In Ruhango district, southern province, the project named ‘‘protect your environment, protect your life’’ implemented by Réseau des Femmes in partnership with Accord Rwanda, Terre Solidaire, and Agence Française de Développement, is changing the lives of local communities of Nyakabuye and Kamusenyi cells of Byimana Sector by promoting environmental protection, gender equality, and economic growth.
Launched in April 2024, the project’s main goal is to train beneficiaries to protect the environment and promote gender equality. In this regards, 20 couples have been chosen to learn new skills that will help them to protect the environment while also encouraging fairness between men and women at home and in their community.
Learning for a Greener, Equal Future
The project has offered a variety of trainings covering topics like environmental protection, financial literacy, and gender equality. One of the key activities was teaching couples how to create plant nurseries, which led to the planting of over 2,500 trees, including 1,800 fruit trees. These trees are not only helping the environment but also providing the community with more income and food.
The project has also made a difference in the personal lives of the couples involved in. One couple, who had been living together for 10 years without being legally married, decided to legalize their marriage after taking part in the training on gender equality.
Economic and Personal Changes
The project has helped couples in increasing financial status. Some couples have sold trees from their nurseries and used the money to save for the future or start small businesses. This combination of protecting the environment and improving their finances has made a real difference.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Although the project has been successful, there are still challenges. Ruhango is a dry area, and getting enough water for farming is difficult. The community is asking for more help, especially in the form of better irrigation systems and greenhouses. These tools would help them grow more plants and continue to protect the environment.
Support from local Leaders
Leaders of Ruhango Districts, have recognized the success of the project and praised the hard work of the couples involved. They also promised to continue supporting the project to make sure it keeps growing and helping the community. The collaboration between the local government and the partners has been key to the project’s success.
A Model for the Future
The “Protect Your Environment, Protect your Life” project has shown that it’s possible to protect the environment while promoting gender equality and improving people’s lives. As the project grows, it will serve as a model for other communities, proving that local efforts can lead to a better, more sustainable future.
