Braiding My Future: Mary’s Journey to Independence
In a lot of communities, young women with no income-generating skills often find themselves trapped in cycles of dependence on their partners and family members for survival. This vulnerability exposes them to gender-based violence and limits their chances of achieving their dreams, as they cannot break the cycle of violence. Mary, a 20-year-old from Mufakose, has the opportunity to grow and transform through the Care2Share project being implemented by Family Support Trust with support from Young Africa International. The Care2Share project aims to empower young people by equipping them with essential skills that promote economic independence. A significant number of Care2Share students are young women who are at risk of gender-based violence, as indicated by the high volume of survivors attended to by Family Support Trust. Mary lives with her mother and siblings, with her mother being the breadwinner. Mary has had her own fair share of struggles. She became pregnant at the age of 18 before starting Form 5. This greatly disappointed her mother, who had high hopes for her, but she stood by her daughter during the pregnancy. Though she tried to build a relationship with the child’s father, the brief and unstable relationship only lasted for a little while; she eventually returned home, unsure of what her future held. Despite all these difficulties, one thing remained constant: her passion for hairdressing. I have always been passionate about hairdressing, but I never had the chance. I always admired people in my neighbourhood who would be busy plaiting and earning a living.” Before joining the program, Mary was often stressed about her finances. She didn’t know where or how to earn money to fend for herself and her child. The hands-on training in cosmetology has transformed Mary’s passion into a profession. She continues to enhance her braiding skills by plaiting her mother’s hairand she has since mastered different hairstyles such as cornrows and box braids, skills she never pictured herself acquiring. “Even if today I move away from Mufakose, I know I am moving around with my business because I know wherever I am based in I can continue running my business, my hands are my toolsand I can work anywhere.” The life skills sessions offered through Care2Share have become a safe space, a place to share her challenges, write down her dreamsand begin to believe in herself again. “I get to write down my dreams and plans for the future”, she said. Mary dreams of renting a chair in a local salon to start small, then expanding to her own space. Her ultimate goal? To open one of the biggest salons on the other side of Samora Machel Avenue, offering a full range of beauty services. Through the entrepreneurship skills sessions she attends, these are empowering her on the possibilities of running her own business and being her own boss. Care2Share has not only empowered a youth, but it has also provided an opportunity for a young mother, a young woman to escape the chances of experiencing gender-based violence by acquiring skills and economic independence.
Thoko’s Journey to Empowerment
The WAVE project is a collaborative initiative implemented by the Family Support Trust (FST), Adult Rape Clinic (ARC)and Nzeve Deaf Centre. The word stands for Women Against Violence through Empowerment. It focuses on empowering those who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence as a means of reducing further revictimization, continued emotional abuse, stigmaand discrimination, among others. The project is being implemented in Mutare district, Manicaland province, where gender-based violence is rife. Thoko, a mother of three from Zimunya, faced overwhelming financial hardships when her husband left her without any source of income. Living in an abusive relationship, she found herself in a difficult situation, as her husband, known in the community for his alcoholism, would often resort to violence when drunk. Fortunately, after an awareness and sensitization campaign in her community, Thoko learned about the Family Support Trust (FST) clinic and decided to seek counselling. This pivotal step marked the beginning of her transformation. In November 2023, Thoko enrolled in the WAVE project, a program designed to empower women through livelihood skills training. Despite her struggles, Thoko’s determination shone through as she embraced the opportunity to learn how to make dishwashing liquid. With the support of FST and a startup kit provided to her, she launched her own business selling dishwashing liquid, soon expanding to include toilet cleaners. Thoko’s venture has proven to be a remarkable success. With the help of her three daughters, who eagerly assist her in producing the products after school, she has managed to sell over 60 litres of dishwashing liquid. “Thanks to the startup kit from FST, I was able to sell a 20-litre bucket of dishwashing liquid. Thoko shared with pride. Her business not only provides financial stability but also serves as a platform for empowerment. Thoko is committed to teaching her daughters the skills they need to thrive, ensuring they are equipped to support themselves in the future. Thoko’s success is a testament to the power of community support. Her neighbours have rallied behind her business, encouraging her and helping to spread the word. Remarkably, since becoming a small business owner, Thoko has not experienced any further assaults from her husband, highlighting the positive change in her life. “My journey has been challenging, but I refuse to give up. The skills I’ve learned through the WAVE project have transformed my life and my family’s future,” Thoko said. Thoko’s story exemplifies the profound impact of the WAVE project. The project empowers women to achieve financial independence by providing essential training and resources, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency. Through stories like Sofia’s, we see how the WAVE project not only helps individuals build successful businesses but also creates safer, more supportive communities. Sofia’s journey is an inspiring reminder of the strength that comes from determination and the importance of empowering women to change their lives for the better.
Rudo’s Journey to Independence
The WAVE project is a collaborative initiative implemented by the Family Support Trust (FST), Adult Rape Clinic (ARC)and Nzeve Deaf Centre. The word stands for Women Against Violence through Empowerment. It focuses on empowering those who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence as a means of reducing further revictimization, continued emotional abuse, stigmaand discrimination, among others. The project is being implemented in Mutare district, Manicaland province, where gender-based violence is rife. Rudo’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Once trapped in a cycle of physical abuse from her alcoholic husband, Rudo faced immense challenges managing a household on a single income. The financial stress compounded her difficulties, making it nearly impossible to envision a way out. Determined to change her situation, Rudo sought help from the Family Support Trust (FST) through a community care worker. This connection led her to the clinic for counselling services. Although she was hesitant to involve the police—fearing potential retaliation from her husband—Rudo knew she needed support. In January 2023, Rudo visited the clinic and was assessed and enrolled WAVE project, which offers training in essential livelihood skills. Despite her husband’s initial disapproval of taking part in the training, Rudo remained steadfast in her resolve. By September 2023, she was enrolled on cobra making by Family Support Trust. As she developed her skills and began earning an income, Rudo’s husband started to notice the positive changes in their household. This newfound financial contribution fostered a sense of respect and collaboration between them, leading to a decrease in quarrels and abuse. Today, Rudo proudly runs her own small business, which not only provides her with financial support but also empowers her to take charge of her life. Initially unsure of the impact this would have, she soon realized its significance. “I now have a reliable source of income from selling floor polish, which allows me to provide for my family,” she shared. The financial stability she gained transformed her relationship with her husband. With reduced stress over money, their conflicts diminished, creating a more peaceful home. “I am incredibly grateful for the WAVE project that taught me these valuable skills, enabling me to support my family,” Rudo expressed. The WAVE project plays a crucial role in empowering women like Rudo by equipping them with the skills needed for economic independence. By enhancing their financial stability, the project not only reduces dependence on partners but also significantly lowers the risk of gender-based violence (GBV). Rudo’s success story, along with others like hers, highlights the transformative power of the WAVE project, showing how it fosters resilience, improves relationshipsand contributes to safer, more empowered communities.