progress of the wellbeing of women and girls in the communities they serve. The transformation from individual to group baking businesses is a clear indicator of the success of their training programs. Savings groups have seen remarkable growth, with over 20 active groups fostering financial independence and positive peer influence. This has led to a noticeable improvement in the leadership skills of women, their confidence levels, and a communal stand against discrimination and domestic violence.

UWADS also shared compelling stories of individual triumphs - from a mother overcoming displacement and loss to children of mentally ill parents excelling academically. These narratives underscore the profound impact of the organization's work on individual lives.

Looking Ahead: Goals for 2024

Central to UWADS's vision for 2024 is the establishment of a vocational training hub. This will mean building dedicated classroom blocks for training and workshops, significantly enhancing learning environments. Alongside this, the organization plans to formalize a vocational training school or skills center. This pivotal step aims to legitimize and expand UWADS's educational reach, enabling them to support more women and girls in their quest for knowledge and skills.

To keep pace with their expanding initiatives, UWADS is set to strengthen its team by recruiting additional staff members. This move is crucial to managing the increasing workload and maintaining program quality. Concurrently, the focus will be on ramping up fundraising efforts, particularly for education, ensuring that more girls can access schooling and thus, pave their way towards empowerment and self-sufficiency.

Furthermore, UWADS plans to establish a social emergency fund, a critical resource for addressing the immediate needs of the most vulnerable in their communities. This initiative will provide a crucial safety net, mitigating suffering and trauma. With the existing machinery and tools, the organization is also preparing to broaden its skill training programs, offering a diverse range of vocational skills. These endeavors not only reflect UWADS's commitment to empowering women and girls but also their dedication to building a foundation for sustainable, long-term growth and development.

Conclusion

The journey of UWADS is a testament to the power of dedicated commitment and strategic partnership in changing lives. The accomplishments of 2023 are not just milestones but stepping stones towards a future where every woman and girl in Uganda can harness their potential and contribute positively to their communities.

By providing the necessary catalytic funding and support systems needed for UWADS to grow and build its ideas, this partnership proves our belief in the Currency of Mind™ and has opened doors for UWADS to receive further support from other organizations like Tools with Mission. This follow-on investment and support underscores the critical importance of building trust at the grassroots level to ensure long term sustainable empowerment for community-based organizations.

Empowering Women on the Global Margins: The Transformative Power of Vocational Skills in Uganda

In the heart of Uganda, a profound transformation is underway. Through the collective efforts of Rockflower and its partner organizations, Youth & Women Initiative for Sustainable Development (YWISD) and Rwenzori United Group for Life Improvement (RUGLI) women and girls on the global margins are breaking free from the cycle of poverty and finding independence. By providing vocational training in tailoring, baking, and weaving, these initiatives are not just teaching skills; they are rewriting destinies.

The Kisoboka Project by YWISD

Chairperson Ms. Angella Nankindu handing over certificates & sewing machine to Sanyu Nakyondwa

Kisoboka, meaning "you can do it," perfectly encapsulates the spirit of YWISD's project in the Wakiso District. By training 100 women and girls in tailoring and baking, the project has become a beacon of hope. This initiative, initially planned to last 12 months, has no plans of slowing down as they move into their second year of education and expand their reach.

One remarkable story is that of Nagadya Jacklyn, a 32-year-old single mother. Jacklyn, who never attended school due to cultural biases against educating girls, found herself struggling to support her daughters. "Bakery has changed my life," she shared, revealing how the project enabled her to envision a brighter future for her family. “I now see their future brighter as I am now able to make profits by baking and selling products as the market is so big in my community.”

Another beneficiary, a 22-year-old named Nampima Luwera, narrated her journey from feeling ashamed of the life she was forced to lead, to gaining newfound confidence in her abilities and strengths. Forced into prostitution at 19 and battling HIV/AIDS, Luwera found salvation in the baking skills she acquired. "I have started my small baking business... I will live with dignity in my community," she said, her voice resonating with gratitude and pride.

The youngest, 17-year-old Gift Kyomuhendo, impoverished and left without parents at a young age, shared how tailoring skills provided her a lifeline. "I am now able to provide food and other basic needs... I now have hope of saving and starting my own business," she expressed.

Ssentongo Charles, the Chairman Local Council One, highlighted the project's impact on the community. "It's a great opportunity and blessing... I am so grateful for YWISD and Rockflower for empowering women and girls in our community," he stated.

RUGLI's Weaving Path to Independence

Kabugho Agnes, 19, with a basket she weaved

Parallel to YWISD's efforts, RUGLI's initiative focuses on weaving shoulder bags, a skill in high demand. This project targets disabled women, young mothers, and those marginalized by societal challenges. It has already proven a huge success, and its effects continue to snowball as more women share the skill of weaving bags.

Biira Ellen's story stands out. From weaving, she progressed to buying her own sewing machine, a symbol of her growing independence. Kansimbasi Annet, a 32-year-old woman who faced rejection from her husband and parents, found solace and economic empowerment through this project.

Arinaitwe Brenda, a 21-year-old who had to drop out of college, shared her journey of resilience. "I opted to join as soon as possible but I later brought my friend Kyakusiima Fiona to learn weaving. We will combine and do business together. I’m happy to be here,” she said, expressing her dreams of supporting her sister's education.

Fiona, grappling with stigma after dropping out due to pregnancy, found a new beginning in weaving. "I'm happy to be part of the beneficiaries to this project funded by Rockflower in the USA," she stated with newfound confidence.

Shammim, a primary 7 dropout with two children, highlighted the ripple effect of her newfound skills. She has gone ahead to teach my daughter how to weave bags and she now affords to buy 3 meals a day and also pay school fees for her children.

Uniting for Change

These stories, each unique yet interconnected, prove the transformative power of vocational training and underscore the impact that can be made through small scale funding. Through Rockflower's partnerships with YWISD and RUGLI, women in Uganda are not just learning skills; they are reclaiming their dignity, reshaping their futures, and, most importantly, breaking the cycle of poverty.

In the words of these courageous women, there is a universal message of hope and empowerment. Rockflower's commitment to investing in the lives of women and girls on the global margins is not just changing individual lives; it is uplifting entire communities, one skill at a time.

Casa Congo Embarks on New Collaborative Project to Empower Nicaraguan Girls

Rockflower has a deep appreciation for the power of a collective. We could not be more excited to be expanding our relationships in Nicaragua to include a collaboration with Casa Congo, a long standing Rockflower partner, with the Sirenitas Surf Club and CHAVA. This new collective project aims to engage Sirenitas Surf Club participants and neighboring youth by implementing a workshop curriculum, in community with Casa Congo and CHAVA, to impact 50+ young Nicaraguan girls during 2023-2024 by helping them to set goals and promote agency.

Casa Congo is a sustainability hub in El Astillero, Nicaragua, where local communities and international experts come together to create projects that address climate change, social inequality, and economic development challenges. It is also home to two women collectives, Las Tejedoras & Las Flores, who will be involved in the implementation of this project.

Sirenitas Surf Club is a non-profit based in Limón 2, Nicaragua. It was established as a youth club in 2017 and developed into a youth development program for Nicaraguan girls in Limón 2 and neighboring communities with a mission to empower young Nicaraguan girls through surfing, swimming, and education. 

CHAVA is an organization that develops digital solutions that enable young Latinas to become informed and confident advocates for their own sexuality, health, pleasure, education, and power to transform the state of sexual and reproductive health in Latin America. They build upon the growing adoption and preference for digital communication and commerce among Gen-Z and Millennial Latinas to offer access to essential sex education and products. 

Together, these three organizations will combine their strengths to empower underserved adolescent girls  in Nicaragua through a series of workshops over the course of two years. These workshops will help to develop 30 students ages 10-18 who are members of Las Sirenitas and surrounding surf clubs.

Each year will focus on a specific theme. The first being “Puedo hacer cualquier cosa que me proponga./ I can do anything I set my mind to.” and the second, “Mi futuro es brillante./My future is bright.”

The goals of the project are:

1. To create an increased sense of agency among participants including: 

• Developing an understanding of the definition of empowerment 

• Developing an understanding of what empowerment means to the participant and what it means to feel empowered 

• Enhancing perceived level of personal empowerment and self-esteem 

• Acquiring knowledge and skills related to bettering participants’ perceived level of personal empowerment and self-esteem.

2. To provide self-empowerment tools for participants to apply in their own lives including:

• Developing a sense of financial independence 

• Strengthening menstrual and reproductive knowledge to overcome menstrual and reproductive health barriers 

• Developing life planning agency through sexual and reproductive knowledge

Overall, this project will provide a space for adolescent girls who are often preoccupied with meeting their basic needs, to focus on themselves and envision their potential and goals for the future. Helping these young people to find confidence in their own strength along with knowledge about their reproductive and sexual health will help them to have greater agency over their lives as they grow into adulthood. 

AYA's Transformative Impact: Highlights of This Year's Progress

The long standing partnership between African Youth Alliance and Rockflower stands as a testament to the transformative power of focused efforts. Through establishing the multi-year Five Keys in Five Villages project, targeted progress-driven initiatives are creating a brighter future for women and girls in rural Cameroon.

Over the past year, African Youth Alliance has achieved significant milestones in their mission to improve the lives of women and girls in Cameroon through community collaboration. Their recent progress report showcases the remarkable work they have done this year across the five key pillars despite the challenges they faced.

Promoting Peace and Security

AYA facilitated interactive sessions around peace and security, which involved members of local government and focused on finding ways to disseminate valuable and often taboo information at the family level. Challenges arose as some women hesitated to participate due to concerns about family safety. However, health talks addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), particularly concerning HIV/AIDS, were conducted in collaboration with a community nurse to create a safe space to discuss these topics. The organization also held meaningful discussions around girls' rights by tackling issues like early child marriage and teenage pregnancy. 

Maternal and Reproductive Health Advocacy

AYA engaged community nurses, field staff, and trainers to address critical matters regarding MRH. Educational sessions on SRHR, HIV/STIs, family planning, and the consequences of early marriage were conducted. The organization succeeded in creating a safe space for women to speak freely and ask important questions. Additionally, the provision of reusable sanitary pads during Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) gatherings was a milestone in supporting women's health and hygiene. Trainings were also held around rash ointment and Vaseline production which added a practical dimension to maintaining family well-being.

Access to Food and Water

A great deal of progress was made in this area through farm work, seed donations, and organic farming training. Despite hurdles such as increased commodity prices and network failures, the AYA’s dedication led to improved crop productivity, ensuring food security and enhanced living standards for both families and the community. Strikingly, amidst a road blockade caused by armed groups, the donation of cabbage, beans, and potatoes seeds proved life-saving, ensuring sustenance for families.

Empowering Through Education

Through trainings, peer mentoring, and coaching, AYA enabled young girls to become active in their communities and gain skills to further their careers. Sessions on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the negative consequences of early marriage encouraged girls to maintain independence and make smart choices. Development workshops held on topics like paper bead production, making lotion, and powdered soap provided opportunities to create their own businesses.

Fostering Economic Empowerment

This year, AYA focused on helping small business owners to grow their businesses. They provided financial literacy training, and enabled group members to expand their business offerings. Their revolving loan scheme provided critical funding to these small businesses and continues to grow and improve the local economy. Through these efforts, the organization contributed to increased economic independence and self-sufficiency.

As this partnership looks to the future, African Youth Alliance envisions a continued journey of progress and growth. Their plans include establishing an adult literacy school to address educational gaps, harnessing solar energy for improved communication, and expanding skill development opportunities in areas like sewing, hairdressing, and bead designing. The organization's unwavering commitment to engaging men in crucial programs and amplifying the voices of women and girls reflects their holistic approach to sustainable change.

The collaboration between African Youth Alliance and Rockflower stands as a testament to the transformative power of focused efforts. Through progress-driven initiatives, they are creating a brighter future for women and girls in Cameroon, exemplifying the impact of the five keys.

A Year in Reflection: UWADS’ Impact in 2022

Uganda Women Advocacy and Development Services (UWADS) has been working to give women and girls a voice and promote agency regarding gender, economic well being, education, leadership and decision making since 2009. Their mission is to train, sensitize and empower women so that they are able to influence and make decisions that affect their lives. To date UWADS has helped over 500 women across three communities. Recently, the organization provided an end of year report for 2022 as well as an update on the first few months of this year.

In 2022, the team at UWADS sought to uplift women in their communities and combat the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, during the year they were also faced with a number of devastating floods in Mbale followed by droughts that only added to the challenges. Despite all of this, they found a way to adapt their work and provide support for the evolving needs of the people that rely on them. In addition to their educational programs, they managed to aid in disaster relief for flood victims by providing food, utensils and blankets to more than 20 households.

This year, UWADS started an education fund with Rockflower’s support that they chose to title the UWADS Tine Education Fund (UTEF) named after Rockflower’s founder, Tine Ward. Through this fund they were able to keep more than 15 students in school. Many of the students are exceeding expectations with their grades and have ambitions of attending university in just a few years.

Education is a key pillar of the work of this organization. In addition to supporting those that attend school, they also seek to provide those without a formal education with practical skills to earn an income. They continued to run bakery trainings and five women from the cohort this year moved on to create their own small businesses selling mandazi, buns, and bagiya rolls. To date 24 women have graduated from the bakery training program and are able to earn an income with this skill. UWADS graduates run two thriving local bakeries and work on training as many other women as possible. 

This year UWADS also trained 40 women in tailoring and are working to secure deals with schools so that the trainees can sew uniforms. In order to support all of these initiatives, the savings and loan program was established to provide seed money for small businesses and allow the community to grow economically. The contributions to the fund come from the profits of small businesses, and this allows for those businesses, and new ones to take out loans as needed.

The high inflation of basic necessities has greatly impacted the area this past year. The cost of food has increased so much that many are struggling to provide food for their families. It has also decreased the profit margins of the bakery program. In response to this challenge, UWADS began training women in raising pigs and poultry on a small scale to create more local food sources. Those without basic education in Uganda struggle to find any type of employment, so UWADS’ vocational trainings are vital to women in poverty.

In 2023, UWADS plans to create a full vocational school for unemployed women. They have already acquired the land and started the brick work for this ambitious project. This will provide a single location for all types of vocational education and allow the organization to expand their offerings. Connecting with neighboring districts and expanding their reach is also a priority for 2023. The team at UWADS has accomplished so much in 2022 and there’s no doubt that they will be able to scale their work and extend their reach this year.

Updates on Tine Model Girls School’s Three Campuses

One of Rockflower’s earliest projects, the Tine Model Girls School, named by the people of the village after Rockflower’s Founder, Tine Ward, began in 2014 and is operated by Community Services Program (CSP) in Pakistan. Over the course of three very impactful trips to Pakistan, Tine met Siddique Hussain, CSP’s President and through the power of the Currency of Mind™, the idea for a school was born. Creating a school for girls in Pakistan who have historically had little to no access to education has been no small feat. The mission of TMGS is to provide vulnerable students with positive thinking, vocational skills and confidence to realize their dreams, while teaching them the skills necessary to take responsibility for and transform their lives. Today, there are three Tine Model Girls Schools, in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, and Islamabad, with a combined enrollment of 428 children. CSP’s President, Siddique Hussain recently created a report on the schools on their progress.

The Dhoke Liaquat Campus:

CSP chose to create schools in these three communities based on the lack of available education, specifically education accessible to girls, and on the lack of awareness of the importance of educating girls. This first school was established in Dhoke Liaquat, a rural community in Islamabad where 60% of the population are migrants from other parts of Pakistan who have been relocated due to conflict and natural disasters. These families lacked the resources to send their children to school and told CSP during their initial assessment that their children were more likely to beg in the street for money than to attend school because of the poor economic conditions. They told CSP that if they had an option to give their children an education, they would send their boys and girls to school. Since the creation of the school, 185 students are enrolled from playgroup age to grade 5. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to educate children in-person became an insurmountable challenge. The schools were not equipped for remote learning, so in 2021, they sought a solution to this problem and partnered with Origin Learning Fund to bring remote learning to students at the Dhoke Liaquat campus. Origin Learning Fund’s founder, Tania Rosas, is the creator of O-Lab, an offline app for inclusive and personalized learning designed for at-risk indigenous and refugee children and youths worldwide. The O-lab app is preloaded with educational content, in both the language taught in school as well as a native language and does not require students or teachers to have access to an internet connection, a game changer for those in such remote locations. Rockflower committed to funding the partnership between CSP and the Origin Learning Fund as they launched a pilot project to supply tablets and bring digital literacy and education to underprivileged students in Pakistan while also training teachers on this technology and style of learning. The program has been highly successful, and as more funding becomes available, the program will expand to the other campuses.

The Chack Sharda Campus:

The second Tine Model Girls School is based in the remote village of Chack Sharda, with a population of 1,250 people who work primarily in agriculture and day labor. The nearest existing government school is nearly 4 miles from the village and does not teach girls ages 4 - 8. Although older girls can attend the school, this barrier to early education meant that almost no girls in the village attended school. CSP met with the community and determined that they would be willing to educate girls if there was an accessible way to do so. CSP worked to recruit a team of female teachers to run the school and today they educate 127 children, 83 of whom are girls who would not have had the opportunity to attend school previously. 

The Chirran Campus:

The newest Tine Model Girls School is located in the village of Chirran. The village has approximately 125 households and before the school was established there were no private or government run schools available. 100% of the children in the village were out of school. Wages are extremely low, as 80% of the population are daily laborers. The school opened its doors very recently, in September of 2022. It offers a play group for very young children and toddlers, nursery school, prep class, and grades 1-5. In just five short months, the school has enrolled 80 young girls and 36 boys who will now have access to a quality education. 

Rockflower commends the work of CSP that has enabled over 400 children to attend school as well as the Origin Learning Fund for bringing digital learning to children in remote areas of the world. As Tania Rosas has explained, access to learning opportunities is the best weapon to fight against poverty and uphold sustainable development for at-risk communities. In 2023, we hope to be able to bring O-lab and tablets to all of our campuses because access to digital literacy and technology can open the door to a world of opportunities. 

JWAS Completes Round 2 of Share the Learning: Scale the Impact

Adolescent activists, journalists and civil society leaders creating posters based on key issues.

In April 2022, Janaki Women Awareness Society received funding from Rockflower to launch the second cohort of their project, Share the Learning: Scale the Impact. Throughout this project, they partnered eight adolescent girls with eight journalists and six civil society leaders to share knowledge, gain perspective and create solutions to large problems facing their communities. The purpose of this project is to identify young activists, give them the opportunity to work with professionals to solve issues facing their communities and provide a platform for them to practice advocating and impact those around them. The focus of this second iteration is to reflect on and determine ways to scale the projects identified by the first group. Some of the issues discussed included COVID-19, sexual and reproductive health, childhood marriage and gender based violence.

JWAS believes that given the opportunity and resources, young girls are uniquely positioned to shift societal norms and inspire those around them to advocate for themselves and their communities. At first, the girls, journalists and CSO leaders shared their experiences and the challenges they faced personally around sexual and reproductive health, gender based violence and throughout COVID-19. It was a time for everyone to get to know one another and understand each other’s experiences. Almost all of the participants spoke about the impact of child marriage on their communities and the need to stop them. They also spoke about the lack of education on sexual and reproductive health and gender based violence provided to girls outside of the school system. Girls who haven’t attended school, often have no way of accessing this information. 

One of the girls explained how receiving education on the negative effects of childhood marriage has broken the cycle in her family. She said, “I believe my parents won’t force me into an early marriage. I understand the harmful aspects of early marriage and have shared it with my parents. Now my parents and I are aware that early marriage does not only affect my health, it will also affect the health of my children.”

Throughout the project, the groups created posters and graphics to explain their responses to the key issues. Then, through collaboration with journalists and civil society leaders, they decided on a few projects to implement and continue working on. One of these projects is a long term advocacy campaign to end child marriage. They would also like to begin establishing child marriage free communities where there will be a no tolerance policy in place. They are excited to grow this initiative and are hopeful that one day there will no longer be child marriages in Nepal. 

RUGLI’s Bag Weaving Project Has Uplifted Families

Rwenzori United Group for Life Improvement (RUGLI) works to empower women, raise awareness around HIV/AIDS, provide support to disabled, and elderly people and equip vulnerable community members with opportunities to improve their livelihoods. Recently, they provided an update on their project, Weaving Bags for Economic Independence, in which they’re providing training in weaving shoulder bags and entrepreneurial skills to women, including disabled women and young mothers, so that they can support themselves and their families.

The organization identified weaving shoulder bags as an in-demand skill that they could train large groups of women to do in order to start their own businesses. Many women in the area have been unable to support their basic needs, and have come to RUGLI for help. In response they’ve employed a number of community based trainers who have been teaching bag weaving skills and will continue to check in on the participants afterward.

This project is ongoing, and will be shaped largely by the goals and needs of the participants. Since all trainers and participants live relatively close to each other, they will continue to weave bags together, and can decide if they want to create individual businesses or form a collective. RUGLI shared testimonials from the participants on the impact of the project.

Tusiime Agnes told them, “I have been so honored to be part of this project. My children now have hope that after selling our initial products our lives changed completely. I am a mother of 5 children and the man died of HIV/AIDS in 2014 and ever since then we have suffered. We only ate once a day, my children lacked even clothes to wear. The skills I have learned and the startup capital provided to me have really helped me a lot. Thanks, RUGLI for always helping me whenever I am in need, may God continue to bless the work of your hands. Moreso, I have started a small business shop which has increased income inflows into my family and I have also put my children back in school.”

Another participant, Nyamwiza Venacia, explained, “I lost my dignity and honor when I was a 16 years old when I was raped and got infected with HIV/AIDS. This gave me the honor of being a mother but I never had any employment that could help me look after my child. I was dragged into prostitution so as to be able to provide the best I could for my child who never had a father. I have been a prostitute for 5 years now and I regret the day I began practicing it but I never had a way out. When RUGLI offered help I was really so grateful and positive about it. You have taught me weaving and entrepreneurship skills, provided us with startup capital and I have established my business. Thank you so much for what you have done for me, with this I believe people will have some respect for me as I will be able to provide basic needs for my child doing a decent job.”

Kabugho Moreen said, “I cannot express my happiness of what RUGLI has done for me, I am a single mother with one child. I dropped out of school when I was in primary four and after 5 years I got pregnant. When I got pregnant my parents chased me away from home to go to the person who was responsible for the pregnancy, life became so hard because the man also ran away. I have been struggling to earn income to support me and my child for the last 10 years, tried looking for jobs but life here is so hard, of lately (four months back) I was fired from the job where I was working as a maid and they were paying me UGX15,000 ($4.80 USD) per month. But because of this training acquired, I can manage to get that very amount in a day or two. I am able to get relevant needs for my child and I hope to get more. Thank you so much RUGLI and Rockflower for the support extended to us. We are grateful that you have changed our lives as women mothers.”

It’s astounding to see how education in just one skill can change the lives of entire families. The majority of these women did not have the opportunity to complete a formal education and have had no access to career training. With RUGLI’s support and belief in the power of education, they have been able to uplift and provide economic stability to these determined women.

KYID’s Community Discussions Around HIV/AIDS are Changing the Narrative

Kinyamaseke Girls Youth in Development (KYID), based in the Kasese district of Uganda, has been working to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in their area by changing the narrative and perceptions around the disease. The organization was started in 2008 with the goal of breaking the domestic violence cycle created by social structures undermining the rights of girls. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among school aged girls has increased drastically. KYID identified a real need in the community for people to gather and discuss the issue and learn more about stigma and prevention and they have shared the results of the project with us. What they uncovered in the process was shocking and will greatly inform their work moving forward.

In the Kasese District, 11.5% of the population is affected by HIV/AIDS, which is much higher than the national average of 7.5%. Most of the girls in the District have little or no education and are therefore unemployed. In order to meet their basic needs, they enter into marriages at a young age, with men who are not capable of supporting them. Some of these girls become victims of sex trafficking after being brought to large towns under the guise of traditional employment. Not only are they victims of abuse and sexual assault, but they are exposed to a number of STD’s including HIV/AIDS. Most are under 18 years old. COVID-19 has led to an increase of young people being exposed to HIV/AIDS, and a decrease in those getting tested. 

KYID knew that they urgently needed to open up discussions and bring the community together to better understand the causes of the increase in HIV/AIDS and to uncover the best way to help solve the problem. Throughout the course of the project, they conducted two exploratory meetings, five awareness sessions, three advocacy meetings, held two training workshops and produced five concerts to raise awareness. By connecting with the people in their community, they were able to uncover a lot about the issues at hand, much of which will inform their continued work. For the workshops, they focused on meeting with youth affected by HIV/AIDS to help them better understand their illness and put together a will.

Some of what they uncovered in these meetings involved the shift in parental responsibilities that has put much greater pressure on the parents. They learned that many of the girls affected by HIV/AIDS did not have their basic needs met by their parents, and come from households where domestic violence was prevalent. Additionally, many of the girls, having grown up in an abstinence first culture, have little knowledge about safe sex. 

Some conclusions from these community meetings were that educating and training needs to start with parents and adults in the community. KYID plans to hold awareness training for parents, school teachers, union leaders and youth counselors to help them identify risk factors in young women and how to help young women affected by HIV/AIDS. They also made the decision that one of the most effective ways to get the information out would be through plays and concerts. They had young girls create skits and songs to advocate for their rights. The importance of young men having education on these topics is also crucial. KYID will be distributing condoms and teaching boys how to use them in order to practice safe sex.

Something unexpected to the group was the consistent participation of those with dwarfism. The challenges they face are immense, and KYID is determined to help improve their quality of life. The little people in attendance spoke up about the terrible abuse and sexual harrassment they face. There is an old cultural belief that engaging in sex with a little person will cure ailments like HIV, which has led them to be raped and often infected with HIV/AIDS. 

“They were brave to be open and disclose that most of them are HIV positive because of people flocking in for them. The whole meeting was sorrowful and other people shed tears. We were concerned as human rights advocates for our fellow women being used as objects of laughter.”

KYID held a separate meeting for men and women with dwarfism to come together and discuss the extreme discrimination they face and how vulnerable they are to abuse. They have asked KYID to step in and assist them in advocating for their rights and bringing awareness to the community, which they plan to do, as they recognize this serious human rights violation.

“In Bukonzo County of Kasese District, we identified about 30 dwarfs to benefit from the training. We feel touched and concerned about our fellow girls and women to be left behind in matters concerning social development when they are suffering. In our training we will also have counseling sessions to find out those who are infected by HIV/AIDS.”

This exploratory project brought to light some shocking, yet extremely important discoveries. KYID now has a clear idea of what they can do to help improve their community, starting with helping the most vulnerable groups. Overall, the project was successful in teaching people about HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and how to break the stigma and has led to a larger discussion which will continue in various forms. KYID has a great deal of work ahead of them as they continue to fight injustices and advocate for those who need it most.

Rockflower Partners with New Elementary, Namibia

Rockflower is pleased to announce our recent partnership with New Elementary Early Childhood Education (NEECE), an NGO based in Namibia with the mission of improving the quality and raising the standard of Early Childhood Education in vulnerable communities. The organization works to revitalize schools and create stimulating and safe learning environments that support the cognitive development of children.

New Elementary operates on the basis that high-quality early care and education is a crucial component of a child’s holistic development. This becomes particularly important in settings where children are exposed to the adverse childhood experiences commonly associated with living in poverty.  

Rockflower will be supporting New Elementary in the revitalization of their second school, Mountain Kindergarten. This preparatory school is located in Goreangab, in the Hadino Hishongwa district of the Samora Machel Constituency in Katutura, Windhoek – amongst the city’s most impoverished settlements. The school operates as both a daycare and pre-primary school for children ages 6 months to 3 years old. The team at New Elementary will work with the school staff to improve the physical structure of the building, enhance the learning environment and curriculum, and provide training and capacity building opportunities to the teachers. 

All children deserve access to quality education in a safe environment, and educators require adequate facilities and materials to provide the best education possible. New Elementary is working hard to make this a reality for children in schools across Namibia.

Reflections on our Partner Workshop Series

In the fifteen years it has taken to build Rockflower Partners, one thing has been central to our mission, and that is to ensure that every single partner feels seen, heard and to know that their lived experiences and voices matter. Finding a way for them to translate that agency into a shared platform with access to best practices, challenges and solutions has long been a goal, but as a small team it has been tough to facilitate.  However, after the January 2022 partner survey responses made clear, now more than ever there was a need to find a way to make this happen. 

So this summer we embarked on our first Partner Workshop Series. By inviting all of our current partners from across twenty two countries to come together for a five week series of zoom meetings, they were able to learn directly from each other, as well as from Rockflower Board Directors and Advisory Board members. Each week throughout July, we hosted a conversation on the Rockflower Five Key Framework: Economic Empowerment, Maternal & Reproductive Health, Education, Access to Food & Water and Peace & Security. 

Choosing four speakers from within the partner community and the wider Rockflower network, with specific experience on the designated key, allowed for a broad but deep exchange of experiences, challenges, ideas and thoughtful connection. Each session finished with thirty minutes of open discussion in which attending partners could ask questions, contribute their own experiences, and get to know each other better. 

Many important findings have emerged from this workshop series. Perhaps most gratifying has been the overwhelmingly positive feedback from partners at their delight in being able to see themselves mirrored in so many of their fellow community based organizations and social enterprises around the world. The sense of not being alone in some of these often impossible scenarios held incalculable value for all of the participants. 

Another very important insight from the workshops was the degree to which each one provided a thread of conversation that could be woven into the following week’s key topic. Economic Empowerment led to conversations about women's power over their own bodies in Maternal and Reproductive Health, which led on to the importance of continued secondary and tertiary Education for women and girls.  In the conversation on Access to Food and Water, addressing the existential threat of climate change and the rising cost of food as drivers of conflict and instability, touched on many of the issues discussed in the final workshop on Peace and Security. 

Rockflower believes in the philosophy of “Radical Idealism, Practically Realized”. We deliberately positioned these workshops to provide an overview of the larger global perspective, but then demonstrated how armed with that knowledge, partners could use it in the precise application of practical solutions to their everyday problems. Partners sensed hope in the sharing of ideas and the meaningful engagement and connection with each other, which has led to some new substantive solutions and ideas. We are witnessing just how strongly this connective root system will impact the growth of the Rockflower garden as we build our “seed to canopy” funding model. Please read more for some of the key takeaways from each workshop. 

Economic Empowerment

Roseline, Haja, Charlot and Constance started us off with a vibrant and lively conversation on Economic Empowerment. Not surprisingly with four powerhouse African women leaders, the discussion was frank, heart centered and of course filled with a great deal of humor.   

The discussion began with an opportunity to talk about what it really meant to be “empowered”, and more specifically “economically empowered”.  An overused word in many instances, we focused on the growing need for access to capital, training and business opportunities that actually lead to funding, and the best way to access markets. This laid bare the fundamental reality of just how much women contribute to the foundational strength of the economy of any nation. 

Charlot shared her deep frustration at the misconception that African women entrepreneurs need to receive ongoing training before they can access funding. She reflected on a quote that summed it up for her:

 “The most over-mentored and underfunded woman is the African Female Entrepreneur.”

As a young mother of 16, growing up in the slums of Mukuru in Nairobi, she had trained herself on the skills of entrepreneurship out of the sheer necessity of having to feed her child. 

This was echoed by Lucy Odiwa, of WomenChoice Industries later in the Q&A section, who shared the countless number of times she had been asked to attend training so that she could “train” to be a viable candidate to receive funding, only to be told to go on another training.  Whereas men are trusted to be given the funding right from the start without the requisite “training”. 

 “The problem with the world is imagining that if we are going to give women the chance we first have to set them up for success, but they have already set themselves up for success and all you have to do is trust them and get out of their way” - Charlot Magayi 

Roseline and Haja shared similar experiences in accessing funding for their community based organizations -  African Youth Alliance in Cameroon and FOWACE in Liberia. The barriers included being unable to receive funding without an audit or extensive list of previous project impact, but as they aptly pointed out, how can you show that before you have been given funding to bring your vision to life? The suggestions of  “go create some impact and then come back and tell us how you did so we can decide if we want to fund you”, are so frustrating when you cannot do that without funding in the first place. 

Additional practical advice for the partners on the call from Roseline was to suggest that they maintain an internet presence even with the simplest of websites and/or social media. Continue to keep growing networks and always ask for referrals, this is what builds trust and confidence. 

Haja described the importance of women’s savings groups in being not only a place to learn and be mentored on business management and savings but as a way to come together and share problems and experiences. This sense of community and distributed leadership is what has inspired so many of the women to continue with the program. 

Constance was keen to express a plea to financing institutions at all levels to acknowledge the unequal processes in place for women entrepreneurs. Stop asking for collateral and instead see women’s bold visions for what they are worth. Empowerment for Constance means the ability to make decisions for yourself and this is what led to her vision for the Women Advocacy Project. To prevent child marriage in four districts around Harare, Zimabawe, finding a way to provide economic empowerment was essential. This led to the creation of Clean Girls Soap, a social enterprise, run and managed by girls who had previously been on track for child marriage. 

The conclusion: It's not very complicated - give women the money and they will return it ten fold to their communities.  

Maternal & Reproductive Health

The conversation on Maternal & Reproductive Health was extremely informative, whilst also deeply personal.  Lucy, Dr. Chris, Somto and Audrey, shared wide ranging perspectives on the cultural taboos, personal challenges and direct assault on menstrual health hygiene, family planning, and choice and consent over women’s bodies. 

Despite these organizations being very different in size and mission, they share a common goal - to ensure that more girls and young women have access to reproductive education and menstrual hygiene products, which results in greater retention in secondary school, greater accessibility to higher education and increased employment opportunities. Lucy and Audrey who both run menstrual hygiene social enterprises - WomenChoice based in Tanzania and Be Girl currently working in several countries in Latin America and Africa, shared their personal experiences as to what led to their involvement in menstrual health.  

Lucy gave a brutally honest assessment of her own experience of starting her menstrual cycle, and the accompanying shame and embarrassment that led her to want to ensure that other girls did not suffer a similar fate by developing affordable menstrual hygiene products and education materials. 

“It is really important for a woman and a young girl to understand themselves initially, first of all as an individual, to know their worth, to know how they should be handled actually…Girl empowerment is nothing dangerous, it simply tells a girl that you are free to have a dream of your own, you are free to have a vision.” - Lucy Odiwa 

Audrey, although based in Washington DC, had spent time working on cross-sectoral issues in Ethiopia and saw how menstrual health for young girls was a key leverage point in ensuring access to education and mental well being.  She shared how Be Girl is extremely focused on ensuring young girls receive the education they need to know and understand their bodies and showed us an example of the manual period tracker that Be Girl has developed. 

Dr. Chris and Somto from the Society for the Improvement of Rural People in Enugu State, Nigeria, were delighted to be able to contribute to the conversation, given that there is so much taboo around men discussing these topics. 

Dr. Chris explained, “It’s a taboo almost, to talk about issues around menstrual poverty or menstrual issues” and went on to describe how they work to address many of the myths around menstrual hygiene and the misinterpretation of religious and cultural beliefs which can sow disinformation and doubt on an already complicated topic. 

As Gender Lead for SIRP, Somto reiterated:  “The importance of men and boys can not be overemphasized …It is so important to have men and boys as allies.” - Somto Ugwu 

It was indeed extremely gratifying to see so many men on this call.  Tonny from Hope for the Future, Uganda made the extremely salient point that individuals and communities should continue to question why governments spend trillions of dollars on defense when the equivalent spent on the health and wellbeing of women and children would generate exponential benefits in security for nations. This was an issue we would revisit in our next three workshops. 

Education

Despite a great deal of progress in ensuring more girls have access to education, today there are still 130 million girls who lack the ability to go to school. One of the most devastating side effects of the COVID pandemic has been the impact it has had on girls education worldwide, particularly in countries such as Uganda where schools were closed for over 2 years. 

However, this period of time has also seen a fast tracking of many innovative solutions in the delivery of education. By upending traditional formats and looking at cost effective ways to ensure those in rural communities with little access to the internet gain access to learning, there has been a real momentum to use this crisis as an opportunity. 

With Tania, Siddique, Miriam and Dancan, we were able to hear from leaders from a cross section of understanding and experience regarding the value of education across different cultural and social contexts from Colombia, Pakistan, Kenya and the USA.

We talked about existing barriers to accessing education including the impact of poverty, access to technology and digital education and how to broaden the types of education girls receive by looking toward global future needs. 

One of the most important themes to emerge from the workshop was the concept of role models and representation. When discussing the hugely significant impact of the election of Francia Marquez, the first female Afro Colombian to hold the office of Vice President, Tania stressed how monumental this was for poor indigenous women to understand that there was actually a path out of poverty through education and mentorship, together with sheer bravery and determination. 

“It is always important that we keep representation in mind, because we cannot be what we can not see” - Tania Rosas

Another big topic was that of access to information. Dancan wanted to point out that similar to representation you do not know what you are capable of until you have a better understanding of what resources are available to you. Key to his work with Jiwo Paro is to ensure a wider distribution of information so that women can access their own inborn talent. 

Siddique stressed the importance of engaging the decision makers at the government level who have control over the gender budgets. A key component of the success of the Bridging the Digital Divide: from Colombia to Pakistan, the Rockflower pilot project being implemented by Tania and Siddique, has been the ability to act as a catalyst for the Ministry of Education to scale up the project. 

Miriam’s perspective as a lawyer brought a wider lens to the subject of Education by linking to an understanding of fundamental laws and rights, “There are laws in place for a reason, you are entitled to live a better life… and this can often lead to more political and civic engagement… If you understand your fundamental rights… then you can engage in the political process” - Miriam Foley 

But time is running out and as Tania reminded us at the end of the workshop, there are so many young people whose potential is being stymied through sheer lack of access and opportunity. 

Access to Food & Water

The number of people classed as “acutely food insecure” by the UN before the Covid crisis was 130 million, but this has since increased to 345 million due to the crisis in Ukraine. 50 million people are just one step away from famine. The rising cost of fertilizers and fuel, and the ongoing threat of catastrophic weather, is adding to an already heightened sense of fear and chaos, creating the perfect storm for social unrest, political instability, forced migration and the continued deep suffering of already marginalized communities. 

Against this rather gloomy backdrop, we had an opportunity with Brianna, Lucas, and Anandan (Twisi was unable to join us on the day) to provide some insight into the different types of food and water security issues at a local level, in the very different geographies of The Gambia, Nicaragua and India. 

Lucas and Brianna discussed their respective experiences and approaches to working as outsiders in community based programs and social enterprises. As a vet and social entrepreneur, Brianna has been able to bring her expertise without enforcing or prescribing solutions not generated by the community. Lucas shares this ethic and has worked closely with the women of L’Astillero to ensure that all decisions were participatory, in particular the budgeting and agroecology center planning.  Humility was the key word, and prompted discussion on the value of the traditional and indigeneous learned experience. 

Anandan held particular expertise in this regard,  detailing his work in ensuring indigenous knowledge on how to purify water is preserved through oral and written tradition. Local knowledge is key to transforming systems and communities. 

Lucas and Anandan also both referenced the ability of communities to build seed banks as a practical tool to ensure food security. Lucas detailed his own revelations when building the Center of Agroecology, that the reason that he could not access seeds was because they were all controlled by a few large multinational corporations. These were the same choices available to the local community of Astillero. The other partners on the call really liked the idea of seed banks and made plans to cross pollinate ideas in this regard. 

We also discussed localization vs globalization of food supply chains and the importance of diversifying farms and livestock as one form of mitigation against the effects of climate change. Brianna highlighted the difference between food security and food sovereignty, and how because of international food and trade policy so many people in emerging economies do not have ownership over their food production. Nutritious foods are cost prohibitive, for example milk is 16 times more expensive than rice in The Gambia, which is why the focus at Gambian Goat Dairy is to deliver cost effective animal source protein. 

We touched on the issue of land rights for women and referenced a recent Landesa paper "Women and Dirt"  in which they make the case for gender parity in land rights as a solution to issues of food security. 

One thing was clear  - waiting for the international community to fix climate change was too much of a long shot for so many of our partners. They need solutions today. 

“If the community of Astillero waits for the global community of politicians and diplomats to solve climate change, they are all going to be dead by the time that’s done so we need to prepare for building resilience on the ground” - Lucas Worsdell

Peace & Security

By providing a broad overview as to what peace and security means in different contexts and settings, but then to show how this directly affects communities and individuals, we were able to ensure that the partners on the call could draw a line between the information shared and their daily experiences. 

Peace and Security is not just the absence of war, it is a multi-layered understanding of the needs and wants of different groups and communities, at a personal, local, national and international level. 

With Dr. Alice, Rajaa, Sahana and John, we had a wide ranging conversation on what it takes to develop systems and strategies to counter violence, greed and injustice.  All of them have deep experience and a personal commitment to building a world in which peace is paramount.

Dr. Alice delivering her remarks in French, (our grateful thanks for translation by Will Burgat)  brought us into the heart of the issue, by describing the daily task of helping victims of atrocities become survivors and then contributors in the redesign of their communities through their lived experience.  There was a deep weariness in her voice as she described the continued witnessing of rape and murder and the daily repercussions of a reality in which Security Resolution 1325 does not actually live up to its intention. There are still not enough women involved in the concrete actions to bring about peace. In 2020 she was involved in talks with armed groups in order to bring more women to the discussion but was met with push back and the suggestion that they should only come if they bring women with weapons to the talks. Her plea was to ask how the UN can find a way to insist that more women from civil society are present at the “real peace talks” not just the secondary track two discussions. 

Rajaa shared the deeply personal experience of her father, a policial and human rights activist, having been detained and tortured in a Syrian prison for almost ten years of her life. When the uprising began in Syria in 2011 she was studying for her PhD in Mathematics in the US, but returned home to Syria knowing that she had to be involved in documenting the human rights abuses. She started CCSD with a group of activists determined to see a better future for the women of Syria, and continues to engage with civil society activists, youth leaders and all those wishing to see a greater emphasis on the women, peace and security agenda. She is extremely keen to ensure that all the lessons learned from the last ten years of work in Syria be shared with those in conflict situations so that all of the rich resources and learnings can be put to good use. 

 Sahana gave us a detailed analysis of the work of bringing multi stakeholders together in order to ensure the agenda of Women, Peace and Security is put front and center in the minds of policy decision makers. She applauded the partners on the call for their bravery and willingness to imagine a better and more peaceful world and for their consistent daily work to make this a reality.  Indeed, Security Council Resolution 1325 came from women in the Global South saying to those in the North - “What you are doing is not working, we need a better way” . She also reiterated the need for a collective vision of what peace would look like, and to take a step back to assess what is working and what is not.  By being willing to co-create something better there exists a real potential for a more secure world. .  

“Women want to change the dominant security narrative  … for the benefit of everyone. We can change the narrative of what is possible by seeing through a feminist lens” - Sahana Dharmapuri

John took us deep into the reality of the “captured state” - which is what happens when war economies take hold and become a perpetual money making machine for a few corrupt individuals. In order to tip the balance for those living in these countries who want an even playing field, the importance of using the tools of network sanctions and challenging the incentive structures that reward violence and authoritarianism cannot be overstated.  John’s decades of work in the DRC meant that he was particularly in tune with Dr. Alice’s deep feelings of frustration and shared how his own journey had evolved as an activist, to focus on dismantling the means by which war machines and kleptocracies thrive. This was a timely discussion, as his piece in Project Syndicate last week demonstrated on the occasion of Secretary Blinken’s visit to the Congo and Rwanda. 

We finished with a conversation on why Peace and Security is so difficult to fund, and not just in the world of philanthropy. As the world keeps spending trillions of dollars fighting wars only to rebuild after the destruction, a tiny portion of that invested in prevention would bring untold dividends.

“It's so hard to quantify the results of investments in peace” - John Prendergast

Conclusion: 

This was just the beginning of a series of workshops that Rockflower will be producing throughout the year as we digest the conversations and dig deeper into other ways to ensure that our partners have access to a shared platform of tools, techniques and approaches that can continue to contribute to the improvement of life and well being for so many women and girls and their communities. 

We are grateful to everyone who participated and thank all of our speakers for their insights, vision and clarity. 

Success Stories from CHICOSUDO's Women Empowerment Through Vocational Skills

Nelia Kabambe is a 17 year old single mother living in Traditional Authority Nkanda in Mulanje district, Malawi. She is one of twenty women who were given the opportunity to receive vocational skills training through a program implemented by Rockflower partner, CHICOSUDO. 

Nelia (right) learning to sew alongside her baby.

Nelia lost her parents at the age of twelve, and was unfortunately left to support herself. With very few options, she was forced to leave her education behind. She made one of the only decisions that she could and decided to marry a man, and be his second wife. Despite her young age and lack of experience, she took on the role of a wife in order to survive. 

In 2019, Nelia, who now had a child, was approached by a volunteer from CHICOSUDO who invited her to take part in their ‘End Child Marriage Now!!!’ program. Through this program, she received counseling on sexual and reproductive health, was provided an outlet to discuss concerns in her marriage, and received support through continued community programs.The knowledge she gained from the program allowed her to think critically about her situation, and to understand that there were other options for her. With the support of CHICOSUDO, she made the difficult decision to end her marriage, and live with her grandmother and baby. Nelia was determined to create a better life for herself and her child.

Over the past few years, Nelia has struggled to earn an income and support herself, her grandmother and her child. She is now 17 years old, and has been taking on casual jobs in order to make money whenever possible. However, through CHICOSUDO’s most recent project ‘Women Empowerment Through Vocational Skills' Nelia is learning the skills and tools necessary to become self-reliant.

Participants completing their tailoring assessment.

The goal of the project is to empower survivors of child marriages and single mothers by equipping them with skills, tools and education to support themselves and their families. Over the past few months, CHICOSUDO has worked to train twenty women in stitching, tailoring and embroidery while also providing education on sexual and reproductive rights and other emerging social issues. 

The organization is now close to completing this program, which consisted of 12 weeks of training in sewing and tailoring. The women have learned how to sew by using paper, how to maintain old clothes, and how to sew their own garments. The program has been highly successful, with over 85% of the course materials covered by the eleventh week. The decision has been made to extend the program by a few weeks to ensure that all of the women have learned the necessary skills. For the course’s final project, the women will sew uniforms for underprivileged children in the community. 

Not only are the participants learning these valuable vocational skills, but CHICOSUDO is also working to put a revolving loan scheme in place so that the women will have access to capital and can start their own businesses. The business loans will have an interest rate of 30% which will allow more money to go back into the fund, so that more women can access the loans. Over time, the fund will grow and so will their businesses. Upon completing the training, 85% of the women intend to start their own enterprises.

As the training comes to an end, the women, who are survivors of child marriages, are feeling hopeful and empowered by their ability to become self-reliant. Nelia is excited to complete the program and start her own business, or partner with others in the group to create a larger business. She now feels that her child will have better opportunities, and that she will be able to support her family despite all that she has been through. The work of the volunteers at CHICOSUDO has changed the lives of many women like Nelia through supporting them to leave abusive marriages, and providing them with the necessary skills to move forward and succeed on their own. 

Update on AYA’s Five Keys in Five Villages Project

Rockflower partner, African Youth Alliance, based in Cameroon, has been working to support seven groups of women in five different villages, utilizing Rockflower’s Five Key Framework. The project includes thoughtful elements that serve to improve the women’s quality of life through training focused on peace and security, maternal and reproductive health, access to food and water, education, and economic empowerment. This two year project has faced a great deal of challenges as a result of the pandemic, however, since resuming activities in March of 2021, the project has had a great impact on the lives of women, and has pivoted to include COVID-19 prevention education into their curriculum. AYA has provided an update on the program and its impact on the community.

Peace and Security:

AYA held a number of group discussions on peace and security to help women to better manage crises and conflict in their own homes and communities. The rate of physical and/or sexual violence toward women from intimate partners in Cameroon is 51%. More than half of the women attending these sessions had themselves been victims of domestic and/or sexual violence. The trainings not only taught them how to react and de-escalate conflict and violence, but how to protect themselves and understand their rights and power in these situations. 

At the end of each training session, the women were encouraged to stay in contact with one another and continue to have conversations on these topics. The group labeled themselves as ‘Community Peace Ambassadors’ and as such committed to sharing knowledge regularly, providing training to others, informing their community that they can be contacted in times of crisis, as well as working together to identify problems and seek solutions for women’s safety.

Group participant, Petra Mbom, a 25 year old, single and a mother told AYA, “I have benefitted as well as my group because we have been taught that women also have rights and that they can stand firm to defend themselves. Also from the lectures given we are able to settle disputes in our families and in our community and we hope to change certain aspects in our community. That is, allowing women to have rights to landed property is our target.”

Maternal and Reproductive Health:

AYA knew that focusing on women’s reproductive and sexual health was one of the most important aspects of this project. Since the women in these groups have received little, if any education on their sexual health, the potential for impact was immense. 

The primary focus areas for these sessions were education on HIV/AIDS, family planning, and menstruation. AYA enlisted the help of community nurses to stress the importance of learning their HIV/AIDS status, help them to understand the damage caused by stigamitizing and discriminating against other women based on their status, and to educate women who are HIV positive on how to stop the spread. 

In terms of family planning, the group focused on practices that would promote the health of both the mother and child, such as spacing out births. This topic was particularly impactful, as some of the women came to the session with the belief that they were going to be discouraged from having children, which was not the case. 

One participant explained, “Family planning has been taught in our group and we now understand that family planning does not mean women should stop giving birth or should not give birth, but it helps women to space their births and maintain a healthy family. Also, we now know the importance of reusable sanitary pads, how to use and take proper care of the pads.” Overall, the participants learned a great deal about caring for themselves as they navigate childbirth, sexually transmitted illnesses, and menstruation.

Access to Food and Water:

This portion of the project focused primarily on agriculture and land stewardship. Many of the women who participated in this training were already farmers by trade, while others were interested in gardening to supplement their family’s food supply. Some of the skills taught included preparing land for farming or gardening, propagating and nursing fruit trees, and understanding root systems.

The women also gained knowledge on land stewardship and conservation. They began a project in which they mapped out sites that would be considered unsafe or risky for farming, which led to a much higher success rate of crops in the area. This was the first time that the community conducted a study of land types, and it will have great long-term benefits. Through this mapping the women learned about the impacts of deforestation, land erosion and overfarming. They also learned about and implemented compost piles, harvested cabbage from community gardens and began an initiative titled “Operation One Man One Tree” in which each participant will plant a tree and encourage friends and family to do the same.

One participant, Ngwainmbi Mercy, who is 26 years old, married and a mother of two children said she has benefitted from the agricultural techniques that she learned through AYA’s training. Her and her group have been able to cultivate carrots, cabbages, and beans and this has helped them to provide food for their families and communities.

Education:

Due to the immense success and positive feedback from the maternal and reproductive health education, AYA decided to focus their education training on female empowerment. Several group meetings were held in which the groups discussed the negative impacts of early marriage and teenage pregnancy. They also gained valuable insight about the role of sexuality for women, which is generally considered taboo to discuss. Much of the conversation focused on the importance of fighting for their rights, maintaining good self esteem, and discrediting many cultural norms and traditions that serve to keep women out of positions of power. 

After this training, the women felt that they had a better understanding of how to live their lives with dignity, without shame and how to encourage the next generation of women to lead fulfilling lives. 

Juscentha Fukuin, a 40 year old mother of four children told AYA that she will no longer encourage her children to marry at a young age. 

Another participant, fourteen year old Belva Ndum said “I have benefitted from the lectures on general hygiene, and I can now take good care of myself. I have hope in the future despite the crisis and the closure of schools. I also know I have to work hard if I want to be a good leader in future.”

The sessions typically ended with goal setting, where the women were able to discuss what they hoped to achieve, and how they could support one another to achieve those goals. 

Economic Empowerment:

The final pillar of AYA’s training focused on ensuring that the participants had an understanding of how to manage a small business. In these training sessions, they learned basic accounting principles, book keeping, how to evaluate business growth, identifying financial setbacks, and strategies to overcome setbacks.

AYA also created a revolving loan scheme, in which each of the women would contribute a certain amount of their income to provide loans to others. As their businesses grow, so would the fund, and more businesses could emerge. This year, the women were able to fund half of their goal for the revolving loan scheme. As their businesses gradually grew throughout the year, the group was able to achieve a 44.6% profit from the sales of items like manure, salt, soap, and body lotions. This also served as a hands on lesson in deducting expenses in order to calculate profit.

One business owner, Carine Bih, benefited greatly from this education. She learned that a business and the business owner are separate entities, and that it’s possible for the business owner to owe money to the business. She had been operating a doughnut stand for years, and had seen almost no profit. She told AYA that she would often give donuts away to her friends and family, but she wasn’t clear on the fact that when she did that, she would have to owe the cost of those ingredients to the business. Through the group training, she came to understand that she was the reason that her business was not profitable, and she learned how to keep record of any product that she gives away so that she can pay it back to the business. 

Many of the women involved in the program had been running businesses for years with no education on how to maintain and account for their business. This education has been invaluable to them as they now are able to recognize their profits and plan for their futures.

Overall, the training and resources provided by AYA has had an immense impact on improving the participants’ knowledge of their rights, especially sexual and reproductive rights, food security, income and agricultural skills. For these rural women in Cameroon, many of whom are young and/or single mothers, this education will serve to allow them to improve their quality of life and that of their families as they plan for the future. AYA noted that due to the challenges faced by these women, including extreme poverty, domestic violence, and child marriages, the program has been met with more than enthusiasm. The women are delighted and eager to better their lives and work together to improve their communities.

Reflections on JWAS' COVID-19 Education Project

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly shifted the needs of our partner organizations and the communities they serve. Organizations, like Janaki Women Awareness Society (JWAS), whose main focus is to intervene and educate women and children in Nepal who are victims of child marriage, domestice violence and the caste system, have found themselves pivoting their work to protect and educate women and their families about the threats posed by COVID-19. In September of 2020, JWAS received funding to launch their project titled “Enhancing the knowledge of girls, women and their family's on COVID-19 and its secondary impact,” and has since completed their project and provided an update.

In the wake of the pandemic, this recent project was created to strengthen the ability of Nepalese women and their families to cope with the threat of COVID-19, continue education on sexual and reproductive health, gender based violence, and provide information about accessing health services during the pandemic. In total, 182 women and girls were able to benefit from community education sessions, while the approximately 625 family members of these women indirectly benefited from their increased knowledge around COVID-19 and preventative measures.

The team at JWAS was able to mobilize quickly and publish an informational, illustration-focused book on the effects of COVID-19 and preventative measures to increase public health. They also developed a six part radio program that was aired on their local radio station in their dialect of Maithili. The main component of this project was to reach marginalized women and girls in the community, and JWAS was able to accomplish this through community education sessions. The team created ten groups of twenty women and girls, and held ten sessions for each group. Throughout the duration of this project, an astounding 100 group sessions were held to educate women on COVID-19, sexual and reproductive health, and gender based violence. The group also listened to the girls and heard their concerns around these issues as well as the caste system, which still segregates and causes vast disadvantages for families in Nepal.

The results of the project were truly transformative, and the community sessions wrapped up right before the onset of the second wave of COVID-19, which JWAS believes left community members much more prepared to protect themselves and their families’ health. The women involved in the group sessions noted that the meetings helped them to understand the importance of wearing masks, using sanitizers and maintaining physical distance in order to stop the spread of the virus. Additionally, in learning about the devastating effects that childhood marriage has on young women’s physical and mental health, the group decided to continue educating women around them to save other women and girls in their community from this fate. In learning more about gender-based violence, the group members requested that JWAS provide training on the subject for their brothers and fathers so that the entire community can work together to put a stop to domestic violence and lack of rights for women. Overall, this project was hugely effective in both educating on COVID-19 prevention, and issues of sexual health and gender-based violence. The women involved now have greater knowledge to protect themselves, and are motivated to continue sharing this knowledge to create a healthier and more equitable community.