Empowering disabled girls in Goma

1. Background and Rationale

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, people with disabilities represent a significant portion of the population, estimated at over 17%. Despite this, they remain among the most marginalized. In Goma and the Rutshuru territory, girls with disabilities face a double vulnerability, linked to both their gender and their disability.

Many of them are rejected, deprived of education, and exposed to various forms of violence, including sexual exploitation. This situation often leads to serious consequences such as early pregnancies, social isolation, and extreme poverty.

It is in this context that our organization, ODDPH, launched this project to restore dignity, safety, and autonomy to these young girls.

2. Project Objective

The main objective is to strengthen the social and economic empowerment of girls with disabilities through:

• Development of entrepreneurial skills
• Restoration of self-esteem
• Support for sustainable reintegration

3. Beneficiaries

The project aims to:

• Provide training to 47 girls with disabilities
• Offer safe and supportive accommodation to 26 girls
• Support more than 50 beneficiaries each quarter in Goma and Rutshuru

4. Key Activities

• Temporary accommodation in a secure center
• Training in social entrepreneurship
• Individual psychosocial support
• Strengthening family and community relationships
• Awareness-raising on inclusion and anti-stigma efforts

5. Project Status

Currently:

• The project is in the preparatory phase
• Identification of trainers and beneficiaries is ongoing
• Activities are expected to begin in November 2025

Thanks to a promising collaboration with GlobalGiving, initial fundraising efforts have been launched. Although the amount raised so far (USD 26) is still modest, it reflects encouraging solidarity and represents a first step toward achieving our goal.

6. Budget

The total project budget amounts to USD 9,000.

This funding will cover:

• Training activities
• Accommodation for beneficiaries
• Psychosocial support
• Project coordination

7. Expected Results

• Increased confidence and independence among beneficiaries
• Acquisition of income-generating skills
• Improved social and economic integration
• Reduced risks of exploitation and violence

8. Project Impact

Beyond its direct beneficiaries, this project contributes to changing mindsets within the community. By highlighting the potential of girls with disabilities, it actively combats discrimination and promotes a more inclusive society.

9. Call to Donors

This project represents a concrete opportunity to transform lives. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings these young girls closer to a dignified and independent future.

We warmly call on individuals, partners, and organizations: join us in this mission. Your support is essential to help these girls regain control of their lives and build a better future.

10. Acknowledgements

We express our sincere gratitude to all those who have already contributed to this initiative, especially our partners and donors through GlobalGiving. Your trust encourages us to continue this vital work with commitment and hope.

Together, we can achieve this goal and offer these young girls a new beginning.

Supporting Disabled Girls in Goma 1. Introduction This report presents the current progress of the project “Empowering disabled girls in Goma”, a vital initiative supporting girls with disabilities who face extreme vulnerability, discrimination, and social exclusion in eastern DR Congo. Through this project, our organization continues to offer protection, dignity, and opportunities for independence to some of the most marginalized girls in our community. Thanks to our partnership with GlobalGiving, we have begun securing the resources needed to reach our full goal. 2. Project Overview Girls with disabilities in Goma and Rutshuru often live at the crossroads of poverty, stigma, and violence. Many experience sexual exploitation, unwanted pregnancies, abandonment, and deep social isolation. This project provides: • A warm and protective home for 26 girls with disabilities • Social entrepreneurship training for 47 girls • Psychosocial support from their first day at our transit center • Skills in menstrual health and reusable hygiene products to build safety and economic resilience • Individual accompaniment and reintegration efforts when conditions are safe Each quarter, more than 50 girls with disabilities benefit from our services, gaining safety, confidence, and the foundation for a dignified future. 3. Current Achievements Although our budget target is $9,000, the project has already received $26 thanks to the generosity of early donors through GlobalGiving. This first support is a symbol of hope and a strong encouragement for our team and the girls we serve. Here is what has been completed so far: • Identification of trainers for entrepreneurship and menstrual hygiene production • Identification of girls who will participate in the first training cycle • Planning and preparation for the first training sessions • Strengthening the safe environment in our transit center • Coordination with families and community members for future reintegration The project is scheduled to begin full implementation in November 2025. 4. Impact on Girls’ Lives Every girl who enters our center carries a difficult story—abandonment, trauma, exploitation, or years of neglect. Once they arrive, they begin to rediscover safety, friendship, and dignity. One of the girls recently said: “For the first time, someone told me I could learn something useful. I didn’t know I had value.” These words remind us why this work is essential. With proper support, each girl can rebuild her self-esteem, develop skills, and imagine a future beyond survival. The menstrual hygiene component has already raised hope. Learning how to produce reusable products gives girls not only knowledge about their own health but also a chance to create an income source that respects their dignity. 5. Financial Note The total project budget is $9,000, covering training, materials, safe housing, and follow-up support. We are deeply grateful for the first $26 raised. With continued collaboration through GlobalGiving, we are confident that we will reach the full funding goal. 6. Next Steps Before November 2025, our team will: 1. Finalize trainer contracts 2. Prepare training spaces and materials 3. Confirm the list of participants 4. Continue awareness sessions with families and communities 5. Strengthen reintegration pathways for girls once training is complete 7. Gratitude to Donors We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already contributed. Your generosity, no matter the amount, moves this project forward and directly changes the lives of girls who have been forgotten for too long. 8. Call to Action We invite all supporters, partners, and compassionate individuals to join us. Your contribution—whether large or small—helps a girl feel safe, learn a skill, and reclaim her dignity. This project has the power to transform lives. Together, and with GlobalGiving’s support, we can reach the full $9,000 goal and open doors of opportunity for every girl we serve. Please stand with us. Please help these girls build a future filled with hope, safety, and independence. If you want, I can also prepare: • a shorter version for email, • a donor-focused version, • a visual infographic summary, • or a GlobalGiving update post.