0 Safe Stoves for Darfur Refugee Mothers

Title: Progress Report – Coronavirus Relief Fund Grant- Safe Stoves Program Empowering Refugee Women in Chad

Report Date: 10/13/2024

Project: Safe Stoves for Refugee Women in Chad

Overview:

Since August 2024, the Safe Stoves Program, supported by the Coronavirus Relief Fund from GlobalGiving, has continued to empower refugee women by enabling them to produce safe stoves. These stoves not only provide income but also protect women and their families from dangers such as rape and hostile attacks. The program has made significant progress in both production and community impact, with 1,640 stoves completed to date.

Key Achievements:

1. Stove Production:
• First Stage (August 2024): A group of 40 refugee women produced 800 safe stoves. In addition to selling these stoves for income, the group donated 40 stoves to vulnerable families in need.
• Second Stage (September 2024): The same group produced another 800 stoves, bringing the total to 1,640 stoves completed in two months.
2. Economic Empowerment:
• The women expressed deep gratitude for the income they earned, which has been vital for their families’ well-being. They noted that without this program, their hardships during the rainy season would have been far greater.
• This income generation has empowered the women to take more control of their financial futures and decision-making, creating a ripple effect of change within their households.
3. Community Impact:
• The Safe Stoves Program has played a crucial role in shifting cultural perceptions. Women's work, which was once undervalued, is now seen as critical to the community’s economic resilience.
• Families of the participating women are actively supporting the production process, from gathering materials to assisting with assembly, which fosters community solidarity.
4. Safety and Health Improvements:
• The safe stoves reduce exposure to smoke during cooking, improving air quality in shelters.
• By using the stoves, the risk of women facing hostile attacks while collecting firewood is reduced, creating a safer environment for mothers and daughters.

                    Challenges and Resilience:

Despite the rainy season and other logistical challenges, the women remained committed to their goals. Through participatory decision-making sessions, they decided to continue production during difficult weather conditions to ensure continuous income. This resilience demonstrates their determination and the positive impact of the program on their empowerment. Please watch this video and share with us your thought: https://youtu.be/vlVB0C1L1Q0

 Next Steps:

• Third Stage Production: The women are now preparing to begin the third stage of production, aiming to manufacture 800 more stoves. This phase will further expand the reach of the program, protecting additional refugee mothers from the dangers they face and improving household safety.
• Sustainability and Growth: DWN is committed to supporting these women in sponsoring them to explore other small business opportunities within the camp, fostering long-term economic empowerment and community development.

       Conclusion:

The Safe Stoves Program continues to be a powerful catalyst for change, improving not only the economic independence of refugee women but also the safety and health of their families. Darfur Women Network is deeply grateful for GlobalGiving’s support, which has made this program possible. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of survivors of genocide in Darfur, living in refugee camps in Chad.

  Here is the link to your project: http://goto.gg/44316

With gratitude,

Mastora Bakhiet
Executive Director
Darfur Women Network (DWN)