From Desolation to Determination: Mariam’s Journey of Empowerment

Nestled in the rural expanse of Elfashir in Sudan’s North Darfur region, lies the quaint village of Garni, where Mariam resides.

North Darfur has been severely affected by drought and the degradation of land and forests due to poor natural resource management. This has led to fragility in livelihoods, food insecurity, and even cases of severe acute malnutrition.

Mariam, a widow, and the sole provider for her three daughters, relies heavily on agriculture as her source of income. However, the extreme conditions caused by climate change made it incredibly challenging for her to sustain a decent living.

Practical Action has been working in Darfur for some time, collaborating with the community to identify and implement innovative solutions. Together, we are Turning the Tables on Climate Change, working towards harvesting water, restoring pastoral lands, and rejuvenating the forests.

Additionally, we have introduced innovative technologies and practices to the community, including advanced agricultural techniques, home gardening initiatives, and dairy production methods. Through these interventions, we aim to enhance the community’s resilience and ability to overcome the adversities caused by the environmental challenges they face.

After attending the home gardening and hide production training, Mariam’s life took a positive turn. She now has the skills to grow a variety of vegetables right in her backyard. From okra to watercress and cucumber, Mariam can provide her family with fresh and organic crops every day, eliminating the need to purchase vegetables from the market.

Not only has Mariam embraced home gardening, but she has also ventured into making bags using the kit she received during her training. Every day, she produces around 7 to 8 bags of assorted sizes. These beautifully crafted bags have become popular, selling at social ceremonies such as weddings. Whenever she has surplus bags, Mariam sells them in the local market.

Mariam’s talent and hard work have earned her recognition within the community and neighbouring villages. People have started placing orders with specific specifications for their bags. This additional income from her side-business has allowed her to invest in her girls’ education, something she struggled with in the past. “I found it challenging to afford my daughters’ education, and I feared they would have to leave school. The money from selling these bags now helps me to pay for their schooling.”

Mariam is also sharing her expertise with other women in the village. She has already taught approximately 100 women how to make these bags, creating a close-knit community where women gather, exchange their knowledge, and share their experiences. “My goal is to teach all the women in the village how to make these bags, so they can generate more income.”

At Practical Action, we believe in the power of gender transformative change as a cornerstone for building a more inclusive and prosperous world. We recognise that when women and men have equal opportunities to work, participate in decision-making, take leadership roles, and flourish, everyone benefits. That is why we are dedicated to championing the advancement of gender equality and women’s empowerment across all our initiatives.

Mariam’s story exemplifies one of the many remarkable transformations we have witnessed, where she was able to not only attain economic empowerment but also gain her independence.