Claudine’s new start in tailoring
A project supporting young mothers
Claudine is 20 years old and a young mother. After becoming pregnant as a result of sexual violence, she faced deep trauma. Like many young women in Rwanda, she was rejected by her family and isolated from her community, without any economic or social support.
In Rwanda, more than 20% of women experience gender-based violence in their lifetime, and nearly 1 in 10 girls aged 15 to 19 faces early pregnancy. Many of these young mothers are stigmatized, abandoned, and pushed into extreme vulnerability. In a country where 46% of the population lives on less than $1.90 a day, the lack of education, skills, and support networks makes it even harder to break out of this cycle.
Claudine wanted to change her life but did not know where to start. It was at this moment that she met ActionAid.
Through a project dedicated to young mothers, Claudine was able to take part in a tailoring training course, gaining practical skills to build a different future. At the end of the training, she also received a starter kit: a sewing machine and two goats; essential tools to start a small business and generate income.
“Thanks to ActionAid’s support, I gained skills and resources that changed my life. After the tailoring training, I received a sewing machine and goats, which allowed me to start a small business at the local market. Today I earn enough to support myself and my son.”
Today, Claudine runs a small business near the market and earns an income, contributing to the support of herself and her son. She also received a certificate that will allow her to continue her training and specialize in the future.
Her journey has not only been economic. Claudine joined the Twitezimbere savings group, where, together with other women, she saves money, accesses small loans, and takes part in agricultural activities. This has allowed her not only to improve her financial situation but also to regain a sense of belonging and support.
ActionAid also supported the group by providing 200 kg of potato seeds, helping to strengthen food security and income opportunities despite the challenges posed by climate change. In addition, a community bank account was opened, facilitating access to financial services and safer resource management.
Thanks to these opportunities, Claudine has begun to rebuild her life. The goats she received have multiplied, allowing her to diversify her income. Her economic contribution has also improved her relationship with her family, reducing the stigma and discrimination she had experienced.
At the same time, ActionAid’s work helps raise awareness in communities about the rights of survivors of violence and the importance of creating more inclusive and supportive environments, tackling stigma and gender inequality.
Today, Claudine looks to the future with greater confidence. She dreams of continuing her tailoring training to build a stable and dignified life for herself and her son.
Her story shows that, with the right opportunities and support, it is possible to break the cycle of poverty and discrimination.