World Vision Rwanda, alongside the government and other stakeholders, convened in Kigali on Friday, March 15, to mark the influence of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) on impoverished households, through its economic empowerment programmes. The dissemination and learning event provided a platform for participants to illuminate the impactful journey of the Transformation Household Resilience in Vulnerable Environments (THRIVE) project, focusing on economic empowerment. Launched in 2017, the project has been implemented in Rusizi, Gisagara, Huye, and Gakenke Districts. Pauline Okumu, the National Director of World Vision Rwanda, emphasized at the event that the THRIVE project has showcased how investing in the empowerment of women and vulnerable groups can expedite progress towards realizing a world where every individual and community can flourish. From elevating household incomes to improving access to education and healthcare, our interventions are bringing about positive impact that will reverberate for generations, she remarked. Okumu underscored the critical role of gender equality and social inclusion in propelling sustainable development, stating, By ensuring active engagement and empowerment of women and vulnerable groups, we not only spur economic growth but also cultivate resilient and inclusive communities. Highlighting the strides made by the THRIVE project, Okumu noted a significant enhancement in the well-being of its participants. Notably, all 15,287 active participants (64 % women) have undergone the Empowered World View training, boosting their agency, access, and participation in savings groups. At the inception, approximately 70% of women enthusiastically engaged, influencing men to join, Okumu explained. This vigorously led to increased male involvement in savings groups and collective decision-making, ultimately bolstering household incomes. Collaborating with the government, the THRIVE project targets household farmers with minimal resources, providing training to shift mindsets and identify business opportunities such as farming. Through partnerships like Vision Fund Rwanda, participants receive loans to improve their businesses, fostering economic resilience. The introduction of Vision Fund Rwanda has empowered THRIVE savings groups to extend loans to members, leading to significant growth. The project has instilled a culture of saving and prudent financial risk-taking among participants. Notably, 12,212 participants (7,260 females and 4,952 males) have secured at least two sources of income, while 13,685 participants (8,254 females and 5,431 males) have diversified savings methods, enhancing overall resilience. Victoire Mukantabana, a beneficiary of the project, shared her transformational journey. Previously struggling to afford meals and her children's education as the sole breadwinner while her husband was incarcerated, Mukantabana's participation in the THRIVE project equipped her with the knowledge that propelled her small business ventures. Through the profits, I've uplifted my family's lifestyle, provided education for my children, built three houses, and most importantly, supported other vulnerable members of my community. My well-being has holistically been positively impacted, she reflected. Saidi Sibomana, Division Manager of the Local Government Strategic Planning Division at LODA, commended the government's efforts to address gender equality and extreme poverty. He emphasized the importance of partnerships in combating extreme poverty, especially in households led by women. Sibomana highlighted the National Strategy for Sustainable Graduation as a commitment to empowering people in poverty to achieve sustainable livelihoods, aiming to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030. He praised World Vision's multifaceted approach, particularly in WASH initiatives, emphasizing the organization's contributions to providing clean water to households across the country. Sibomana concluded by acknowledging World Vision's commitment to mindset change, financial contribution, economically empowering communities, and the promotion of saving culture, emphasizing its crucial role in community development.
