Give me hope to live happily

1. Project Overview

The project “Give Me Hope to Live Happily” is a community-based initiative implemented in North Kivu, a region severely affected by gender-based violence (GBV). The project aims to contribute to the creation of a safe, fair, and inclusive environment where women and girls can fully enjoy their rights and live with dignity, free from fear and violence.

2. Context and Justification

In North Kivu, gender-based violence remains widespread and, in many cases, socially tolerated. Women and girls are the most affected, suffering serious consequences for their physical health, mental well-being, safety, and future opportunities.

Despite the existence of legal frameworks protecting women’s rights, several challenges persist:

• limited financial and human resources to implement large-scale actions;
• strong social stigma that discourages victims from seeking help;
• ongoing insecurity, which restricts access to certain communities.

This context highlights the urgent need for coordinated and sustainable action.

3. Project ObjectivesGeneral Objective

To reduce the acceptance of gender-based violence and strengthen the protection of women and girls in North Kivu communities.

Specific Objectives

• Raise awareness among communities about the rights of women and girls;
• Promote gender equality and mutual respect;
• Provide psychological and legal support to GBV survivors;
• Strengthen community-based prevention and protection mechanisms.
• Women and girls who are victims of, or at risk of, GBV;
• Community leaders and local stakeholders;
• Youth and members of targeted communities.

4. Beneficiaries5. Approach and Key Activities

The project adopts a participatory and community-centered approach through:

• awareness-raising workshops on women’s and girls’ rights and the impacts of GBV;
• direct support to survivors, including psychological counseling and legal guidance;
• collaboration with local authorities and community-based organizations;
• communication campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and changing harmful social norms.

The project is currently in the phase of identifying trainers and learners.
The implementation of activities is scheduled to begin in November 2025.

6. Budget and Funding Status

The total project budget is estimated at USD 14,500.
So far, USD 170 has already been raised through collaboration with GlobalGiving.

This initial contribution reflects trust in the project and its relevance. With continued support and partnerships, we are confident that the fundraising goal will be achieved.

7. Expected Results and Impact

In the short and long term, the project is expected to achieve:

• increased awareness of women’s and girls’ rights;
• reduced social tolerance of gender-based violence;
• improved access to support services for survivors;
• sustainable behavioral change within communities.

These outcomes will contribute to building safer, more equitable, and more resilient communities.

8. Call to Donors and Partners

We make a strong and heartfelt appeal to donors, institutions, and partners to support this high-impact project.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps protect women and girls, support survivors, and promote lasting change.

Together, we can give hope and create a future free from violence.

9. Acknowledgements

We sincerely thank all donors and partners, with special appreciation to GlobalGiving, for their commitment and trust.
Your solidarity brings hope to the people of North Kivu and represents a meaningful step toward a violence-free society.

Project Summary

The project “Give Me Hope to Live Happily” aims to restore hope and dignity to women and girls affected by gender-based violence (GBV) in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. It focuses on raising awareness about women’s rights, promoting gender equality, and supporting survivors through protection networks, education, and empowerment activities.

Our mission is to build communities where every woman and girl can live free from fear, with equal access to opportunities and respect for her rights.

Context and Challenges

Communities in North Kivu face ongoing insecurity, displacement, and poverty — all of which have increased the prevalence of gender-based violence. Many victims remain silent due to stigma and lack of access to support services.
Limited financial and human resources also restrict the scope of interventions, while security challenges often make it difficult to reach certain areas. Despite these barriers, our determination remains strong: to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.

Project Objectives

• Raise awareness through community workshops about women’s and girls’ rights.
• Reduce social acceptance of GBV and promote gender equality.
• Support survivors with psychological and legal assistance.
• Empower girls through menstrual health education and the production of reusable sanitary pads.
• Promote self-reliance by creating income-generating opportunities for displaced and vulnerable women.

Progress and Partnerships

Thanks to our partnership with GlobalGiving, the project is already moving forward.

• Funds raised so far: $168
• Target budget: $14,500
• Current phase: Identification of trainers and selection of beneficiaries.
• Planned start: November 2025

We are working closely with local women’s groups, psychologists, and legal advisors to ensure efficient and sustainable implementation. Together, we are building a foundation for lasting change.

Impact and Expected Results

The project will:

• Educate 100 women and girls on GBV prevention and their legal rights.
• Train 50 displaced girls in safe and sustainable menstrual hygiene practices.
• Establish a local cooperative to produce and sell reusable sanitary pads.
• Strengthen community protection networks to respond effectively to GBV cases.

These initiatives will reduce stigma, improve protection, and promote gender equality, while empowering women economically and socially.

Sustainability

The cooperative model ensures continuity beyond the project’s initial phase. Trained women will continue producing and distributing affordable hygiene products, securing steady income while maintaining community access to essential goods.

Call for Support

We sincerely thank all donors who have already supported this important cause. Your contributions bring us closer to changing lives.
Yet, our mission is far from complete — we need your help to reach our goal of $14,500. Every donation, no matter how small, helps restore hope, dignity, and safety to women and girls affected by violence.

Together, we can make North Kivu a place where every woman lives freely, safely, and with pride.

Acknowledgment

We extend heartfelt thanks to GlobalGiving, our partners, and every individual who believes in this mission. With your continued support, we will create lasting impact and real change.