Case Studies

Strength in Solidarity: How SEVOTA’s Women’s Groups Are Rebuilding Lives in Rwanda

BB Energy Foundation November 29, 2025

Photos by Hazel Thompson

At BB Energy Foundation, we believe that empowering women is key to building resilient communities. Between August and October 2025, in partnership with SEVOTA, we supported the creation and strengthening of 50 women’s self-help and solidarity groups (Groupes d’Entraide et de Solidarité des femmes – GES) across the districts of Muhanga, Nyanza, Kamonyi, and Ngororero in Rwanda.

Empowering Rwandan Women Through Solidarity and Skill-Building

Each GES brings together 20–25 women — many of whom are survivors of gender-based violence, widows, or in interethnic marriages. Through collective learning and emotional support, they are rebuilding confidence, trust, and community ties.

The initiative focused on:

Mobilization and group formation: creating new groups and revitalizing existing ones with the support of local leaders.
Training and capacity building: equipping women with skills in group management, savings, conflict resolution, and gender equality.
Psychosocial support: offering safe spaces for sharing and collective healing through sessions like the Agaseke k’Amahoro (“Peace Basket”) exchanges.
Monitoring and mentorship: ensuring groups thrive through continuous coaching and by encouraging small-scale economic projects such as farming, tailoring, and handicrafts.

Impact at a Glance

50 active women’s groups across four districts.
1,000+ women engaged in self-help and solidarity activities.
30 saving schemes launched.
15 income-generating projects initiated.
Tangible improvements in self-esteem, social connection, and emotional wellbeing.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Some groups faced limited starting capital and logistical challenges in remote areas. However, the results showed that solidarity itself is a powerful source of resilience. Combining psychosocial healing with economic empowerment proved to be an effective and sustainable model for community recovery.

SEVOTA: The Road Ahead

As the program continues, SEVOTA will provide ongoing mentorship, connect groups to microfinance institutions, and share success stories through cooperative fairs and a forthcoming documentary film.

Our Commitment for Solidarity

Through this partnership, we continue our commitment to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 5 (Gender Equality) — empowering women to lead change, support one another, and strengthen their communities.

“When women come together in solidarity, healing becomes possible — and hope becomes a shared strength.”