Agnes Mukasangwa’s Journey from Adversity to Empowerment

Agnes Mukasangwa's life has been marked by hardship, unbridled resilience and an unbreakable spirit. Born with a physical disability, she faced stigma and isolation from an early age. During the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Agnes fled to a refugee camp in neighbouring Burundi with her husband and two children. Though life was already difficult, this was exacerbated when her husband passed on, leaving Agnes with an irresistible need to return home. Eventually, Agnes took the decision to re-marry, expand her family and return to Rwanda in Nyaruguru to begin rebuilding her life with her second husband and four children. However, tragedy struck again when her second husband passed away, leaving her to raise all four children on her own.

Through it all, Agnes never gave up. Her unwavering determination to create a better life for her children transformed not just her own path but inspired her entire community.

Breaking Barriers and Finding Voice in the Community with the JP RWEE

When the Joint Programme on Accelerating Progress towards Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE) came into her village, Agnes was hesitant. She had long felt marginalized and disconnected from the larger community because of the stigma caused by her disability. However, the focus on inclusivity, inspired Agnes to engage with the programme.

The JP RWEE, jointly implemented by FAO, IFAD, UN Women and WFP, focuses on empowering women in rural areas through capacity building, formation of farmers’ groups, Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) and income-generating activities.

Through the JP RWEE, Agnes received valuable training in saving and loans and was introduced to the concept of forming small farmer groups that could pool their resources to create sustainable livelihoods. Seizing the opportunity, Agnes joined a local savings group and began her journey towards financial independence.

"The JP RWEE gave me the tools to build my future, to become financially independent, and to find my voice in the community," Agnes says, reflecting on the profound impact the programme has had on her life.

Building a New Life

Agnes's initial steps in the programme were modest but promising. She used a loan from her savings group to purchase two rabbits, which quickly began to reproduce. The first litter had six babies, and the second produced five. Agnes sold the offspring and reinvested the profits into her savings group, gradually increasing her shares in the cooperative from two to five. By selling the rabbits and their offspring, she was able to make regular contributions to her savings group, which also provided access to small loans, thereby improving her financial stability.

As Agnes continued to engage with the JP RWEE, she gained more knowledge and skills, attending training courses on cooperative management, climate-resilient farming techniques, health and sanitation. These activities not only helped her improve her agricultural practices in the context of climate change but also gave her the confidence to manage her finances and plan for her future.

"One of the key lessons I learned is the importance of diversifying my sources of income," Agnes reflects. She expanded her income-generating activities to include trading beans, which she sold at a profit. Through these ventures, Agnes was able to save even more money, and over time, her savings grew to a substantial amount.

Becoming a Leader in the Community

With her newfound confidence and skills, Agnes wanted to take on leadership roles within her community. When elections for representing people with disabilities were held in her village, Agnes ran for the position of coordinator and was elected with overwhelming support. “This role has empowered me to support other women in my village and advocate for the needs of people living with disabilities," she explained.

Through the joint initiative, Agnes also strengthened her skills in cooperative management and financial literacy, which enabled her to mentor others and help them build their own livelihoods. She is inspiring other women and men living with disabilities to take charge of their financial future.

Leveraging her savings and income from her agricultural and business activities, Agnes has successfully borrowed and repaid the loan of 300,000 RWF (about $215) from the local Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO) that she used to renovate her house. "My home is a reflection of my hard work and the opportunities I’ve gained," Agnes shares proudly.

Today, Agnes’s financial independence allows her to provide a better life for her children. She is now seen as a role model in her community, and her story has become a beacon of hope for others.

Looking Forward

Agnes continues to advocate for people living with disabilities, and she remains committed to helping others in her community to reach their full potential. She hopes that the JP RWEE will continue to provide training and resources to empower even more women and men, enabling them to build better futures for themselves and their families.

Reflecting on her journey, Agnes says: "I never imagined that I could change my life in this way. I am now confident in my abilities, and I feel valued," she says.

Agnes Mukasangwa’s story is one of resilience, empowerment and transformation. She has overcome significant challenges, reclaimed her dignity and built a brighter future for herself and her family. Today, Agnes stands as a proud example of what can be achieved when individuals are given the tools, resources and support to succeed.