The Gender Action Learning System (GALS) methodology has proven to be a transformative tool for empowering women and promoting gender equality in rural communities. By addressing social, economic, and gender issues through a participatory and inclusive approach, GALS has significantly impacted the lives of many.
On September 26 and 27, 2024, our team visited the Kirehe and Ngoma districts to meet with GALS champions and cooperative members who have benefited from the program. The aim of the field trip was to capture their stories, understand the changes in their lives, and identify areas for further support and development.
Visit to Kirehe District: A Story of Transformation
Our journey began in the Kirehe district, where we had the privilege of meeting one of the prominent GALS champions, Epaphrodite. She shared a powerful story of personal transformation:
- Life Before GALS: Before participating in GALS training, Epaphrodite faced immense hardships. She was coping with the emotional trauma of separation from her husband and the responsibility of raising two children alone. During this period, she struggled with loneliness and a lack of direction.
- The Turning Point: After joining the GALS training, Epaphrodite regained a sense of purpose. The program equipped her with practical skills and life-changing lessons on self-confidence, economic empowerment, and gender balance. GALS helped her realize her potential—not just as a survivor, but as a leader in her community.
- Current Achievements: Today, Epaphrodite is a successful entrepreneur. She owns a large plant garden and a greenhouse filled with avocado trees that require special care. These avocados have become a significant source of income for her. She has also created a home garden with green vegetables, which she sells to her neighboring community, including local schools. Her dedication and perseverance have transformed her once challenging situation into a thriving business.
Session with Cooperative Members in Kirehe District
Following our visit with Epaphrodite, the team held a session with members of a local cooperative in Kirehe, of which she is also a member. The cooperative members, who also underwent GALS training, shared their experiences and the positive changes brought by the program.
Visit to Ngoma District: GALS’ Impact on Cooperative Members
On September 27,2024, the team held a session with members of a local cooperative in Ngoma district who had also undergone GALS training. During this session, the participants highlighted several key takeaways from the program:
The beneficiaries shared the following key takeaways from the program:
- Empowerment through Gender Equality:
GALS has shifted its mind set towards promoting gender equality in households and community leadership. Women are now more involved in decision-making processes, and men have become allies in supporting shared responsibilities. - Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation:
The training introduced climate-smart agricultural techniques, which have improved their resilience to climate change. For instance, they have adopted mixed cropping and soil conservation practices to protect their yields from extreme weather patterns. - Socio-Economic Growth:
GALS has strengthened their economic capacity through savings groups, cooperative management, and effective marketing strategies . They are now able to save more, reinvest in their businesses, and support each other in times of need.
Conclusion
This field trip was a powerful reminder of the impact of well-designed empowerment programs on individuals and communities. The GALS training has transformed lives by bringing economic empowerment, personal growth, and community cohesion. By addressing the needs expressed by participants, we can ensure that these positive outcomes continue to grow, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and development across the region.
We can build on these successes through continued support and collaboration, paving the way for an even brighter future for GALS beneficiaries and their communities.
