How To Grow More Food
Dear Friends of African Women Rising, For the last 10 days, the team and I have been working on program plans and budgets for 2017. It is slow work, making sure we take all expenses into account and are realistic…
Women’s Education Changes the World
Literacy is one of the greatest problems for the women that we serve. During the war many of these women were abducted, forced to fight, became girl mothers, or simply had to drop out of school to help their families…
Gardens as a Lifeline
I have a lovely little garden that keeps me sane. I try to spend at least 20 minutes there every day. This time of year my garden is full of flowers and vegetables. I have a little problem with my…
One Woman’s Story
Our mission is to empower women by providing self-sustaining solutions that give hope and change lives. The women of African Women Rising have many stories and varied backgrounds, but with one common theme: survival. Now and then we like to…
Women Are The Backbone Of Food Production
Twenty years of war destroyed the agricultural capacity of Northern Uganda. Skills were lost, crops were stolen and land abandoned. As the primary producers of food, women bore the brunt of the conflict. In today’s post-conflict environment, most of African…
Field Notes: How We Get Girls to Stay in School
The last time I sent you a letter I was talking about the difficult situation facing school girls in Northern Uganda. How in some areas only 3% of girls continue to secondary school and the majority drop out in 3rd…
Micro-financing: “Because You Don’t Need to Ask Everything from a Man”
At the end of War people are left with nothing. War destroys physical assets, the ability to earn an income and the capacity to save money. Starting from scratch is a long road to financial security. Our Microfinance Program is…
Field Notes: On Finishing School
Gulu is extremely hot these days. Today it was over 110. I’m drinking more warm — and very sweet — sodas in a day then I care to count. Every time i come to visit a new group of women they…
Field Notes: Giving Hope
"I believe if you change one woman’s life, it will have a ripple effect more powerful than anything you can imagine. African Women Rising is working to make a difference within the communities of Uganda one woman at a time." -…
Empowering Women: Meet Nancy
Meet Nancy, a member of Ajanyi Young Women's Group. Nancy is 23 years old, and because of the conflict she was never able to finish school. Last year she borrowed money from her group, using the micro-finance funds granted to…