We provide economic opportunity and a safe space for Blind women who live and work around the Tabora urban city. Our income-generating program offers stable employment outside of the dangerous and dirty job of harvesting trash to resell, while our supportive services address the significant social and emotional challenges the Blind women face. By fostering hope, solidarity and education in an environment of huge gender inequality and violence.
Thousands of people living on the mainstream of the Tabora urban city survive by salvaging refuse to resell, risking their lives for less than US $1 a day. Among of these people are Blind women. Almost half of these Blind women are single mothers. Gender inequality is so deeply embedded in this community that these Blind women usually earn 51% less than men, while acts of violence against them are a cultural norm.
Our goal is to improve the lives of Blind women in this community through various income-generating and welfare initiatives. We offer alternative employment, such as charms-making and sewing programs, as well as providing education and emotional support. By fostering creativity, literacy, business skills and financial independence, our programs seek to build self-admiration and afford these Blind women the chance to step outside of an oppressive status quo to create a new generation.
We currently work with 150 Blind women, but we believe the long-term benefits will extend into the wider community. Through education, by developing their skills and working with them to have their voices heard, these Blind women can become significant agents for change in the community. If they are able to become advocates for themselves, it is hoped they will also set an example to others .