“When I was married, I thought my husband had to do everything. Now, I don’t think anymore that I can’t live without him. I feel good. I don’t feel threatened anymore.” Clemantine Namulao, from Kyeshero, North Kivu, DRC
32-year-old Clemantine Namulao was living as a second wife with her husband, their three children, the other wife and her children. After constant beatings and regular threats–he would threaten me with the knife, she says–her parents decided to step in and take her back to their hometown. She now lives with her children in a small house rented by the parents. Her modest house–one room divided by a curtain–is neat and mostly empty. A wooden chair, a bench. Her more precious possessions, she says, are the photos. They adorn half a wall. She points and explains: “these are my parents”…“my sisters and their children”…“my children”. Tellingly, there are no photos of her former husband.
But becoming independent has not been easy for Clemantine. Has it not been for CARE International, she says, she would not know what to do with herself, she’s been so dependent on her husband, and her parents could help with only so much.
She joined a group of women, and with CARE’s help, the women set up an Income Generating Activity group. Whilst before she was trying to make ends meet by selling a few things here and there, since she joined the group and received financial support from CARE, she could start her charcoal selling business. Whilst her earning might seem small ($2 a day), it not only enables her to cover essential costs (food, clothes and medication) but, also, to live a life of dignity.
Every day, you will find her in the market, selling charcoal, a smile on her face. She would also meet with the other women in the group once a week. The women have shared savings, and are able to lend money to members who want to expand or start a new business. The meetings also give them an opportunity to talk about their lives, and offer each other emotional support.
Fittingly, the group is called “Umoja ni ngoyu” – “Unity is Power”.
Note: CARE International helps women and girls who survived sexual and gender-based violence recover medically and economically, so they can once again be a part of their community and overcome stigma and rejection.
Having a form of income is essential for women and girls who are trying to rebuild their lives and integrate into their community after being raped or having suffered gender-based violence. We provide financial support and help women form Income Generating Activity or Village Saving and Loans groups so that they can start a small business. Together with out local partners, we also offer apprenticeship training (sewing, welding, mechanics) to young girls and boys who have survived violence, are orphans or vulnerable.