The field visit of IFAD representative from Italy/Roma, the main funder of SAFE in the project of JPRWEE, Ms GODZE reached Gisagara and Nyaruguru zone at 26 June 2025, Thusday, with IFAD focal point in JPRWEE Mr Elvis and SAFE was Mr DUSHIME Didier our program manager from SAFE and Venant from CVI. They had a talk with Gisagara District leader such as: Vice Mayor in charge of social affairs , Director of Gender and family promotion Mr Cyprien and JADF officer Mr Cyprien.
Vice Mayor in charge social affairs showed a warmly welcome to the funder from IFAD representative and shared with them some information presenting Gisagara as one the district located in rural area with majority of population are women and the principal activity is agriculture. She thanks the project for supporting rural women in different ways such as delivering of water tanks (where Gisagara received 130 water tanks), construction of selling point at Save sector, different trainings that empowering JPRWEE beneficiaries and other facilities delivered by others JPRWEE implementing partners.
After the meeting with the District officers, the visitors headed to the visit of selling point constructed under FAO funds. They met beneficiaries who started small businesses and shared the advantages and challenges encountered. In general, they said they are growing slowly in this area (business) and the Facility help them in working in a safe space no rain nor sun can damage their product, but they still need the connection of electric power to increase working hours till night. They left Shyanda cell towads Gatoki cell where beneficiaries shared their success stories.
Beneficiaries of the JPRWEE program gathered to warmly welcome Ms. Godze during her field visit. This special moment brought together inspiring women and men who have transformed their lives through GALS (Gender Action Learning System) trainings. They proudly shared their success stories highlighting how the skills and tools gained through GALS empowered them to improve household decision-making, boost income, and strengthen gender equality in their communities. It was a powerful exchange of experiences, hope, and progress.
They are really coming forward. Some have advanced in agriculture and animal husbandry, others in family relationships and others in innovation and business innovation.
This is Ntakirutimana Vestine who says that he was poor and had no husband before he raised his money and he put his efforts into raising small animals that help her earn money, especially by giving her fertilizer on the home garden in her home now there are no signs of malnutrition.
This is Kwibuka Emmanuel talking about how he changed at home when used he stayed with his wife and be the head of the family, before he didn’t help her with any housework as in the society it is common but after he got trainings he has changed a lot now he is working with his wife and they exchange ideas on how to improve their home in every aspect. The one they stood next to is Fosta, before joining the GALS training, Fosta was shy and rarely stepped outside her home. She believed her only role as a woman was to cook, care for the children, and leave everything else especially money and decision-making to her husband. They never worked together or shared responsibilities.
But everything changed after she joined the GALS training. Fosta learned that her voice matters. She gained confidence, started setting goals, and began working side by side with her husband. Now, they plan together, share responsibilities at home, and both contribute to the family’s income. Fosta is no longer just watching life happen she’s shaping it.
Before joining the GALS training, Mukakamanzi Epiphanie was very shy and avoided gatherings. She didn’t know how to manage money, had never saved, and believed her role was only to cook and care for the children. Working with her husband or thinking about a business was never an option.
Through GALS, Epiphanie gained confidence and financial skills. She started saving, opened a bank account, and even accessed a loan to support her small business. Today, she proudly runs and grows her own business, and works together with her husband to plan their future. GALS gave her more than skills it gave her a voice and a vision.
Mutabazi Vedaste used to spend all his money on alcohol, which led to constant conflicts with his wife. They had no savings, no peace, and no plans for the future.
After attending the GALS training, everything changed. Vedaste stopped wasting money and started saving. He now works closely with his wife, and together they manage their finances and goals. With a million saved, Vedaste is now planning to buy a motorcycle to grow their income even more. His story is one of true transformation proof that change is possible.
Niyompuhe Regine, from Gatoki Cell in Save Sector, Gisagara District, shared how she used to practice agriculture without any proper knowledge. This lack of skills affected her production and left her struggling to improve her livelihood.
After receiving GALS training, Regine learned better farming practices, goal setting, and planning. Today, she applies this knowledge to her work, and her production has greatly improved. GALS helped her turn her efforts into real results, and she’s now confident in her path to success.
Rukundo Innocent has also improved in lining harmonious relationship with his wife and has also improved his farming where he says that he is now grows vegetables, especially tomatoes, and now he is thriving.
This is Mukahigiro Beatha in her home garden explaining how now she and her family get nutritious vegetables on her land without buying them in Nyaruguru.
Nyirabakunzi Josephine’s husband (champion) in Nyaruguru is visited by visitors and shows them what the reservoir water has done for him and his family in their daily life as water is the most basic need they no long fetch water from far for the house work and mostly for cow.
They extended their gratitude for IFAD that made sure they received trainings and water reservoir.
A group of women who once struggled with low confidence and limited business knowledge are now proud owners of a large, safe, and thriving shop all thanks to the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) training.
Before the training, many of these women felt too shy to speak up, make decisions, or take the lead in their communities. But through GALS, they learned how to set personal goals, plan together as a group, and overcome social and economic challenges.
With renewed confidence and a strong sense of purpose, they joined forces and started a joint business a well-organized shop where they now sell various products and serve their community daily.
Today, their business is growing steadily, their income has improved, and they are able to support their families with pride.
This success story shows how empowering women with the right tools and mind-set can lead to real, lasting change not only for individuals but for entire communities.
