Empowering Survivors of GBV in Rutshuru and Lubero

The Hope and Resilience project aims to support 40 women survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in the territories of Rutshuru and Lubero, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. These women, deeply affected by the violence and displacement linked to the M23 conflict, face three major challenges: untreated trauma, extreme poverty, and social exclusion.

Over a three-month period, the project will provide a combination of essential support:

• Group-based psychosocial assistance,
• Practical vocational training adapted to the local context,
• Start-up kits for income-generating activities,
• Ongoing mentorship to strengthen resilience and autonomy.

The goal is to help survivors restore dignity, rebuild stability, and regain their place within their communities.

Context and Rationale

Sexual and gender-based violence remains a recurring weapon in the conflict zones of eastern DRC. In Rutshuru and Lubero, recent M23-related clashes have left behind women who are traumatized, isolated, and deprived of any means to support themselves.
Many have no access to psychosocial care, professional skills training, or initial capital to restart their lives.

This project therefore responds to an urgent need for holistic assistance, combining emotional healing, economic empowerment, and social reintegration.

Project ObjectivesOverall Objective

To strengthen resilience, economic independence, and dignity among 40 GBV survivors in conflict-affected areas.

Specific Objectives

1. Provide structured psychosocial support to help survivors overcome trauma.
2. Offer vocational training in locally relevant income-generating activities such as tailoring, soap-making, or small-scale agriculture.
3. Distribute start-up kits enabling each woman to launch a sustainable micro-enterprise.
4. Ensure continuous mentoring to support economic autonomy and long-term stability.

Approach and Main Activities

• Conduct group psychosocial sessions to create a safe space, encourage expression, and rebuild confidence.
• Implement hands-on vocational modules focused on practical, market-relevant skills.
• Provide each participant with a start-up kit to immediately begin an income-generating activity.
• Offer individualized follow-up and community mentorship throughout the process.

Expected Impact

In the short term, participants will benefit from emotional support, professional skills, and initial capital to rebuild their lives.
In the long term, the project will foster:

• Sustainable economic self-reliance,
• Reduced vulnerability to further violence,
• Strengthened social cohesion,
• The emergence of women leaders capable of inspiring others and contributing to community development.

Overall Budget

The total project cost is estimated at 6,750 USD.
Funds will primarily support:

• psychosocial activities,
• vocational training,
• start-up kits,
• monitoring and mentorship.

(As requested, detailed budget lines are not included.)

Resource Mobilization and the Role of GlobalGiving

At this stage, no funds have yet been collected.
However, through our partnership with GlobalGiving, we now have an international, trusted platform capable of connecting us with global donors, partners, and philanthropic organizations.

This collaboration represents a key opportunity to reach our financial target and bring the project to life.

Call to Donors

We launch a heartfelt appeal to all individuals, partners, and organizations who care about the future of women affected by conflict.
Your support can transform a life, open new opportunities, and restore dignity where it has been shattered.

Every contribution—no matter the amount—brings us closer to a future where survivors become confident, independent women shaping change in their communities.

Acknowledgments

We extend our warmest thanks to everyone who has already contributed through encouragement, support, or donations.
Your generosity fuels our commitment to advancing this essential mission for women’s rights and dignity.