Empowering Women and Girls: ActionAid Distributes Livelihood Kits in Bulengo IDP Camp

On Monday, October 14, 2024, ActionAid, with funding from the World Food Programme (WFP), distributed Income-Generating Activity (AGR) kits to 250 women and girls identified as survivors or at risk of gender-based violence (GBV) in the Bulengo site, Goma health zone, North Kivu. This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower vulnerable women and girls by offering them the tools needed for economic independence and resilience.

A Lifeline for Women and Girls at Risk

The distribution of AGR kits is a vital component of the “Socio-Economic Reintegration of GBV Survivors/Victims and At-Risk Women and Girls” project. Running from January to December 2024, the project aims to create sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable women and girls while promoting dignity, self-reliance, and economic stability.

The Bulengo site, hosting over 180,000 displaced persons, has seen heightened risks of GBV. Providing women and girls with income-generating opportunities helps reduce their exposure to exploitation and abuse by promoting autonomy and stability.

A Holistic Approach to Reintegration

The kits distributed contain materials and resources tailored to help beneficiaries start small businesses—such as sewing machines, and other essential items to support entrepreneurship. The initiative emphasizes that economic empowerment is a crucial step in the psychosocial recovery and reintegration of GBV survivors and women at risk.

The project is not just about providing tools but also about restoring hope and dignity to these women and girls, giving them the means to rebuild their lives in a sustainable way. Through continued support and follow-up, ActionAid ensures that beneficiaries receive the necessary guidance to thrive in their chosen economic activities.

Working Together for a Safer Future

With a budget of $60,000, this project reflects ActionAid’s commitment to gender equality and the fight against GBV. In collaboration with local partners and the WFP, ActionAid continues to foster safe spaces for women and girls and provide long-term solutions to reduce their vulnerability.

“We believe that providing women and girls with the right tools and opportunities allows them to reclaim control over their lives and break free from cycles of violence and dependence,” said Saani Yakubu, Country Director, ActionAID DRC.

A Lasting Impact

This initiative aligns with ActionAid’s broader mission of transforming power dynamics, empowering women, and building resilient communities. As part of the project’s year-long activities, the focus will remain on strengthening socio-economic reintegration efforts for at-risk women and girls, creating a foundation for self-sufficiency and lasting change in Goma and beyond.