Jeanette's story

***Trigger warning: rape, sexual violence, infant loss*** 

Our work across Rwanda focuses heavily on supporting those affected by gender-based violence and the content of these stories touches on subjects that may be upsetting. 

Jeanette was just 17 years old when she was raped by a motorcycle taxi driver on her way home from market. The violence not only left Jeanette deeply traumatised, but also pregnant.  
 
However, thanks to your support, and the skills of our partner CEJP Rwanda, things have changed. Through counselling and women’s self-help groups, Jeanette was helped to heal, and deal with the trauma she’d endured. She was enrolled in a savings group to improve her access to money, and attended a vocational training programme where she learned skills in tailoring and business development. 
 
Together with her two closest friends, who also received support from the project, they now run a small tailoring shop called ‘Hope’ which serves the local community. They share any money they make and can look after their health and wellbeing, eat a more balanced diet, and save for the future.  

“Since I started receiving support from this project, through listening and counselling, my wounds have been healed. I told myself that I’m not the only one who has been through this situation, and that I cannot change anything except to embrace and accept what happened, by becoming the best version of myself. In a few words, my life has changed.”

SGBV (sexual and gender-based violence)

Today, SGBV in Rwanda is widespread, and many thousands of women and girls face fear, violence and isolation each day. Worsening these problems, survivors are stigmatised by those around them, creating shame, deepening suffering, and leaving them feeling worthless.  

SCIAF's approach

Together with our local partner CEJP Rwanda, we’re working to provide essential support to survivors, and promoting gender equality. We’re providing medical care, trauma counselling and skills training, so survivors can recover, support themselves and rebuild their lives. We’re working to change attitudes, so women and girls can be safe, respected and valued, and developing networks of community leaders who speak out against violence and demand gender equality.  

We’re also working in schools to promote equal relationships between boys and girls. In weekly after school clubs, young people come together to discuss the gender-based issues that affect them while learning about positive masculinity and living together peacefully. Singing, dancing, acting and poetry help the young people communicate their learnings, promoting a vision for a happier, more equal future. 

With your help, we can help improve the lives of women and girls in Rwanda and around the world, giving them opportunities to access education, lean new skills and work themselves out of poverty.