Women's Empowerment
Project
Women's Empowerment
Background
PfAH runs the "Women's Empowerment" project in Kariba (Zimbabwe), which specifically guides women to help themselves and promotes their emancipation. The focus is particularly on victims of sexual violence and abuse as well as women who have been excluded from the public school system for economic (e.g. lack of school fees) or social reasons (e.g. unwanted pregnancy). In a protected environment, these women are given the opportunity to develop new perspectives. Single mothers with small children who live in degrading poverty are also supported. Thanks to newly created premises, up to eight participants can now be cared for in a boarding school environment.
Structure
Thanks to generous donations, the project was launched in 2023. After a start-up phase, it took off at the end of March 2023. In the presence of our board member Jean Theiler, suitable premises were rented, renovated and furnished. Facilities were also created for a chicken farm, a sewing workshop and a cooking and baking room. The practical courses in chicken breeding, sewing, cooking and hair styling are run by professional instructors. Since June 1, 2023, two qualified teachers have been teaching subjects such as English, mathematics, hygiene and other practical life topics on a daily basis. They also supervise the participants' practical activities. In 2024, PfAH financed the construction of a new building for the "Women's Empowerment" project. This house serves as both a course center and accommodation and offers sleeping space for up to eight participants.
Activities
The products manufactured as part of the project are to be marketed by "Women's Empowerment" (WE) itself in future. The aim is to use the proceeds to finance the ongoing course operations - including food, material costs, pocket money and start-up assistance - largely independently. However, PfAH remains dependent on donations for fixed costs such as staff, rent and ancillary costs. In addition to school lessons in English, hygiene and basic mathematics, IT lessons are now also offered thanks to new computers. Practical skills such as chicken breeding, baking and sewing are taught during the course, as well as basic sales and marketing skills. In addition, skills such as make-up, nail care, hairdressing and tailoring are taught. For interested women, PfAH is looking for places for further qualifications after completion of the basic training.
The future
The new course building, which was completed at the end of 2024, is now ready and can be used to its full extent. In the next phase, PfAH is planning to build a boarding school building with space for 20 to 30 project participants. This boarding school is scheduled to open at the end of 2025 or beginning of 2027. From 2026, PfAH would also like to create care places for people in need of care. These are to be cared for by the course participants under the guidance of a nursing specialist and under the supervision of teachers. This project is particularly close to PfAH's heart, as nursing skills are an important part of self-help and open up better prospects for women in the long term.
