Socio-economic empowerment: from surviving to thriving

“I want to care for my children myself”

Amina (32) from eastern Congo lost everything after falling victim to sexual violence: her safety, her income, her self-esteem and the support of those around her.

Through Mamas for Africa, she received medical and psychological support. But it soon became clear that recovery requires more than just care. An income means regained dignity and prospects for the future.

That is why Mamas for Africa, with the support of its donors, is launching a new programme: socio-economic empowerment for survivors of sexual violence.

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From survival to self-reliance

Through this new programme, we work together to guide women, step by step, towards economic self-reliance:

• training in basic skills
  such as numeracy, reading, writing and entrepreneurship
• a start-up kit
  containing goods to help set up a small business
• savings and loan groups
  where women save together and support each other financially
• access to microcredit
  through specialised organisations
• personal support
  from local professionals, close to home and built up step by step

We are launching a pilot phase at our reception centres in Kabare and Luvungi, together with experienced Congolese staff.

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“I feel like a person again”

Today, Amina is selling fruit at the market. She is earning her own income again and her children are back at school.

“I feel like a person again.” That is the impact of socio-economic empowerment: women regain control of their lives and, step by step, build a secure future. Thanks to your support.

(Read more below the photo)