Kwigira (‘Self-Reliance’)

Through Kwigira, women and girls strengthen their leadership skills and play a greater role in shaping the future of their families and communities. Women in Self-Help Groups receive training to strengthen their groups and develop the skills to lead and make decisions with confidence. Using the Transformative Household Methodology (THM) approach, families explore gender equality and social inclusion together, helping to foster more supportive relationships at home. Women and girls also take part in leadership training and safe spaces for dialogue, enabling them to overcome barriers to participation.

Community awareness activities challenge harmful norms, promote inclusion and help prevent gender-based violence, while childcare support ensures that women with young children are not left behind. The project also strengthens links to specialist services and celebrates international days that raise awareness of the rights of women and marginalised groups.

Families strengthen their food security and resilience by adopting sustainable farming practices, improving livestock management and growing a wider variety of nutritious foods. Farmers and community volunteers participate in climate-smart agroecology and animal management training, equipping them to share knowledge and support others in their communities. They receive seeds to start growing fruit and vegetables, while community nurseries provide fruit and agroforestry trees that help restore the land and increase future harvests. Coffee-growing households are also linked to specialist support to improve production and incomes.

Women and girls are supported to grow vegetables through greenhouses and small-scale irrigation systems, while model farms demonstrate best practices in raising cows, pigs and goats. Training on healthy cooking and balanced diets, alongside community nutrition awareness activities, helps families make the most of the food they produce.

Through sustainable solutions, Kwigira enables households to produce more diverse and nutritious food, improving health and creating more resilient livelihoods.

Through the project, families gain access to cleaner water, improved sanitation and healthier living environments, helping to prevent disease and improve wellbeing.

Communities and local volunteers receive training in good water, sanitation and hygiene practices, equipping them to promote lasting behaviour change. Water points are constructed and rehabilitated, with local water committees trained to manage and maintain them, ensuring reliable access to safe water.

Vulnerable households are supported with hygienic latrines, rainwater harvesting systems and clean cooking stoves, helping to improve health, reduce the burden of collecting water and fuel, and create safer homes.

Members of Self-Help Groups build their financial literacy and management skills through group savings schemes, enabling them to access affordable loans and invest in small businesses. Women and young people receive training in entrepreneurship and marketing, while women-led enterprises and youth projects are supported with capital to help them grow.

Farmers and entrepreneurs are also equipped with skills in post-harvest handling and storage, helping to reduce losses and increase the value of their produce. Market assessments and stronger links to buyers create new opportunities for women-led businesses to reach customers and increase their incomes.