Alongside Hope supports projects in Canada and around the world in collaboration with local partners. These partners understand the cultural, social, economic and political contexts of the communities and people they serve. This knowledge is invaluable for designing and implementing programs that respond to the specific challenges community members encounter.
Action for Rural Women’s Empowerment (ARUWE) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls in Uganda. ARUWE is committed to fostering gender equality and providing women and girls with the skills to overcome poverty, patriarchy and social inequities. Alongside Hope has had the privilege of partnering with ARUWE since 2013.
Justine Nyirguhirwa, a 25-year-old mother of two from Wakiso district, was able to complete four years of high school before she was forced to quit due to financial constraints. Married, with two children, her life was a struggle as her husband’s shoe repair business did not bring in much money. She tried working as a nursery teacher and later selling second-hand clothes, but both ventures failed due to low pay, lack of capital and lack of support from her husband.
When ARUWE introduced the vocational and business skilling program, Justine saw it as a chance to change her life.
Despite resistance from her husband, she remained determined, waking up early in the morning to prepare for training while caring for her children. Through the tailoring and entrepreneurship training, she learned to make pillowcases, table mats, dresses, shirts, skirts and trousers, as well as how to plan and manage a small business.
With the skills she acquired, Justine now earns income by sewing and selling her products locally. The profits, though small, have helped her buy more materials, support her children and prepare for an upcoming exhibition to showcase her work. Today Justine dreams of owning her own tailoring business and expanding into selling clothes again. “The training has given me the courage to stand on my own and the skills to build a better life for my children.”
Support for Alongside Hope helps us to connect with partner agencies and provide funds to help families like Justine’s around the world.
