Rwanda - Ituze

In 2008, 18 women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Rwanda united to form the Ituze Women's Cooperative. The name "Ituze" means "calmness" in Kinyarwanda, reflecting their desire for peace and support.

Initially, the cooperative focused on providing emotional support and camaraderie to its members. Through regular meetings, they shared experiences, offered advice, and listened to one another. This sense of community was crucial to their success.

To generate income, the cooperative began farming coffee and pineapples. They quickly demonstrated a talent for business, increasing yields and improving product quality. A grant from the Kahawatu Foundation in 2018 provided resources to further boost productivity, including seedlings, shade trees, manure, and training in soap manufacturing.

The Ituze Women's Cooperative has flourished. With over 20 members, their products are sold locally and in Kigali. They have also established a successful Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), saving over $1,000 in their first year. These funds have been used for medical insurance, home repairs, education, and livestock purchases.

Soap-making has become a profitable venture. Trained by the Kahawatu Foundation in 2021, the women have reinvested their soap-making income into additional sustainable businesses, further strengthening their cooperative.