Mariya, a 69-year-old survivor of the Rwandan genocide, is the head of a household of 30 people, including 18 children—each living with the daily realities of poverty and loss. Like many women who survived the genocide, Mariya carries the dual burden of trauma and responsibility, caring not only for her own children but also for extended family members and orphans left behind in the aftermath of violence. For women in Rwanda over the age of 35, employment opportunities are extremely limited, making it nearly impossible to provide consistent income for large, vulnerable households.

Rwanda-one4one was formed in response to Mariya’s story and the broader challenges faced by genocide survivors. The organization equips Mariya and her daughter, Victoire, with the skills to naturally dye textiles, transforming traditional craftsmanship into a sustainable source of income. Through this work, they create beautifully hand-dyed wraps and scarves that provide financial stability while preserving cultural artistry. In addition to income generation, Rwanda-one4one supports access to education for Mariya’s young grandchildren, offering them hope for a future beyond survival.

In 1994, nearly one million Rwandans were brutally murdered during the genocide, leaving behind a nation of widows and orphaned children. Survivors like Mariya were forced to rebuild their lives with little support, minimal resources, and overwhelming responsibilities. Female heads of household in Rwanda struggle daily to cultivate enough food, provide childcare, and meet basic family needs. Compounding these challenges is the lack of free public education. Families such as Mariya’s cannot afford the approximately $300 per year required for primary and secondary schooling, perpetuating a devastating cycle of poverty that spans generations.

Mariya’s ministry addresses these realities by empowering Rwandan women with income-generating skills and funding education for their children. By teaching women the craft of natural fabric dyeing, the program provides dignified, sustainable work that allows women to support their families. Research shows that income placed in the hands of women has a transformative effect: the World Bank estimates that 90% of women’s earnings are reinvested in their families. When combined with education, these investments dramatically improve health outcomes, expand economic opportunities, and foster long-term peace.

Sustainable peace in Rwanda depends not only on rebuilding physical infrastructure, but also on restoring families, communities, and economic stability. Women like Mariya and Victoire play a vital role in this healing process. By investing in women and educating children, Rwanda-one4one helps break the cycle of poverty, strengthens family units, and rebuilds the social fabric for lasting peace.

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