Women's Basket Weaving Program in Burundi

We're giving 60 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Burundi the basket weaving and business development skills they need to take advantage of a growing local demand for these products and to establish their own co-op store to generate income for themselves and their families.

Grassroots partner
Reavi-Baho, Burundi 

Status
Current

Start date
September 2020

Impact
60 women in first pilot phase

Problem we're addressing
As survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, many of these women were unable to complete formal education and have been ostracised by their families and communities. Many also have young children that they need to care for which prevents them from returning to school or access other employment opportunities. 

Opportunity
There is a demonstrated demand for quality modern baskets that are used for a wide range of purposes within the local community and can be made by hand with little capital outlay whilst being sold for respectable profits. 

Solution
Teaching women the skills they need to make these baskets as well as the required business skills to establish a co-op shop in the marketplace (funding for which is provided as part of the program) and market and sell their wares to earn a regular income.