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Kagisano Women's Shelter- Empowerment & Job Skills

Kagisano Women's Shelter works to end gender-based violence; now, we are empowering women

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Kagisano Women's Shelter- Empowerment & Job Skills

Kagisano Women's Shelter- Empowerment & Job Skills

Kagisano Women's Shelter- Empowerment & Job Skills

Kagisano Women's Shelter- Empowerment & Job Skills

Kagisano Women's Shelter- Empowerment & Job Skills

Kagisano Women's Shelter works to end gender-based violence; now, we are empowering women

Kagisano Women's Shelter works to end gender-based violence; now, we are empowering women

Kagisano Women's Shelter works to end gender-based violence; now, we are empowering women

Kagisano Women's Shelter works to end gender-based violence; now, we are empowering women

Victoria Engelhard
Victoria Engelhard
Victoria Engelhard
Victoria Engelhard
1 Campaign |
Gaborone, Botswana
$746 USD 14 backers
24% of $3,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
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Short Summary

 Dumela bo-mma le bo-rra! (That means “Hello ladies and gentlemen” in Setswana, the language spoken here in Botswana). My name is Tori, and I am an American college student studying abroad. I am part of the CIEE Arts and Sciences Program in Gaborone, Botswana. Currently, I am doing an internship at Kagisano Society Women’s Shelter. This is a shelter working to end gender-based (domestic) violence. It provides counselling among other services, as well as temporary shelter for women and children who have left abusive partners/homes. 

My campaign is working to economically empower women who have suffered gender-based violence. The funds that we raise will go towards helping these women get job skills/training and/or education courses so they can be financially independent. 

This is a particularly pressing issue because when women do not have means to provide for themselves financially after they leave their abusive partners, who tend to be the breadwinners, they may go back to the partners or turn to other ways to support themselves that aren't sustainable. Some even turn to such means as prostitution, putting themselves and their health at risk. With economic stability, these women will be able to provide for themselves and their children and live a fulfilling life free from gender-based violence. 

What We Need 

My goal is to raise $3,000 US dollars, which in Pula (the currency in Botswana) is 29,612.10 Pula. 

The money that you donate will be transmitted directly into the Kagisano Society Women's Shelter's bank account. The money will be allocated to clients on a case by case basis, to pay for things like job training programs and business sessions. 

Even if we do not reach our goal of raising $3,000 US dollars (or 29,612.10 Pula), the money we do raise will still go to Kagisano.  

The Impact

This project is important because essentially, economic independence is freedom. Women who earn their own living no longer have to go back to an abusive partner for money, which would most likely continue the cycle of violence. Furthermore, the self-confidence gained in beginning a career would help these women feel fulfilled and proud. Think about the first time you got a job; the pride and joy you felt is the same way these women can feel. Not only are they finally free from economic dependence/oppression, they are also free from abuse.

Donating to this campaign would allow women at the shelter to be able to pursue economic endeavors such as;

-attend job training courses in various fields 

-attend courses at local technical colleges 

-attend sessions on starting and/or maintaining a business, and then actually having the funds to start the business (typically selling items such as food, clothes, etc.)

-attend agricultural programs (learning to grow crops)

-learn to sew/tailor, and create and sell clothes

These are just some of the options the clients would have; the shelter needs money, however, to pay the fees for these programs and sessions. 

I personally work with clients at the shelter every week, and I am inspired hearing about what they would like to do after they leave the shelter. These women have dreams, whether it be running a cafe or a daycare center or a clothing shop, and they refuse to let the violence in their past stop them from seeing a brighter future ahead. That is why I am asking for these donations; I would like to help them see brighter days.   

Risks & Challenges

When donating to any project/organization, one often wonders where the money is actually going. I completely understand, because I wonder that myself. But this campaign is legitimate; the money will be going to Kagisano Society Women's Shelter. As an intern there, I know the organization well. I trust it to use the funds for the purpose of helping their shelter clients move on to a sustainable life. 

Even when my internship (as a Shelter Interaction Officer) ends in a few months, I intend to follow-up at the shelter and ensure that the funds are being used for the aforementioned purposes. 

Other Ways You Can Help

Some people just can't contribute, and I completely understand. But, that doesn't mean you can't help in other ways:

  • If you could spread the word to others about the campaign, that would be much-appreciated! The more publicity, the better- because more attention also means more awareness for the issues of domestic violence in Botswana and women's empowerment! 
  • Also, you can share this link on Facebook and other social media sites, or send it through email, or just spread it word-of-mouth!   

Thank you so much for your support-it's incredible what the power of generosity can do in this world. 

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