Gender Program

The Gender program is to promote gender equality through small loans and support social groups for women.

Kyangwali Women's Microcredit Project

Through the financial assistance of People Weaver (www.peopleweaver.com), COBURWAS administers micro-loans to women living the camp so that they can take advantage of income generating opportunities such as raising vegetables, chicken, and goats for resale. They also make baskets and help other women.

The Kyangwali Women's Microcredit Project targets the women refugees living at the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Uganda. These women have the desire and motivation to create a better life for themselves and their families; what they lack is opportunity. Most want to finish their own and their children’s schooling, but find this out of reach. The Kyangwali Refugee camp was established in the 1960s; currently there are approximately 18,000 refugees living at the camp. In Kyangwali there exist income producing opportunities such as raising vegetables, chickens, and goats for resale. For creative woman there are other money making opportunities. We have provided a few women with microfinance loans, but there are many more hoping to be given one – your donation can make this possible.

Average microcredit loan for one woman: $75

• Lending to women: Nearly half of all impoverished families in the developing world depend on income generated by women.
• Trusting the poor: Women are responsible borrowers, diligent savers, and competent managers who use their income almost exclusively to benefit their children.
• A self-employment loan, not a gift: Microcredit loans build discipline, responsibility, and self-confidence as women create their own businesses.

The Anti-Violence Women’s Movement  

The Anti-Violence Women’s Movement was formed in July of 2008 to provide a support network for young women who were out of school.

A group of 30 women meet a few times a week to discuss topics of mutual interest and learn new income generating skills. In addition, the group advocates for girls who have been abused or neglected. The group has learned how to make beaded necklaces, crochet baby clothes, and embroider cloth.