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.

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.

Progress on RUGLI’s Tailoring their Futures Project

Rwenzori United Life Group (RUGLI) has been a Rockflower partner since 2018. The success of the Bio Briquette project has inspired other innovative income generating ideas, including training and teaching women valuable skills in clothing alteration and sewing. This has also provided the necessary knowledge and capital to own and operate their own small tailoring businesses through the Tailoring their Futures project. This project allows women and girls who previously lacked or struggled with obtaining a source of income to have a means of providing for themselves and their families.

RUGLI sees this initiative as an opportunity to even the playing field for women, in what historically has been a male dominated industry in this region of Uganda. By providing women with the knowledge and skills to enter this space, RUGLI is working to break down barriers in the tailoring profession and provide a sustainable source of income for those in need of economic empowerment.

Recently, RUGLI Executive Director, Biira Mary, updated us on the progress of the project, and the great impact that it is having on the lives of women through a number of inspiring stories and testimonials.

Read on to hear the stories of the women who are hard at work, tailoring their futures and taking success into their own hands with the help of RUGLI:

Barbara’s Story:

Barbara is a RUGLI trainee who has greatly benefited from the Tailoring their Futures project. She is a widow, and in 2006 lost her job and found herself with no means of supporting herself and her daughter, Katrina. She heard about Rwenzori United Group for Life Improvement (RUGLI) from a friend, and applied for the tailoring/design course. Over the past few months, Barbara has gradually grown her business and she now shares a workshop with another woman and rents a stall in the market in Kasese a couple of days a week to sell her garments.

Barbara started out making one dress at a time because that was all she could afford. She gradually earned enough money to buy more materials and increase her stock. Barbara is now able to pay for her daughter’s school fees from the money that she earns through her tailoring business. Katrina is doing really well at school and she hopes one day to become a doctor.

Doreen’s Story:

Doreen, a now dedicated and ambitious tailor and entrepreneur, has seen significant improvement in her business and has recently begun selling additional materials in her store.  Doreen started her tailoring business with the capital she received from Rwenzori United Group for Life Improvement (RUGLI) and with the profit she’s earned, she started grain selling from Kiburara to Bwera, and Kikorongo downtown where she has made much more money.  

When she started, she profited from tailoring and began grain selling, but now it is the other way around — she gets profit from grain selling to support her tailoring business and now she earns double the profit.  Doreen still continues to trade grains to the 3 downtowns in Kasese District.   As a woman, she faces many challenges including theft and other security  issues, but her growth cannot be challenged. Even though she is in an industry mainly occupied by men, she has managed to compete strongly and equally.

Mbambu Jolly’s Story:

Jolly, a recipient of training and assistance from RUGLI and Rockflower, has gradually developed both her skills and business while her capital and stock have increased. The more active she is in her business, the more skills she gains. Jolly’s success comes from her ability to create fashionable items that her customers are excited to purchase. Sometimes, her customers bring her designs and she is able to copy them and make her bestselling clothes. Because of her business she can now afford to smile and has the ability to support herself— she has purchasing power and independence.

Musoki Martha’s Story:

Martha operates her business near the Mawa market. She has managed to gain valuable customers because of her innate customer service skills. Martha also adds value to her business by buying second hand clothes that she upcycles and sells at a higher price. Martha has turned her shop into a workshop where she also teaches those that want to learn how to create a tailoring business or how to use a sewing machine. She earns income through instructing others, which adds to her profits.

Martha’s work is not without its challenges though. One issue that she faces in her work is that some customers are unwilling to pay after their tailoring is completed. Additionally, poverty in the area makes it difficult for people to purchase new or upcycled clothes, and many opt for cheaper, secondhand items, which detracts from Martha’s business. These challenges, despite her innovative business ideas and hard work, make it difficult for Martha to afford her rent. However, Martha plans to continue pushing and innovating until her business truly succeeds.

Biira Agatha’s Story:

Agatha has been an extremely successful trainee of RUGLI’s tailoring project. As a result of the skills she gained from working with RUGLI, Agatha is currently employing four girls in her shop who help her with the daily running of the business.

Agatha is proud of the growth and success of her business, even after facing the challenge of a broken sewing machine that nearly forced her to halt operations. Agatha has since fixed her sewing machine, and is proud to report that some of her goods are exported to South Sudan where there is already a booming market for her items. Her business is extremely prosperous, and she is seeing a lot of changes in her life. Agatha is able to pay school fees and rent, and she now trains other women from different areas in her trade.

These stories are testimony not only to the strength and hard work of these inspiring women, but to the reach and impact of the work done by RUGLI. This project, which continues to gain momentum and success, still requires further funding. RUGLI hopes to expand this program, and continue empowering women, but requires more sewing machines, materials and space to do so. Please consider donating to Rockflower, so that we can continue to support this project, and ensure that RUGLI can help even more women break the cycle of poverty, and gain financial independence through tailoring.

Rwenzori United Group for Life Improvement

Uganda

President Yoweri Museveni continues to extend the lockdown initially set for 14 days beginning on March 30, increased for 21 more days until yesterday, May 5, when it was extended again for 2 additional weeks. Uganda has had one of the strictest lockdowns in Africa with only essential businesses functioning, dusk-to-dawn curfews, and bans on transportation. While the lockdown was extended yesterday, it will begin to ease as businesses including hardware shops, restaurants, wholesale stores, and others will be allowed to reopen.

Concerns and Challenges

As we have seen with many of our partners during the pandemic, Rwenzori United Group for Life Improvement (RUGLI) has reported that families who rely upon their daily business lack basic needs, such as food and medicine.

Adaptation Measures and Emergency Fund

RUGLI provided sanitation equipment and face masks to local women in Kasese. Rockflower provided support through our Emergency Fund. RUGLI quickly utilized the funds and identified vulnerable families to receive food parcels.

Benefits of Bio-Briquettes

The Rwenzori United Group for Life Improvement (RUGLI) recently delivered the results of the Bio-Briquette Project that was funded last year. Funding from Rockflower bought two compression machines and other materials utilized in the bio-briquette production process.

The project had two key objectives: to add value to agro-waste and household by-products that would otherwise be unused resulting in local pollution; and, to utilize the unwanted biomass resources to develop and promote the use of more efficient and cleaner substitutes for fuel, such as wood and charcoal (the major cause of deforestation and environment degradation and indoor pollution health hazards).

RUGLI is located in Uganda, where members are acutely aware of the impact of climate change. Bio-briquettes are a solution that resulted from the community’s realization that they must actively participate in climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

The bio-briquettes are not only improving the local environment, but the women beneficiaries are reaping the benefits of an increased standard of living and profits gained by skills training. The training provides women with the opportunity to learn how to make high quality bio-briquettes out of local materials, for instance organic waste made of coffee grounds, rice husks, banana peels, and charcoal dust. 67% of the community has begun producing briquettes and therefore more households are utilizing them for cooking.

Annet, a 30 year old mother of five living in Kasese, stated “the briquettes are cheaper, dustless and burn longer.” Annet used to spend over UGX 115,500 (about $35 USD) every month on charcoal to cook food for her family, which accounted for 50% of her monthly income. Due to the introduction of “green charcoal,” or bio-briquettes, in her district, she only spends about UGX 59,400 (about $18 USD) on charcoal per month. The bio-briquettes have helped her save time and money that she can put into her own business, selling food crops in the market.

Betty Kasigazi, a member of RUGLI, said “the training and equipment has allowed us to take part in an income generating activity that enables us to provide for our households without destroying our environment.” The training has also helped to change the perception of the role women must play as they have generated household income and environmental protection. The women operating the bio-briquette business are becoming economically empowered as the supply for briquettes is lower than the demand. A kilo of briquettes is sold at UGX 1,320 (about $0.40), which is much less than the price of traditional charcoal. “If {RUGLI] sells all of the briquettes produced in a week, each member receives about UGX 350,000 (about $100). This helps us to pay school fees and buy basic household items like soap, paraffin, salt and sugar,” Betty adds.

This project demonstrates how simple innovations can lead to socio-economic transformation, as well as ownership. It can be used as an example to inform other productive sectors, such as forestry, where women have always played a significant role in sustainable forest and land management through agroforestry to collecting fuelwood and developing non-wood forest products for food, medicine, and shelter.

Women should be given the opportunity to take part in the design and creation of sustainable solutions to climate change and forest conservation challenges as household managers, farmers, and consumers. Bringing women to the decision-making table promotes both gender equality and sustainable development.

The success of RUGLI’s Bio-Briquette Project is an inspiring example of how simple actions can transform societies and how, when empowered, women can break down barriers between men and women.

Bringing Alternative Fuel Source From Biomass to Kasese Uganda

As part of a new partnership with Rwenzori United Group for Life Improvement (RUGLI), Rockflower invested in the launch of a Bio Briquette initiative in Kasese, Uganda.

Rockflower's partnership with RUGLI will support the production of biomass briquettes made from agro-waste and household by-products as an alternative to fuel charcoal and fuel wood.

The investment will be targeted at achieving the following objectives:

• Add value to agro-waste and household by-products that would otherwise end-up unused, causing local waste pollution.

• Increase the utilization of biomass resources in developing and promoting more efficient and cleaner fuel substitutes.

• Replace the use of wood and charcoal fuels, which is a major cause of deforestation and environment degradation.

In addition, 200 families from four villages will be trained in the treatment of biomass as a source of income and the use biomass briquettes as an alternative heating and cooking fuel.

Read more about the Bio Briquette Project and stay tuned for updates on participant progress.