RUBIRIZI, Uganda– Women in Kichwamba Sub-county, Rubirizi District, are taking bold and inspiring steps to combat household poverty through handcraft businesses, despite facing significant challenges.
Led by their chairperson, Mukundane Scovia, members of the Kicwamba Women Creative Bee Initiative are using locally made crafts such as baskets, mats, trays, traditional containers, and earrings to generate income and support their families.
Scovia revealed that many women walk up to 20 kilometers to collect raw materials needed for their crafts. Despite the long distances and hardships, the group remains committed to improving their livelihoods and empowering fellow women and young girls.
“We don’t want handouts,” Scovia emphasized. “We are working tirelessly to feed our families and pay school fees for our children.”
The initiative is not only fighting poverty but also creating a supportive environment where women and teenagers can develop skills, gain confidence, and become financially independent.
Another member, Aine Shira, said the group is determined to break away from financial dependency on men.
“We want to stand on our own,” she said. “We are working hard to earn income and improve our families’ lives.”
However, the women face several obstacles, including:
- Limited access to affordable raw materials
- Poor transport systems
- Lack of reliable markets for their products
- Insufficient institutional support
The group is now appealing to the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities and other government bodies to step in and support their efforts. They are seeking assistance in accessing materials, strengthening their association, and connecting to better markets, especially in the tourism sector where their crafts could attract buyers.
Scovia stressed that empowering women with practical skills and knowledge is key to sustainable development and improved family welfare.
The Kicwamba initiative stands as a powerful example of resilience, determination, and grassroots innovation, showing how rural women are transforming their communities and building sustainable household incomes against all odds.
