We currently have 5 groups, each consisting of anywhere between 10 and 17 women from local villages throughout the Rushaga area. They have been introduced to sustainable methods of farming at our demonstration gardens that help to increase crop yields. They have also been taught methods of agro-forestry, this is a form of land management that combines the use of trees and shrubs alongside crops and livestock, this can not only prove to be more profitable but is also more eco-friendly.
Women often face more struggles in the community than their male counterparts and there is a heavy reliance on the man of the family to provide. We have found that the women are incredibly motivated and find a big increase in confidence when they are more empowered and able to earn their own money.
We are empowering them through teaching a number of skills that are allowing them to create their own income such as sewing, beekeeping and basket weaving. The Rushaga Community Centre acts as a hub for these skill sessions, the foundation also provides the materials needed to create the products so the women are able to make more of a profit from selling their items. These products are available for tourists to purchase before or after their gorilla tracking in Rushaga, we also hope to be able to start shipping worldwide.
