Mukashema Claudine, a 42-year-old mother of three and proud member of the Jyambere Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA), is one of them. Alongside 20 other women, Claudine is part of a group that has transformed their lives through training and support from ForAfrika. What began as a small gathering of hopeful women has grown into a powerful force for economic and social change.

“None of us ever believed a woman could access money without borrowing it from our husbands,” Claudine recalls.

“We didn’t know how to save, or how to plan our weeks around earning an income. Entire weeks would pass without any productivity.”

Through practical training and consistent mentorship from ForAfrika, the group learned to reorganise their daily routines, balancing household responsibilities with dedicated time for income-generating activities.

“We followed ForAfrika’s advice and began to see changes. We started saving, lending to each other, and slowly, our lives began to improve,” Claudine explains.

The journey was not without challenges. The early months were tough, but the women persevered. Today, they are running small businesses, selling woven mats and baskets, cultivating crops, and renting farmland for group farming.

These efforts have not only generated income but also strengthened family bonds and shifted household dynamics.

“Conflicts in our homes have reduced. Our husbands are relieved of some responsibilities. We’ve gained confidence,” says Claudine.

The group has also tackled child health and nutrition challenges. Each member now owns at least three chickens, providing a steady supply of eggs to combat child malnutrition. Kitchen gardens have been established in their homes, and a donation of four pigs from ForAfrika has multiplied into 21 animals, ensuring every member now raises at least one. The women have even ventured into cattle fattening for profit.

“I bought a cow for 360,000 Rwandan francs (approximately USD 248), now it has grown and is valued at 700,000 Rwf (USD 483). This means I can fetch almost double the purchase price, making a significant profit.” Claudine says. "As a group, we have also reinvested over 170,000 Rwf (USD 117) from our earnings.”

The group’s total assets, including livestock, weaving equipment, baskets, and farmland, are now valued at more than 1 million Rwf (USD 691). More importantly, their children are back in school, their families are healthier, and the women have gained a renewed sense of confidence in their ability to provide and lead.