Telling the ECSA Story

Daniel and Uzamukunda Jacquelin riding the bicycle together. CARE Rwanda In 1997, Muhawenimana Daniel and Uzamukunda Jacqueline embarked on a daunting journey of marriage that was extremely difficult and full of challenges that put a lot of strain on their well-being and family life. Their home environment was toxic due to harmful cultural traditions and gender norms. Daniel, influenced by societal expectations, believed he should have complete authority over all household decisions, finances, and property management. This power imbalance led to a lack of communication, and understanding, and went as far as leading Daniel into intimate partner violence. Financial mismanagement exacerbated their problems, compounded by Daniel's excessive drinking. Influenced by destructive impulses from his paternal family, he engaged in polygamous relationships, neglecting his responsibilities to provide for his family. Jacqueline was left struggling to afford basic needs such as their children...

Clarisse Kouame had to close her store in Cote d'Ivoire and lost her job because of COVID-19. “But I did not stay there waiting without doing anything. With my association of women, we did a training on producing oyster mushrooms. … I told myself if, in addition to crafts I could have another skill, it will be of great use especially in the future. Even if today I have no financial means, later I intend to make the marketing of mushrooms another source of income. …I still have hope. This is what gives me the strength to be there every day.”        The  International Labor Organization estimated  that by June 30, COVID-19 eliminated 277 BILLION hours of paid work, the equivalent of 400 million full-time jobs. Unlike previous economic crises, those job losses are hitting women the hardest, since women dominate the service industries that are most affected by COVID-19 restrictions. CARE’s research confirms this. In  Lebanon , 49% of women have lost j...