October ‘23 Update!
Dear Friends and Supporters of Women Rising,
We hope this post finds you and yours in good health and that you are holding steady with so much happening in our world community. 2023 has definitely been an eventful and often frightening year. Our hearts are with all those who have been impacted by the recent and ongoing conflicts as well as all the beings in peril in the world’s ecosystems.
It has been far too long since we’ve shared an update of our vital work. Much has happened since our last correspondence in May, and we have exciting developments to share.
Accomplishments:
Overall, the 25 women farmers from our community of 3 villages brought in more than 4,000 pounds of food between September 2022 and June 2023 from the one hectare under cultivation! The women were able to distribute squash, peanuts, beans, eggplant, okra, tomatoes, peppers, legumes, onions and corn in the 3 villages throughout the season. And now, the first harvest for our 2023-2024 season has begun.
The April through June abundant corn harvest (all planted from saved seed!) was a much-needed boon, as it is a staple food.
We also built and shipped 2 PVC hand pumps for irrigation.
The last big achievement of the season, so far, was to finalize the Statutes to secure NGO status in the DRC. Part of this effort was also to identify and bring on the final 3 new board members in the DRC. Securing NGO status is a critical step in an area of the country where villages are being pushed off of their historical lands by mining companies. It will provide the extra security needed to protect the farm from the same fate.
As a local, women-centered and women-governed agricultural project, Women Rising is focusing its efforts on the intersection of food, safety, and a healthy earth. The Project provides secure land tenure and opportunities and support for women of the DRC to create healthy, sustainable lives for themselves and their families, and increase food security in their communities.
We thank you for believing in this dream and for helping us bring the dream into reality. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. In the meantime, we look forward to being in touch with you and sharing more posts in the coming weeks.