Hope for Rural Women Launches 'Rise Up Girl Campaign' in Kasese

Families and local leaders gathered for an engagement workshop to help end child marriage.

In Maliba Sub-County, Kasese district, a transformative movement is underway. The Rise Up Girl Campaign, led by Hope for Rural Women, is dedicated to ending child marriages and bolstering the rights and well-being of girls and young women through an integrated community approach. This campaign is not just about advocacy; it's about creating real change on the ground through empowering community members to be champions for change.

The campaign aims to deepen community awareness of the detrimental effects of child marriages on girls' education, health, and overall well-being. By engaging a diverse group of stakeholders—including local leaders, parents with disabilities, and the girls themselves—the campaign fosters a robust dialogue that challenges deep-seated cultural norms and economic conditions that have historically perpetuated these issues.

One key focus is advocating for crucial policy changes and stronger enforcement measures to prevent child marriages, conducted through targeted workshop training at the local level. The campaign has already educated 71 local leaders and parents, both disabled and able-bodied, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive change within their communities and move the needle toward ending child marriage in Maliba Sub-County.

These efforts are underscored by a series of intercultural engagement training workshops where participants, including elders and parents, are educated on becoming proactive advocates for policy reform and shifting social norms to protect young girls. This proactive stance is essential for creating a sustainable environment where girls can truly thrive.

The Rise Up Girl Campaign also recommends practical solutions like comprehensive sexual health education, life skills training, and economic empowerment initiatives specifically tailored for girls. This holistic approach ensures that parents, especially those facing disabilities and economic hardships, are also supported to provide adequately for their daughters, reducing the risk of child marriages due to financial desperation.

As this campaign gains momentum, it promises not only to reduce the incidence of child marriages and sexual violence but also to foster a generational shift. The girls and women involved in the program are envisioned to become influential leaders and advocates, promoting a culture of respect, equality, and human rights in Maliba Sub-County and beyond. With continued support and expanded workshops, the campaign aims to create wide scale change for young girls on an individual, local, and policy basis.

Rockflower solidifies the power of the Currency of Mind, by providing short term relief for our partners affected by landslides in Uganda

Makeshift shelters housing families in an emergency relief camp in the Kasese district.

Rockflower’s reason for existing is to provide catalytic funding to those social entrepreneurs and grassroots community based organizations, who are often overlooked when it comes to receiving international funding. Because of the unique nature of our partnerships and the deep relationships we have built over the years, it is essential that when our partners turn to us in times of disaster, we have the capacity to provide whatever short term relief is possible. We have established a small emergency fund for this purpose as so many of our partners are on the leading edge of climate change disasters and need urgent help when it is needed most.

Most recently we were able to provide emergency relief funding to Hope for Rural Women (HORUWO), to enable them to provide essential relief to victims of flooding and landslides in Maliba Subcounty of the Kasese District, Uganda, an area increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

In May 2024, devastating floods and landslides struck Kasese District, displacing thousands and causing a significant loss of life. Maliba Subcounty, one of the hardest hit areas, saw the establishment of multiple camps housing over 6,152 displaced individuals. In response, Rockflower funded HORUWO to deliver vital supplies, including maize flour, soap, basins, and sanitary pads, to 60 women and teenage girls residing in Buhunga Camp. These basic necessities are critical to recovery in the early stages of displacement.

HORUWO’s team distributing items to families.

The tragic events in Kasese District highlight a broader issue faced globally: the disproportionate impact of climate change on impoverished communities. These communities contribute the least to climate change and pollution, but suffer its harshest consequences, including increased risks of floods, landslides, and subsequent socio-economic instability. Women and girls, in particular, face heightened vulnerabilities during such crises, with increased risks of sexual violence, health issues, and disruptions in education.

With this short term relief project, HORUWO provided 120 bags of maize flour, 120 bars of soap, 60 basins, and 180 boxes of sanitary pads to the victims, addressing immediate dietary and hygiene needs. However, the broader challenge remains for those returning to lands stripped of resources. The potential for hunger, malnutrition, and escalated gender-based violence requires comprehensive strategies to ensure safety and resilience.

In light of these ongoing challenges, HORUWO is planning the "Rise Up Girl Campaign" aimed at ending child marriages through awareness, advocacy, and empowerment in Maliba Subcounty. Given the recent disasters, many girls will not have the funds to return to school, which puts them at an increased risk of early pregnancy, marriage and sexual violence. The initiative will use intercultural engagement and communication to involve a diverse group of community stakeholders, including police, local leaders, and cultural figures, to create sustainable solutions to combat sexual violence and support vulnerable populations.

For fifteen years we have understood the magnitude of ensuring power is in the hands of local communities to combat global challenges and are dedicated to continuing our support for those affected by climate-induced disasters. By showing how targeted support can make a real and substantive difference in the lives of those who are most at risk from the changing climate, namely women and girls, we are proving that no effort is too small or insignificant and we will continue to do whatever it takes to support our partners in times of need.

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.

Rockflower and KYID's Pioneering Project for Albino Rights in Uganda

Rockflower, in partnership with Kinyamaseke Youth In Development (KYID), proudly shares the impactful results of our collaborative project advocating for the rights and dignity of Albino individuals in Uganda. This transformative journey has been a testament to the power of community, advocacy, and resilience in challenging deep-rooted misconceptions and cultural norms.

From Darkness to Light: The Project's Journey

KYID embarked on a mission to alter the dangerous cultural norms and beliefs that alienate Albino people, often associating them with the supernatural and exposing them to severe risks. These societal misconceptions have often led to Albinos being chased for harmful practices that can include physical mutilation and even murder. Recognizing the urgency, KYID involved key stakeholders including legislators, politicians, local and cultural leaders, aiming to shift perceptions and advocate for the Albino community's rights.

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges

Albinos in Uganda have faced isolation and discrimination, impacting every aspect of their lives—from education to healthcare. KYID addressed these challenges head-on, empowering Albino people to emerge from isolation and integrate into society.

It focused on:

• Education and Advocacy: Training workshops were conducted for 80 individuals, including Albinos, their families, and community leaders, to highlight the challenges they have faced and explore legal and policy solutions.

• Community Dialogues: Engagements with various stakeholders, including religious and traditional leaders, emphasized the need for inclusive policies and protective measures for Albinos.

• Forming an Albino Association: Guiding Albinos to establish an organization, providing them a platform to advocate for their rights and receive essential services.

Impactful Outcomes and Lessons Learned

The project's success in improving the welfare of the Albino community in Uganda has been multi-faceted and deeply impactful. One of the most significant outcomes has been the cultural shifts initiated by the development of policy briefs by cultural leaders. These documents have played a crucial role in discarding harmful beliefs and practices that have long plagued the Albino community. By addressing these deep-rooted cultural issues, the project has laid the groundwork for more profound and lasting change.

Another key achievement of the project has been the increase in awareness about the challenges faced by Albinos. Leveraging local media, the initiative successfully amplified the voices of Albinos, bringing their stories and struggles to the forefront of public consciousness. This heightened awareness has been instrumental in educating the broader public about the rights and needs of Albinos, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

The importance of education in empowering the Albino community cannot be overstated. The project placed a strong emphasis on schooling for Albino children, working to sensitize educational institutions to their unique needs and challenges. This focus on education has opened up new avenues for these children, providing them with opportunities to break out of the cycle of poverty that has often confined them.

In terms of healthcare, the project has made significant strides in advocating for better access and services, particularly in the area of maternal health. This focus on healthcare accessibility has been crucial in improving the overall well-being and quality of life for the Albino community, ensuring that they receive the care and support they need.

The collaboration with human rights lawyers to defend Albinos against abuse and discrimination has also been a pivotal part of the project. This legal support has provided a layer of protection and advocacy for the community, offering a means to combat the injustices they often face.

Lastly, the project's initiatives for economic empowerment have been transformative. By equipping Albinos with income-generating skills and providing opportunities for self-reliance, the project has enabled them to become more independent and secure in their livelihoods. This focus on economic empowerment is not just about providing financial stability, but also about instilling a sense of dignity and self-worth in the Albino community.

Together, these outcomes and lessons learned have marked a significant step forward in the journey towards equality, respect, and a better life for Albinos in Uganda. The project's comprehensive approach has not only addressed immediate needs but also set in motion a series of changes that promise a more hopeful and inclusive future for the Albino community.

Addressing the Fallout of Tragedy with Hope and Action

Participants at the public awareness training held by Hope for Rural Women with support from Rockflower.

In the wake of the harrowing terrorist attack on Lhubiriha Secondary School by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the community of Mpondwe, Uganda, has been enveloped in mourning and distress. Rockflower's partner in the region, Hope for Rural Women (HORUWO), has not only faced the immediate tragedy with the loss of innocent lives but also confronted the complex aftermath within the community.

Understanding the intricate social repercussions that followed the attack, particularly the strain on familial bonds and rise in domestic violence stemming from secret DNA testing, HORUWO, with the backing of Rockflower, swiftly initiated a critical intervention - A Public Awareness Training Workshop aimed at curbing domestic violence and the chain of mistrust unleashed by secret paternity tests.

The Response Project - A Workshop on Awareness and Change

HORUWO's workshop brought together 50 members of the community, including women from the organization, local leaders, and political figures to address the issue head-on. The discussions, though challenging and charged with emotion, provided a necessary platform for both men and women to voice their pain and concerns.

Amidst the tension, the workshop revealed deep-seated issues within the community: men's anguish over parental uncertainty and women's distressing need to secure basic needs for their families, sometimes at the cost of marital fidelity. These complex dynamics were thrown into stark relief against the backdrop of the tragic school attack and the subsequent DNA identification efforts that, for some, compounded the sense of betrayal and loss.

Moving Forward - Recommendations and Actions

• The session concluded with several forward-thinking resolutions aimed at healing and prevention:

• Increased awareness about the implications of secret DNA testing and domestic violence.

• A call for men to fulfill their familial responsibilities and engage in open dialogue with their spouses.

• A plea for both men and women to maintain fidelity and uphold the vows of their union.

• Advocacy for establishing economic opportunities for women, empowering them to meet their basic needs independently.

• Creation and distribution of educational materials, including posters and murals, to spread awareness about the issues at hand.

• Utilizing local radio to extend the conversation, with Messiah FM hosting discussions that reflected a community divided yet seeking solutions.

As a direct outcome, 50 individuals were trained and commissioned as ‘anti-secret DNA testing ambassadors’, charged with carrying the workshop's messages to wider audiences. The radio broadcasts expanded the reach of the dialogue, engaging callers from across the district and beyond.

HORUWO's director, Biira Juliet, noted the shift in understanding among both men and women regarding the dire consequences of dishonesty in relationships and the importance of mutual support within the family unit. Acknowledgment of the project's benefits was also given to Rockflower, whose financial assistance made these essential community conversations possible.

In the face of adversity, the joint efforts of HORUWO and Rockflower have sown seeds of hope and begun the painstaking work of rebuilding trust within the fabric of the Kasese community.

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.

Update on Uganda Terrorist Attack: A Chain of Unforeseen Consequences

In the wake of the devastating attack on July 16th, believed to be the work of ADF rebels, Uganda's community continues to grapple with profound trauma. The initial tragedy claimed the lives of 41 innocent students, predominantly young girls aged 12 to 25. However, a cascade of unexpected and deeply distressing events has since unfolded, bringing more anguish to the affected families.

Three members of HORUWO, Kabugho Josphine, Masika Dolisi, and Janet Muhindo, are among those who lost a child in the attack. Beyond the immediate pain of loss, numerous women from the community who were bereaved by the attack have now found themselves victims of domestic violence. The reason for this alarming escalation lies in the aftermath of the DNA testing conducted due to the severity of the burns on some of the bodies. Shockingly, these tests have revealed that some of the children's fathers were not biologically related to them.

This revelation has torn families apart, creating a rift that transcends the original tragedy. The fallout has extended far beyond the bereaved families, affecting households that were never directly touched by the attack. Accusations of dishonesty in relationships have become widespread, as men confront the unexpected outcome of DNA tests. In an alarming trend, many fathers are secretly subjecting their children to further DNA tests, adding to the trauma these families are experiencing.

Compounding this crisis, the feeding of mourners became a significant challenge. With DNA testing taking an extended period, mourners stayed with affected families for weeks. Limited resources and abject poverty made feeding these mourners a burden, particularly as the government struggled to complete the DNA identification process. While the government provided financial support, it arrived late and was inadequate.

Amid this distress, the funds provided by Rockflower played a pivotal role. These funds were utilized to purchase essential supplies like beans, rice, cassava flour, and more, aiding the affected families in feeding the mourning guests who had gathered to console them during the difficult waiting period. Yet, the crisis has revealed a pressing need for comprehensive intervention.

An awareness training workshop involving local leaders, religious figures, teachers, and the community at large is imperative to address the escalating domestic violence against women. Such violence arises from the shock of failed DNA tests and the emotional upheaval it brings. Additionally, community meetings and radio broadcasts aimed at providing psycho-social support to parents, teachers, and learners are vital in mitigating the fear sparked by the recent attack and the subsequent turmoil from secret DNA testing.

Uganda stands at a crossroads, navigating not only the aftermath of a tragic attack but also the unintended consequences that have shaken families and communities to their core. Urgent steps are required to heal wounds that run deeper than anticipated, ensuring that the fallout from this event does not further fracture the bonds of Ugandan society.

KYID & Rockflower Aim to Transform Lives of Albino People in Uganda

Kinyamaseke Youth In Development (KYID), is partnering with Rockflower for a new project to amplify the voices of another underrepresented and oppressed group. This time, their mission is to empower and protect the rights of individuals with Albinism, a group facing profound challenges due to cultural beliefs and societal misconceptions.

Founded in 2008, KYID has been a beacon of hope in Kinyamasake, dedicated to eradicating gender inequality and fostering community conversations that drive real change. Their strength lies in their deep-rooted relationships within the community, enabling them to respond effectively to pressing needs and create projects that truly matter.

Earlier this year, KYID initiated an inspiring project focused on challenging perceptions and breaking the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS through community dialogues in Kinyamaseke. Yet, in the process, the organization discovered a hidden crisis that demanded immediate attention – the alarming plight of people with dwarfism. KYID swiftly adapted, pivoting their efforts to champion the rights and well-being of this community. The project's success in enhancing awareness and improving lives has been nothing short of remarkable.

However, as KYID worked alongside individuals with dwarfism, they discovered yet another marginalized group in need of recognition and change – Albino individuals. These individuals, often victims of cultural misconceptions, endure discrimination, restricted educational opportunities, untreated health issues, and even threats to their lives. Their experiences struck a chord within KYID, igniting a renewed passion to raise awareness, dispel myths, and advocate for the rights and dignity of Albino individuals.

The objectives of this dynamic collaboration are as diverse as they are impactful. Through an array of strategies, KYID aims to debunk harmful myths, empower Albinos with education and resources, secure legal protection, and build a more inclusive society. By organizing community awareness campaigns, advocating for essential resources like sun protection, and collaborating with law enforcement for legal advocacy, they aspire to create a safe and nurturing environment for Albinos to thrive.

This initiative goes beyond immediate changes – it envisions a future where Albinos are celebrated, where their rights are recognized, and where their safety is a given. Through community engagement, partnerships with law enforcement, and capacity-building initiatives, KYID and Rockflower intend to establish a solid foundation for lasting change, fostering a society where inclusivity is at the heart of every community interaction.

In the face of these challenges, KYID and Rockflower's partnership stands as a beacon of hope. Together, they embark on a journey towards greater awareness, empathy, and lasting change, weaving a tapestry of empowerment and dignity for all.

Supporting Women in Burkina Faso Through Cassava Processing

Rockflower is pleased to announce a new collaborative project with the Association Burkinabé des Femmes Battantes (ABFB). This joint endeavor aims to empower women in Burkina Faso by establishing a cassava processing plant to produce attiéké, a popular cassava-based side dish.

Recognizing the challenges faced by internally displaced women, domestic violence survivors, and women living in extreme poverty, ABFB has been working to provide agency and resources to improve the lives of these women. Through regular meetings with the affected women ABFB has identified that the most critical need is income generation.

The women at the organization have determined that processing cassava into attiéké presents a promising solution to address this need. Cassava, a staple crop in Burkina Faso, offers high yields, resilience to drought, and substantial nutritional value. Attiéké, a sought-after side dish akin to couscous, has witnessed growing popularity in recent years, yet the current production levels are insufficient to meet the demands of wholesale purchasers such as restaurants, schools, and hospitals.

The primary objective of this project is twofold. Firstly, the establishment of a processing plant dedicated to converting cassava into attiéké will provide a sustainable and reliable source of income for the participating women. The potential for large-scale growth in attiéké production holds promising prospects for economic empowerment and financial stability. Secondly, the processing plant will serve as an educational center, offering training and knowledge-sharing opportunities for women interested in learning about cassava processing and venturing into the market with their own cassava-based products.

By investing in this project, Rockflower aims to effect lasting change by creating opportunities for sustainable income, fostering entrepreneurship, and advancing gender equality in Burkina Faso. The partnership between Rockflower and ABFB exemplifies the power of collective action in driving positive social impact. Through its amazing network of donors and supporters, Rockflower is pleased to provide funding and resources to ensure the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the cassava processing project.

Urgent Support Needed for Families Affected by Devastating Terrorist Attack in Uganda

Women from Hope for Rural Women during their beekeeping project.

Uganda was recently struck by a horrific terrorist attack that targeted Lhubiriha Secondary School in the border town of Mpondwe. The attack, carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), resulted in the loss of at least 37 lives, with the majority being innocent students. This tragedy has deeply impacted the Rockflower community, particularly three members of our partner organization, Hope for Rural Women, who have tragically lost their children to this senseless violence.

The ADF, known for its history of violence in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has caused immense suffering over the years. According to a congressional report, the armed rebel group has razed schools, villages, and U.N. outposts, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians between 2014 and 2022. With ties to ISIL (ISIS), the ADF has utilized the volatile eastern DRC as a base for launching attacks, further destabilizing the region.

The recent attack on Lhubiriha Secondary School marked one of the deadliest incidents in Uganda since the twin bombings in Kampala in 2010. The tragedy claimed the lives of innocent students, leaving behind grieving families and a shocked community. The impact has been particularly devastating for our partners in the Kasese district of Uganda, whose children have been taken from them too soon.

Recognizing the urgent need for support, Rockflower has sent funds to Hope for Rural Women to assist in covering the immediate needs of the affected families. However, the road to recovery will be long and arduous. The families who lost their children in the attack require ongoing support to help them cope with the emotional and psychological trauma they have endured.

Hope for Rural Women’s director, Juliet said, “I am equally devastated by what I saw on the ground here... It was horrible, here 41  innocent students being killed, majority burnt beyond recognition and scores abducted. Yes the women need support especially the 3 women who lost their children in the attack. DNA tests to match relatives of those who were burnt beyond recognition will be carried out. More prayers are needed.”

At this critical time, we stand in solidarity with our partners in Uganda. It is imperative that we come together as a global community to support the affected families and help rebuild their lives. By providing financial assistance, emotional support, and access to necessary resources, we can help these women, their families, and the community heal from the profound impact of this terrorist attack.

KYID is Championing Rights for Individuals with Dwarfism & HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Rockflower partner, Kinyamaseke Youths in Development (KYID), is making significant progress in advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with dwarfism and HIV/AIDS. Dwarfism, a condition that affects adult height, and the challenges faced by those living with it have long been neglected and stigmatized. KYID aims to change this narrative and create a more inclusive society for marginalized groups through their work.

KYID recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals with dwarfism. They are often subjected to discrimination, stigma, and misconceptions, leading to their marginalization within communities. Moreover, poverty, limited access to education, employment opportunities, and public infrastructure further exacerbate their vulnerability. KYID is committed to addressing these issues and ensuring the rights and potential of individuals with dwarfism are acknowledged.

The project undertaken by KYID was initiated during an HIV/AIDS training session for the community when a person with dwarfism stood up to share their story and the challenges they faced. It became clear that there was a lack of awareness and a great deal of discrimination faced by individuals with dwarfism regarding HIV/AIDS. Motivated by their experiences and challenges, KYID embarked on a mission to provide support and create awareness.

One of the key activities conducted by KYID was a comprehensive two-day training program on the causes, transmission, and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Participants were equipped with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves and others from the disease. Moreover, they were empowered to become advocates within their communities, spreading awareness and challenging harmful stereotypes.

KYID also facilitated a dialogue with 30 local and cultural leaders to discuss the rights of individuals with dwarfism. The objective was to debunk myths and misconceptions while increasing understanding and support for their inclusion. By engaging influential leaders, KYID aims to foster a broader societal change and promote the rights of individuals with dwarfism.

To reach a wider audience, KYID organized a radio program focused on raising community awareness about the rights and freedoms of people with dwarfism. The program emphasized the legal framework and international conventions pertaining to the rights of persons with disabilities. The response from the community was positive, with many expressing sympathy and recognizing the need to support individuals with dwarfism at all levels.

During their initiatives, an emerging issue came to light as a person living with albinism shared her challenges. Albinos, another group of people with disabilities, face discrimination and even violence due to harmful cultural beliefs. KYID intends to address these concerns and work towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals with albinism as well.

KYID's efforts are commendable as they strive to create an inclusive society where all individuals, regardless of their disabilities, are respected, supported, and empowered. By advocating for the rights of people with dwarfism and HIV/AIDS, KYID is paving the way for a more equal and accepting Uganda.

The Impact of The Earthquakes on Syria

PC: CCSD

It’s hard to know where to begin when writing about the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday February 6th. The media has been abuzz with updates, statistics and response efforts. However, over the past few days, the news cycle seems to be moving forward. Currently, the death toll is estimated at over 36,000 people – a number that most of us cannot even fathom. To help conceptualize this, it would be the equivalent of losing the student population of over 70 US high schools in just one week. 

Undoubtedly it will take years to rebuild all of the infrastructure that has been lost. For the embattled territories of Northwest Syria, the earthquake is added to a decade of conflict, obstruction of aid and displacement. There are more than 4 million Syrians depending on aid from the UN and other NGOs and whilst aid to Turkey has greatly increased in the wake of the earthquake, the border situation in Syria has left the Northwest territories with even less humanitarian support. Due to objections from the Russian and Syrian governments, the only route into Syria is by crossing through Turkey. At this time, a UN resolution in place only allows UN agencies to cross the border and provide aid. Outside of these agencies, the folks on the ground, living in Syria are the only people able to provide aid to those in need. For this reason, it is absolutely crucial that we funnel funding toward Syrian based NGOs. Any other solutions to this issue will require widespread political pressure in order to open borders and bring relief. 

Rockflower Partner, Center for Civil Society and Democracy, is one such organization based in Syria working to help with recovery and displacement. On February 6th they issued a statement explaining the devastation and documenting their urgent needs. These include people to help with rescue operations, medical personnel and supplies, food, water and blankets, temporary shelters fit for cold weather, communication support, funding for organizations supporting women and mental health support for those affected. 

We have been in touch with CCSD, and their team told us, “The needs are huge, people have lost family and friends, many people have lost all their possessions including paperwork and many homes are unsafe to enter. CCSD’s support is structured and prioritized around a few key areas: humanitarian assistance (tents, food, water, hygiene kits, support for burials), logistical and coordination support, communication assistance (internet support), and psychosocial support.  The weather continues to be extremely cold. Much more help is needed for shelter (tents and blankets) and heat (wood burning stoves or electric heaters), many people are still on the streets. The most vulnerable – children, people with disabilities, and women need more focused support. Children need jackets and warm clothes.  Families with homes intact have taken in IDPs (internally displaced persons) and they need support.”

Despite the global narrative moving forward, Syrians are suffering and they are not receiving anything close to adequate resources to help them recover from this disaster. A recent tweet from Omar D. Foda (@EgyptsBeer) resonates strongly, “People living in the Middle East are not some special species that becomes more immune to tragedy the more they experience it. They are humans who are suffering at levels that are almost inconceivable. To believe otherwise is to justify your cold indifference.” Please make it a priority to support Syrian based organizations like CCSD as they work on the ground, leading recovery efforts.

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. 

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.

Uganda: Spotlight on Stories of Hope and Resilience

Rockflower is a global venture philanthropy fund maintaining partnerships across the world, in particular across the African continent. As the pandemic continues to have a disproportionate impact on those countries without access to vaccines and medications, we have chosen to spotlight the situation in Uganda where we currently have nine partnerships -  Farm Life, Foundation for Women’s Dignity, Hope for the Future Organization, Hope for Rural Women (HORUWO), Kinyamaseke Youth in Development (KYID),  Rwenzori United Group for Life Improvement (RUGLI), Women Advocacy and Development Services (UWADS) Youth and Women Initiative for Sustainable Development (YWISD) and Dare Now Uganda (DNU). 

In recent months, our partners in Uganda have faced immense challenges caused by the spread of the recent Delta variant of COVID-19, which has brought a halt to all planned activities during the most recent 42 days of lockdown. Many Ugandans are now without income or community support and are struggling to fulfill basic needs such as access to food. Our partner organizations work hard to support their communities and create stability, and throughout this time have found themselves overwhelmed with requests for food, and other basic necessities. 

Through the generosity of our supporters, Rockflower has been able to ensure that funds have been made available to support our Ugandan partners throughout this time. Funds that would normally be allocated to community based projects for women and girls, are now being used for the purchase of food to keep them alive. 

The situation in Uganda has worsened in recent months despite evidence that in the early stages of the pandemic, the country was extremely successful at protecting its citizens. In 2016, Uganda founded a global health security program at the Infectious Disease Institute at Makerere University in Kampala in order to combat and plan for pandemics. Early in 2020, the government quickly developed border screenings, laboratory testing capacity, community surveillance and infection control in health clinics and hospitals. As a result of this expeditious rollout of safety measures, Uganda was reporting fewer cases and deaths than other countries of similar population size.

It wasn’t until the Delta variant began spreading rapidly that the condition worsened. This variant of COVID-19 transmits more easily and has led to a higher percentage of severe illness, including those requiring oxygen support. Uganda has a population of 44 million and so far has recorded a total of 91,355 cases of COVID-19 and 2,483 deaths, according to the latest data from the health ministry. The virus has spread to 108 districts, out of which 20, including Kampala and Wakiso, have been significantly affected. 

On June 19th, Uganda re-imposed a 42 day complete lockdown, which only allowed citizens to leave their homes for essential purchases and included a ban on the use of any private vehicles other than those operated by essential workers. The response from the broader population was not welcoming of the lockdown. Many believed that it would do more harm than good, and those who may be in dire need of resources and support are afraid to approach local law enforcement, and would prefer to stay silent.

Unfortunately, the only measure that can truly stop the spread of COVID-19 and pull Uganda out of this desperate situation is the ready availability of vaccinations. COVID-19 is now considered a preventable disease thanks to the numerous vaccines that have been proven effective, but without access to these vaccines, the pandemic will continue to spread in unvaccinated populations. 

In March of 2021, Uganda received their first donation of vaccines, and felt confident that they would soon be able to vaccinate 50% of their population. In March they received 864,000 vaccines donated through CoVax and another 100,000 donated from India. Although still beneficial, this number is a drop in the bucket against Uganda’s population of 44 million. First responders and high risk patients were prioritized, but once these vaccines were used, vaccination efforts were shut down until late June when France donated another 175,000 doses. Since then, Uganda has not received any additional doses.

The Ugandan government has so far failed to purchase any vaccines, with officials saying the country had been priced out of the market by richer nations in the West, and therefore has been relying on surplus donations from other countries. Like many nations, Uganda was hoping to purchase vaccines produced in India, however due to India's recent devastating outbreak, they are no longer exporting doses. 

The phrase ‘vaccine diplomacy’ has long been the topic of conversation regarding how vaccines will be distributed across the world. The issue is that this phrase represents a political rather than science-based effort to vaccinate populations. It has become a matter of politics and money. Developing countries that have the capacity to produce vaccines are unable to negotiate for the licenses from drug companies and countries without strong bilateral relationships may get passed over. This vaccination distribution method does not eliminate hotspots of the virus, which will lead to even more dangerous variants emerging. The world is quickly losing time, and will require a global resolve to end the pandemic equitably.

Rockflower has received updates from a number of Ugandan partners informing us of their current situation, and in many cases asking for help. Our partner organizations are pillars of support for their communities, and have therefore been inundated with requests for help throughout the lockdown. Nankindu Angella, Chairperson & Co-founder of Youth and Women Initiative for Sustainable Development (YWISD) explained the challenges faced by her community throughout the current lockdown.

“It's a hard and challenging time for us community leaders, we were working on improving the market then boom the lock down came in and everything is now so hard. Now we have put the training on hold to observe and follow Standard Operating Procedures for COVID-19. Since we supported our beneficiaries during the previous lockdown even now they keep coming to us for help and we have done what we can, we are supporting very many women in the community who cannot feed their children. I myself am a single mother, I clearly understand what many of these women pass through now since many work for day-to-day food.”

Our partner organizations have been forced to suspend activities, which in many cases has caused the loss of the sole source of income for women and girls who support themselves and their families. Rockflower partner, Biira Mary, the Executive Director of Rwenzori United Group for Life Improvement (RUGLI), sent us an update explaining the economic impact and long-term devastation caused by the pandemic.

“COVID-19 has created a lot of devastating social, economic, and political crises that are going to leave deep scars for years to come. The impact caused may  reverse   the progress made in tackling global challenges  for many years  putting at risk the lives and livelihoods of people living in underdeveloped countries  but pressing many vulnerable people, the youth and persons with disabilities. The dreadful virus has caused a lot of gaps in the development process increasing the vulnerability of youths due to lack of essential resources such as clean water, food, medical supplies and even basic information. The disease has proved to be a tragic longer-term impact, with the potential for mass unemployment, and the risk of increasing inequality, marginalization, and poverty.”

Upon receiving these and many other messages from our partners in Uganda, Rockflower was able to put together a small but impactful emergency relief fund to help with food and other basic necessities for these communities. We are looking at all opportunities to raise additional funds including an additional surge of cryptocurrency donations to sustain this fund and provide life-saving necessities to women and girls who have been greatly affected by the pandemic. Sarah Namunyagwa, a single mother who has participated in YWISD projects in the past, is one beneficiary of the emergency relief fund. Her gratitude for such a small gift of food, is extremely humbling.

"I don't know how much I can thank you for this food, may God continue blessing you abundantly. I had nothing, totally nothing, to feed my 4 children in this COVID lockdown. I am a single mother and having gone through weaving training and you gave me hope to change my life but COVID is making it very difficult for me. Last month I was learning online marketing and I hoped to increase my sales and better the livelihood of my family but COVID lockdown came and all is at pause now yet basic needs are needed…you have not given up on me again you have provided food to help us survive, just extend my gratitude to your partners.”

As of July 30th, the full lockdown in Uganda has been lifted and the country is now looking toward rebuilding all that was lost during this time, providing basic necessities to those who are still without and continuing to fight COVID-19. The challenges faced by these communities are far from over, especially because the country is still severely lacking vaccines for its citizens. 

As our partners begin to resume their activities, the opportunity to gain income via e-commerce is one that could greatly improve their situations. Currently the gender gap that exists on online platforms is excluding billions of dollars from the wallets of female entrepreneurs and the opportunity for economic improvement via their training and participation is immense. The Council for Foreign Relationships noted, “Watershed moments to transform women’s economic status globally are few and far between, but COVID-19 and the post-pandemic recovery offer one of these rare and critical junctures. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity for development and an equitable future for all.”

A few of the outstanding goods being made by some of our partners are shown here by one of our partners, Hope for the Future. We continue to believe in the possibility of new and emerging lines of commerce to benefit their beautiful and innovative work and look forward to exploring these and other opportunities for growth.

Rockflower remains committed to providing support for all of our Ugandan partners so that they may resume activities to support the women and girls of their communities.  Please consider donating to Rockflower’s Emergency Fund, either through traditional channels such as our website’s donation page, or through cryptocurrency via our partnership with The Giving Block. Please be assured that even a small donation can be extremely helpful for women and girls struggling to fulfill their basic needs and those of their families. 

A Year in Reflection: African Youth Alliance Reports on Year One of the Five Keys Five Villages Project

In 2020, female-led and volunteer-run community-based organization, African Youth Alliance, overcame a number of unique struggles but still managed to persevere in their mission to empower rural women and girls in the North West Region of Cameroon. AYA has been a Rockflower partner for five years but recently undertook a two year, multi-key approach to prove the merits of community based education and empowerment. Since beginning their two year project with Rockflower, AYA has been able to develop and build the skills of over 350 women and girls from 5 vulnerable rural communities.

In this first year of the project AYA volunteers educated women on topics including female leadership, family planning, community health, agricultural practices, basic accounting principles and more. Early sessions on hygiene, community health and agricultural practices played a key role in community resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the pandemic caused AYA to suspend operations temporarily, with the support of Rockflower the organization was able to provide its participants with critically important PPE and even began producing soap powder. In communities affected by conflict, the women focused on identifying challenges they faced in their current situations and collaborated to determine methods for acting as mediators of peace in their communities.

Despite the challenges faced by AYA and its participants, the organization has made great strides in educating and economically empowering women to become leaders in their communities. The women were able to move forward with producing goods like soap and body lotion as well as establishing and harvesting crops from farms and gardens. AYA has even been able to issue a number of loans to women looking to scale their agricultural operations. Looking ahead to year two, AYA hopes to expand their education sessions and ensure that all of the women involved are on the path to becoming fully empowered community leaders.

COVID-19 Protection Kits Distributed to Rohingya Refugees and IDPs through Women’s Peace Network

Rockflower’s funding of the Women’s Peace Network’s project to provide COVID-19 Relief for Rohingya Refugees and IDPs has begun in earnest.

In late August, 1,000 kits for COVID-19 protection were distributed to elderly women, widows and orphaned girls in refugee camps in Bangladesh. Each kit included: 2 reusable face masks, 2 bottles of hand sanitizer, 1 large towel, a scarf, 1 kg of flour, and 2 kg of sticky rice.

The kits were well received as the items differ from what other NGOs are supplying the refugees with.

“This is the first time that I am going to eat sticky rice* since I fled from Myanmar three years ago. I have never received a donation like this before.”

— WPN Beneficiary

*Sticky rice is one of the most popular breakfast foods among Rohingya.

Another beneficiary said she was happy to receive the flour and protection kit so that she could make traditional foods during the holy days. One beneficiary who is only 17, was very grateful for this support as she was running from the prospect of a forced marriage and as yet had not received help from any other source. There is a great deal of work to be done to ensure that those living in such dire conditions are given as continued support.

COVID-19 Relief Project in Northern Pakistan and AJK

Rockflower is continuing its long-standing partnership with Community Services Program (CSP) by extending the initial relief from our Emergency Fund into a six month administered project specifically targeting at-risk women’s groups and female-headed households.

The COVID-19 Relief Project in Northern Pakistan and AJK will provide training and education on how to protect and encourage behavior change to limit the rate of infection and transmission rates. Continued distribution of food items and WASH kits will be an integral part of the project.

Given how much the consequences of the pandemic have been exacerbated by the socio-political situation in Northern Pakistan and the Azad Jammu and Kashmir region, this additional assistance is extremely timely and necessary.

To donate, please visit our Give to the Garden page.

Rockflower Partners with Women's Peace Network

Rockflower is pleased to announce a new partnership with Women’s Peace Network.

Women's Peace Network is taking a multi-sectoral approach to engage with vulnerable communities affected by ongoing conflicts in Myanmar, specifically, the Rohingya internally displaced in Myanmar, and the refugees in Bangladesh.

Already facing incredible challenges in the camps, Rohingya refugees and IDPs are now facing the life-threatening COVID-19 pandemic and remain incredibly vulnerable. Communicable diseases and viruses flourish in overcrowded, unsanitary environments like refugee camps. With WPN’s provision of masks and hand sanitizer through the COVID-19 Relief for Rohingya Refugees and IDPs project, they aim to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in these densely populated refugee and IDP camps.

SOFEDI Women's Participation and Peace Building Training Session

Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral (SOFEDI) works to bring peace and security to the women of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their goals are to assist women in playing a pivotal role in the peace-building process and be able to seek accountability for gender-related crimes in their transitional justice systems.

Training sessions are one way for SOFEDI to achieve these goals. A session was held from the 28th to the 30th of November for 55 women in Kazimia, Fizi district, South Kivu Province. Essential points that were focused on include: resolutions to conflicts and construction of peace; opportunities for women’s leadership and involvement in the peace-making process. These points also address the aims of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which states:

“UNSCR 1325 affirms that peace and security efforts are more sustainable when women are equal partners in the prevention of violent conflict, the delivery of relief and recovery efforts and in the forging of lasting peace. ”

— United States Institute for Peace

Day 1: November 28

The first day covered multiple themes, such as the effects that conflict has on women, peace negotiation skills, conflict management and the roles of local women in demobilization and reconciliation efforts. While the program is information based, practical activities, group discussions and videos were planned for those who cannot read and write (female literacy rates are less than 40% in the rural areas of the DRC).

Day 2: November 29

The second day focused on conflict attitudes and management. For example, attitudes toward conflict are: turtle (tendency to avoid), shark (tendency to compete), teddy bear (tendency to give way), fox (looking for compromise), and owl (tendency to collaborate). Each have their advantages and disadvantages and for the women to understand their dominant styles helps in handling conflict situations and adapting accordingly.

Day 3: November 30

The last day was led by Atuu Sincere, sociologist and director of Sauver la Femme et la Fille du Katanga (SAFEKA), and focused on the notion of leadership. The main activity of the day was the Training of Trainers Workshop. It builds the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the participating local women leaders to enable them to participate in peace-building in the areas ravaged by ongoing conflicts.