BuildingPeaceThroughEconomicEmpowerment
Helping women survivors of domestic violence in rural Rwanda rebuild their lives through livestock ownership, entrepreneurship training, and peer support.
Our Mission
Empower Them helps women survivors of domestic violence in rural Rwanda rebuild their lives through livestock ownership, entrepreneurship training, and peer support that promote peace within families and communities.
Pig Rearing & Animal Health
Women learn essential skills for maintaining healthy livestock, ensuring their pigs thrive and produce strong litters.
Entrepreneurship & Budgeting
Participants develop business planning skills and learn to manage household finances effectively.
Savings & Cooperatives
Training includes strategies for saving money and working together in cooperative structures.
Peaceful Communication
Women learn empathy, peaceful communication techniques, and methods to resolve conflicts without violence.
Our Impact
Within one year, Empower Them has transformed lives in Gateko. Through our integrated approach to economic empowerment and peacebuilding, we are creating lasting change in families and communities.
30
Women trained in entrepreneurship and peacebuilding skills
60+
Families set to benefit through our pass-it-on livestock model
40%
Income increase for participating households
↓
Reduced family disputes and increased confidence among women
Our Model
The Empower Them model is simple, sustainable, and designed to multiply impact. Each participant receives a healthy female pig and one week of intensive training in entrepreneurship and non-violent communication. When her pig gives birth, she passes two piglets to two other women in need—spreading opportunity and peace across the community.
- Step 1: Selection – Local leaders and Shelter Them identify women survivors of domestic violence who are ready to rebuild their lives.
- Step 2: Training – Participants learn budgeting, small-business planning, savings, and conflict-resolution.
- Step 3: Livestock Distribution – Each woman receives a pig as a productive asset for income generation.
- Step 4: Pass-It-On – After the first litter, each woman donates two piglets to new families, expanding the network of empowered households.
Meet Our Team
Our team brings together experience in economics, software engineering, law, and business to support women in Rwanda to rebuild their lives with dignity and peace.
Jean D'Amour Maniragaba
Founder & President
Economics and Data Science student at Cornell, leading community-rooted initiatives for empowerment, dignity, and peace.
Gabiro Arnauld
Technical Lead
Software engineer building impactful, humanitarian technology for communities in Rwanda and beyond.
Sarah Shelton
Business Strategy and Advisor
Law student with business background supporting Rwandan nonprofits that equip women as entrepreneurs and leaders.
Georgia Rafter
Business & Strategy Advisor
Business graduate advancing digital literacy and skills training for youth and women through community-based programs.
Icyitegetse Placide
Medical & Community Outreach
Medical student and community enthusiast passionate about caring for people and supporting sustainable development initiatives.
Ways to Get Involved
Your support helps women survivors of domestic violence gain independence and dignity. Together, we can grow peace—one family, one piglet at a time.
Donate
Provide a pig and training for one woman. Your donation directly funds livestock, training materials, and ongoing support for program participants.
Donate NowPartner with Us
Collaborate as an organization or sponsor a village. We welcome partnerships with groups focused on gender equity, peacebuilding, or rural development.
Partner With UsShare Our Story
Tell our story and inspire others to act. Every share helps us reach more people who can support our mission.
Share NowBe Part of Our Impact
Join us in creating lasting change for women and families in Rwanda.
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Contact Us
Ready to make a difference? Whether you want to donate, partner, or learn more about our work, we would love to hear from you.
info@empower-them.org
Location
Gateko Village, Bugesera District, Rwanda
Connect
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