Hope for Congolese widows

Last month, Atosha, a widow of 19 years old, was amongst those to graduate from a sewing programme for widows and single mothers in DR Congo. Atosha’s husband was killed in the recent conflict and, like many other women, Atosha has had to find a way to support her family. The WER funded sewing programme empowers these women, helping them to generate an income and gain independence.

WER, in partnership with ARM Congo, is supporting the sewing programme for widows and single mothers in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The programme was set up four years ago by widows in the city of Uvira in order to generate income and mobilise the local community.

The programme, which is run by two teachers and several past-student volunteers, provides technical training in sewing, tailoring and machine maintenance. All students are widows between 15 and 25 years old and many also have young children.

Having lost their husbands during recent conflict these women have been left with little or no means to support themselves or their children. Many have never had the opportunity to receive an education or training and as a result find themselves marginalised in the community. The sewing programme offers them the opportunity to develop vocational skills, giving them hope and a chance of a better future.

Between 20 and 30 students graduate from the sewing programme each year and many go on to set up cooperatives, work for small local businesses or do piece work. Atosha, one of this year’s graduates, has also completed a locally run adult literacy course and now, with the skills she has developed, she is able support herself and her family. Atosha is now looking forward to working for a local business and to generating essential income for food and other necessities.

WER would like to be able to help these women further by providing sewing machines for those who wish to set up their own businesses. Some graduates currently use the programme facilities when they are available but having their own machines would allow them to expand their work and increase the income they generate. If you would like to help please contact the WER team on 0844 2492129 or by emailing info@wer-uk.org