Financial Empowerment for GBV victims: Tinyuka Power Up Project & Equity Group Foundation International

On February 12, 2025, Certa Foundation, through its Center for Justice and Advocacy (CJA), in partnership with Equity Group Foundation International, held a financial literacy training for 17 GBV victims with disabilities in Musanze District as part of the Tinyuka Power Up Project, funded by Ministère des Affaires étrangères français.

This initiative was created in partnership with Equity Group Foundation International to provide financial literacy training for 17 of our rights holders from Musanze District. It aimed to break the cycle of economic dependence ,one of the biggest factors keeping victims trapped in abusive situations by equipping them with the skills and resources needed for financial independence.

The session was led by Mr. Bertin Kagabo who is he , who provided hands-on training in budgeting, saving, and strategic business planning. He emphasized practical investment strategies, encouraging participants to start small, analyze risks, and focus on one business at a time for sustainable growth.

Throughout the session, participants opened bank accounts, marking a crucial step toward financial security. They developed functional business plans ready for execution and formed a savings and support group (Itsinda) with a leadership structure and scheduled meetings. Many refined their business ideas after learning about risk assessment and financial planning.

The training ended with a powerful message from Me Uwizeyimana Dative, who reminded participants that empowerment is about lifting others:

“Imagine a future where, if someone from the next group wants to start goat farming, they can get their first goat from you. That is how empowerment works.”

By combining legal aid and financial empowerment, Certa Foundation is not just ensuring access to justice, we are building self-sufficient futures.

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