Console Murebwayire , a 60-year-old widow from Kazeneza Village Gahina Sector in Ngoma district, once lived a life full of fear and uncertainty. With one child and two grandchildren to care for, life was a daily struggle. Her ability to provide for her family was limited, especially when it came to ensuring they had a balanced diet and sufficient food security. At her age, Console felt that her contributions were no longer needed, and the challenges of providing for her family seemed insurmountable. She had always believed that her age and circumstances made her incapable of being actively involved in community development.
However, everything began to change when Console was introduced to Joint Program of Rural Women Economic Empowerment “JP-RWEE” with the aim to promote gender equality, rural women leadership and economic empowerment through the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodologies, Console was given the opportunity to break free from her self-imposed limitations. The trainers at GALs helped her shift her mind set, teaching her not only about agriculture but also about personal empowerment. She learned the importance of participating in cooperatives, where she could connect with others and women exchange knowledge and gain confidence in herself and her abilities. GALs also focused on leadership skills and public speaking, enabling Console to express herself more openly and take a more active role in her community.
Valuable lessons Console learned about food security and balanced nutrition. Taught her how to grow a variety of crops that could support her family’s nutritional needs. With the guidance from GALs training, Console realized that she had the power to grow her own food, thus ensuring her family had access to a balanced diet. Additionally, the training on household communication helped Console better coordinate with her child and grandchildren, ensuring everyone played a part in maintaining a healthy diet and working in the garden.
One of the most valuable lessons Console learned was about food security and balanced nutrition. The importance of a balanced diet and how to categorize food into three major groups to maintain health and nutrition. The trainings helped Console understand the following key food groups:
Energy-giving foods: These are foods that provide the body with the energy needed for daily activities. Console grows cassava, green bananas, and passion fruit, all of which are rich in carbohydrates and provide the energy her family needs to stay active.
Body-building foods: These foods are essential for growth, repair, and muscle development. Console’s garden provides a variety of vegetables such as green vegetables, carrots, eggplants, green long onions, and red beets. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that support bodily functions and help keep her family strong and healthy.
- Protective foods: These foods help protect the body from diseases and keep the immune system strong. Console grows papayas, okra, and green long vegetables, which are packed with vitamins such as Vitamin C and other nutrients that help boost immunity and protect against illnesses.
With her newfound knowledge, Console was able to ensure that her family received all the necessary nutrients for their growth and well-being. In addition to learning about nutrition, GALs introduced Console to the concept of saving groups, which helped her build financial literacy. By contributing to a saving group, she learned how to manage her resources and save for future investments. This knowledge was crucial for Console when she decided to invest in her future by purchasing three pigs—a decision that would change her life. With the income from her pig farming, she expanded her agricultural ventures.
As Console’s farm grew, so did her confidence. The money she earned from selling her produce at the local market allowed her to support her family and reinvest in her business. Her success became a source of inspiration for others in her village. She now envisions herself as a productive farmer and businesswoman, with plans to renovate her home in the village to create space for expanding her agricultural activities. Console’s story is one of transformation and empowerment. Through the JPRWEE program, she gained the skills and confidence she needed to become an active participant in her community. She no longer sees herself as an elderly woman limited by age but as a strong,capable woman with a bright future ahead. GALs provided her with the tools to overcome her fears and the support to realize her potential.
Today, Console Murebwayire is not just a farmer; she is a leader in her community. She is a living example of the power of gender action learning to change lives. Her journey is a testament to the importance of providing women with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to thrive no matter their age or circumstances. Thanks to GALs+, Console is on her way to becoming not just a successful farmer, but also a businesswoman who is making a difference in her village and beyond.
