In Musanze district, the Belgium funded
Urban Economic Development initiative UEDi implemented by Enabel has been a catalyst for change.
The inspiring story
of Pauline Hagenimana is an example of women's empowerment. Pauline's journey
into the world of carpentry, a domain traditionally dominated by men, showcases
the transformative potential of vocational training.
With an impressive 86.1% employment rate among dual training graduates, the
project highlights gender equality and economic independence. The gender
dynamics within this framework are particularly revealing, 61.47% of employed
female carpentry graduates compared to 38.26% of their male counterparts,
challenging the traditional employment narrative.
Pauline's success story
is not just her own but a reflection of the broader impact of the UEDi project.
After completing dual training program, Pauline demonstrated an impressive
ability to use acquired skills by establishing a bench work at her home where
she often produces wooden furnitures.
Pauline’s ability to support her family's education and improve their
living standards after completing her training in Carpentry is a testament to
the empowerment that comes with skills acquisition.
"In our family, we
are five children, and now I do help in paying my siblings' school fees just
after I completed the training in Carpentry. Even the sitting room furniture we
never had before at home, I made it myself," Pauline shares,
highlighting the direct benefits of her vocational training.
The ripple effects of her achievements are palpable within her
community, inspiring other women and girls to pursue their dreams and challenge
the confines of traditional gender roles. This shift is crucial not only for
individual women but also for the socio-economic development of the Musanze
district and beyond. The UEDi project's focus on vocational training emerges as
a sustainable pathway to gender equality, reducing poverty and fostering
inclusive economic growth.
Pauline Hagenimana's
story, enriched by the success of the UEDi project, serves as a powerful call
to action for continued investment in women's vocational training. It
highlights the role of education and empowerment in changing lives, shaping
communities and building resilient & prosperous societies. Through
dedicated efforts to support and expand such initiatives, the future holds the
promise of further breaking down barriers to gender equality and enabling more
women like Pauline to transform their lives and communities.
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