Rwanda and Uganda in East Africa, though unique, share similar socio-economic challenges. In addition to dealing with the impacts of violent conflicts and the influx of refugees from neighbouring states, both countries face a rapidly growing young population and increasing urbanization. The climate crisis affects the agricultural sector, which is dominated by small-scale subsistence, rain-fed farming. Both countries rank ‚low‘ on the Human Development Index. 

Although Uganda and Rwanda are relatively advanced in terms of gender equality laws, there remain hurdles in implementation at the local level. Unequal gender norms permeate society and exacerbate gender inequality and poverty, leading to increased gender-based violence, especially in households. Many decision-makers do not adequately address the priorities and concerns of women and girls. Additionally, local organizations, especially women’s organizations, often lack the financial, technical, and organizational support needed to effectively support their communities. 

This is where the GEAR project comes into play:  it aims to transform gender norms and promote equality by involving households, communities, and decision-makers. It will use proven methods to engage men and boys and to foster support for women’s and girls‘ socio-economic participation. The project will build the skills of women, girls, and youth (including VSLA members) to start and grow sustainable businesses and connect with markets and financial services. It will also support advocacy efforts and use Community Score Cards to hold officials accountable for gender-equitable policies. Additionally, GEAR will collaborate with partner organizations and strengthen local groups to improve program effectiveness. 

The participating partners in Uganda and Rwanda have a proven track record in implementing humanitarian and development programs, particularly focusing on women and girls. They bring strong capabilities to GEAR, including contextual knowledge, relationships, and expertise in women’s entrepreneurship and social resilience. 

Objectives

Outcome: 

Marginalized women, girls and youth (15-59, with a focus on 15-35 years) are more self-reliant and live in a responsive and inclusive environment in Northern Uganda and Eastern Rwanda. 

Output:

1. Positive gender norms protect women and girls and advance gender equality & women and girls‘ social and economic rights in the target communities.  
2. Marginalized women, girls and youth have sustainable and dignified income opportunities. 
3. Women and girls have increased voice and leadership to influence decisions and effectively take action to address their priorities. 
4. Knowledge on effective approaches of transforming gender norms and women’s empowerment is disseminated at program, national and international level. 

Main Activities

GEAR supports women, girls and youth to become more self-reliant and to live in a responsive and inclusive environment in Northern Uganda and Eastern Rwanda by 

• transforming relations in households and communities by positively shifting critical gender norms and advancing gender equality through diverse and multiple methods including social analysis and action, working with couples (Indashyikirwa) and Engaging Men and Boys; 
• strengthening capacities of women, girls, and youth (VSLA members), supporting engagement in and growth of sustainable micro and small businesses, facilitating relevant market and financial linkages, and providing youth skilling opportunities; 
• creating a more responsive and inclusive environment for the socio-economic empowerment of women and girls by engaging with market actors and other stakeholders; 
• increasing sustainable and scaled impact by supporting women and girls in community groups, grassroots, and women’s organizations and enabling them to claim their rights 
• increasing advocacy and accountability by conducting joint evidence-based advocacy and using community score cards to hold duty bearers accountable for promoting and implementing gender-equal socio-economic policies and services and by 
• working in partnerships by engaging partner organizations across all outputs, strengthening local organizations to implement their programs more effectively, and mutual learning. 

Beneficiaries

Total direct: 57.000 (Uganda: 32.000 and Rwanda: 25.000)  

The GEAR program directly benefits at least 57,000 people in northern Uganda (approximately 32,000) and eastern Rwanda (approximately 25,000), including women, girls, men, and boys from urban, peri-urban, refugee, and rural areas. About 55,000 beneficiaries are marginalized women, girls, and young people aged 15 to 59, with a focus on those aged 18 to 35. This group comprises at least 70% women and girls, including teenage mothers, survivors of gender-based violence, those at high risk of such violence, people with disabilities, and female heads of households. Indirectly, GEAR will impact around 180,000 people in Uganda and 130,000 in Rwanda.