Give me hope to live happily

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.

Location:

North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Project Duration:

2024 – 2025

1. Project Summary:

"Give Me Hope to Live Happily" is a community-centered initiative aimed at combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in North Kivu. The project raises awareness about women's and girls' rights, promotes gender equality, and provides psychological and legal support to survivors of violence. Through participatory workshops, communication campaigns, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, the initiative seeks to foster safer communities and support long-term social transformation.

2. Objectives:

• Increase community awareness about GBV and its impacts.
• Educate women, men, boys, and girls on human rights and gender equality.
• Provide psychological and legal support services to survivors.
• Strengthen local protection networks through collaboration with stakeholders.
• Reduce stigma and societal acceptance of GBV through communication campaigns.

3. Activities Conducted:

Planned activities include:

• Community workshops and awareness sessions.
• Training of local leaders and educators on GBV prevention.
• Distribution of educational materials.
• Provision of individual support to GBV survivors (legal aid, psychosocial support).
• Partnership building with local authorities, NGOs, and grassroots organizations.
• Media and communication campaigns targeting behavior change.

4. Challenges:

• Insufficient Funding: The current funding level is critically low. Of the $15,000 needed, only $143 has been raised to date.
• Lack of Human Resources: The project lacks adequate trained personnel to reach all target communities effectively.
• Stigma Against Victims: Many survivors remain silent due to fear of social exclusion.
• Insecurity in North Kivu: Ongoing armed conflict and instability pose logistical and safety challenges, limiting access to vulnerable populations.

5. Budget Summary:

Budget Item

Estimated Cost (USD)

Awareness Workshops

$3,000

Psychological and Legal Support

$2,500

Training and Capacity Building

$2,000

Educational Materials & Campaigns

$2,500

Coordination and Transport

$3,000

Monitoring and Evaluation

$1,000

Total Estimated Budget

$15,000

Funds Raised to Date

$143

Funding Gap

$14,857

6. Funding Strategy:

With the partnership of GlobalGiving, the project is confident in reaching its fundraising target by mid-2025. Ongoing crowdfunding, community contributions, and engagement with international donors form the backbone of the resource mobilization strategy.

7. Conclusion:

"Give Me Hope to Live Happily" represents a critical intervention in the fight against GBV in North Kivu. Despite current resource constraints, the project has a clear roadmap, strong community engagement, and a committed team. With increased donor support and strategic partnerships, it is poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of vulnerable individuals.