Anike Foundation Supports Sewing Training for Women and Girls in DR Congo

Learning to sew provides women and girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with practical skills that support self-employment and socio-economic empowerment. But without a sewing machine or fabric, putting those skills to work is difficult. For those living with disabilities, limited access to training and equipment can make getting started even harder.

In Uvira, South Kivu, Women and Children Protection (WCP) set out to address these barriers. WCP is a community-based nonprofit organization founded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2002. Working in Uvira and Fizi, the organization supports rural communities and advances the rights and well-being of women, young people and children through education, skills training and counseling.. In WCP’s recent project, 12 women and girls with disabilities were trained in pattern making and sewing, then provided equipment so they could begin working for themselves.

Anike Foundation maximizes the impact of its limited resources by collaborating with grassroots African NGOs and accredited learning institutions — our constituent organizations. Through our Grant Team, we worked closely with WCP to develop and submit a grant proposal to the Luena Foundation in Spain. The proposal was successful, and WCP was awarded funding to launch the sewing training project, turning an idea into an opportunity with the potential to change lives.

Learning skills for work

The WCP project ran from February through August 2026, with practical training focused on skills participants could use to make a living. All 12 women and girls successfully completed the training.

For participants who had struggled to find work opportunities, learning a trade offered a chance to think differently about their future. Sewing is a business they can start on a small scale and develop over time as they gain experience and customers.

“Before, I lacked opportunities to work and be independent,” said participant Bahati Espérance. “Today, I feel capable of making clothes and gradually earning a living through sewing. I thank WCP Uvira and the LUENA Foundation/Spain for this opportunity.” 

Getting started together

After completing their training, the participants formed six groups of two. Working in pairs allows participants to share equipment, responsibilities and technical support.

In total, WCP’s project provided six treadle sewing machines, fabric and other supplies. Having access to this equipment means the women and girls can begin putting their training into practice.

Participant Merveille Kambaza is looking forward to working with her partner and growing their business. “We want to develop our clientele, increase our income and improve the living conditions of our families,” she said.

Final thoughts

WCP plans to follow the group’s progress in order to identify challenges and any needs for additional training or supplies.

Anike Foundation is grateful to have helped connect WCP and Luena Foundation for this project. The participants’ commitment, WCP’s training and Luena’s funding have given these new sewing partnerships a solid place to start.

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