Laura Smith, International Economics and Development
Internship Country: Rwanda
Canadian NGO: Centre for International Studies and Cooperation
Local NGO: Save Generations Organization (SGO)
Since September 3rd, 2023, I have been volunteering at Save Generations Organization (SGO), a Rwandan NGO focused rights and development for women and youth. The main objective of my volunteer assignment is to create an internal program-based assessment evaluating the impact of SGO’s women’s and girls’ socioeconomic empowerment program to highlight strengths, challenges, gaps, and progress. This will be used to draft a report describing lessons learnt and recommendations that will be used to inform future interventions and resource mobilization. To fulfill the fieldwork component of my research, I had the pleasure of attending the inauguration of SGO’s roadside market in Kamonyi District on October 20th, 2023. This blog will provide a narrative account of my field notes from that remarkable day.
The official opening of this roadside market marked a significant achievement. In partnership with the Rwanda Governance Board and the United Nations Development Programme, SGO led this project to empower single mothers, as well as out-of-school boys and girls. The project goes beyond construction; it provides participants with essential training to equip them with the knowledge and skills for formal work. These comprehensive training sessions encompassed topics such as entrepreneurship, business, financial literacy, cooperative formation and management, sexual and gender-based violence awareness, child protection, and the promotion of positive masculinity. Alongside the physical construction of the market, these training sessions laid the foundation for empowerment.
When we arrived at the market, I was struck by the palpable sense of optimism in the air. The vendors showcased their offerings with pride, and the sight of people dancing, singing, and exchanging smiles underscored the participants' happiness and their renewed hope for the future. I bought some delicious mangoes and avocados.
Before my visit, I hadn't fully appreciated the strategic location of the market. It's conveniently located adjacent to a school for young children and a clean water source. This design eliminates the challenge of childcare for single mothers, allowing them to fully engage in business activities, and underscores the thoughtful planning behind this project.
One of the most impactful moments of the inauguration was listening to a rightsholder's speech, graciously translated for me. It was during this speech that I truly grasped the profound transformation that this project has brought about in the participants' outlook on their futures. The rightsholder shared personal stories of having been in dangerous situations while engaged in informal businesses. However, the market had provided participants with a lifeline, helping them escape the precarious conditions they once faced. Beyond offering an economic opportunity, the market has instilled in the participants a sense of empowerment and agency over their own lives. Witnessing this transformation in mindset was moving, as it is likely to lead to increased lifelong incomes and safer, more secure lives.
The inauguration, like the project itself, was firmly rooted in a participant-centered approach. The event amplified the voices of rightsholders, underscoring SGO's confidence in the participants and expressing their belief in their ability to develop sustainable businesses and maintain the market's success long after the project's completion. The rightsholder's speech was a powerful testament to their determination to ensure the market's long-term sustainability.
This experience has added depth and authenticity to my report. As I move forward in my research, my next step involves conducting key informant interviews and focus groups with SGO management personnel and field team members. This will allow me to capture their valuable perspectives and incorporate these insights into my assessment report. In conclusion, I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an inspiring event and to gain a firsthand experience of SGO's women's and girls' socioeconomic empowerment program.