This project is building on what we have started, to reach out to more women especially those who also want to benefit from the project, to coordinate our activities better, to create that safe space where we can come together and engage. More importantly, we hope that when we are better strengthened as a group, we can seek for representation of more women at community level. That way, we can be sure that our voices are heard. Therefore, we want the project to support the following:

• Mobilise and sensitise more women from other communities within the local government because we believe that if we come together in large numbers and with one voice, we will achieve our goal.
• Build the capacity (confidence) of the women so that they will be individually empowered and to enlighten them on the need to come together and make their voices heard through capacity building. Now they see few of us under Voice as champions whose voices can be heard, we want to help others coming new to also have confidence in theirselves
• Engage and liase with the traditional gatekeepers to make them see reasons why there is need for the voice of women to be heard within the traditional council.
• Support the political ambitions of any woman within our local authority by organizing ourselves and mobilizing support for her during any election whether at community level or at local government level.
• Support meetings of our women so that we are united under our safe spaces.

The project seeks to build the capacity of women psychologically to boost their confidence and build them financially to help them some of their family needs. It seeks to make the voice of women heard in times of decision making by the local authorities. It also seeks to enlighten other people in the community especially those that are facing the same challenge on how to speak up and make their voices heard.

Vision

The Hoomsen Women Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative was born out of a deep-seated vision to empower marginalized women in rural communities by fostering women inclusion within our community. We recognized that women farmers, despite their significant contributions, were often excluded from critical decision-making processes that affected their livelihoods and community development. Our project aimed to bridge this gap by fostering an inclusive environment where women could actively participate in agricultural and community decisions, thereby enhancing their economic stability and societal influence. our goal was also to create a more equitable and just society where women could thrive. Guided by principles of equality, empowerment, and sustainability, we aimed to uplift these women and ensure they had a voice in their community and we set out to transform the role of women in agriculture and beyond. 

Project Implementation Phase

To bring our vision to life, we embarked on a multifaceted approach. We began by organizing community meetings that included both women and men, raising awareness about the importance of gender equality, inclusion in economic activities and inclusive decision-making. We provided training sessions on leadership, agricultural techniques, and financial literacy to equip women with the skills needed to participate effectively. 

One of the major challenges we encountered as a result of implementation was resistance from some community members who were reluctant and hesitant to change long-standing gender roles. To address this, we engaged local leaders and male allies, emphasizing the long-term benefits of women’s involvement for the entire community. Gradually, we began to see a shift in attitudes, with women taking up leadership roles within the community and voicing their opinions in community forums especially the Village head palace. 

Key milestones included the establishment of a women representative stool and the successful introduction of sustainable farming practices and sale of their farm products at local markets which marked significant achievements in our journey. These did not only make our women have a say in the community but also helped improved crop yields thereby ensuring that the entire community benefitted from increased food security. 

Impact and Transformation 

The impact of our project has been nothing short of transformative. Women who were once confined to domestic roles are now key contributors to their families’ incomes. Through the cooperatives, women have gained financial independence and the confidence to participate in community decision-making. For example, Rifkatu, a member of one of the cooperatives, shared how she could now afford to send her children to school and even save for their future—a prospect she never imagined before. And the success she recorded has inspired other women, proving that women’s involvement can lead to tangible improvements in agricultural productivity and community well-being. 

Beyond economic gains, the project has fostered a sense of unity and shared responsibility within the community. The men, initially skeptical, have witnessed the benefits of collaboration and now support the women’s initiatives wholeheartedly. This has led to a more cohesive community where decisions are made collectively, ensuring that everyone’s needs are considered through the Magajiya. 

One of the most significant transformations has been the shift in perception. Women are no longer seen as passive participants but as key stakeholders in both the agricultural and social spheres of our community. This change in mindset has empowered more women to take the initiative, whether in starting new agricultural ventures or advocating for community improvements. 

Beyond the economic benefits, the project has also shifted societal attitudes toward women’s roles. There is a growing recognition that women are equally capable of contributing to the community’s prosperity. The sense of solidarity among women has strengthened, leading to a ripple effect of empowerment and inclusion across neighboring communities. 

This project has not only transformed the lives of individual women but has also set a precedent for inclusive development and leadership in rural areas. The tangible improvements in income levels, education access, and community involvement are testaments to the project’s success. 

Lessons Learned

The journey was not without its challenges. One key lesson was the importance of involving all community stakeholders in the conversation about gender equality from the outset. This inclusive approach helped mitigate resistance and fostered a supportive environment for women’s empowerment and sustainable development 

We also realized the value of continuous learning and adaptation. The challenges we faced, such as initial resistance and limited resources, pushed us to innovate and find new ways to achieve our goals. For instance, when faced with funding constraints, we mobilized local resources and sought partnerships with NGOs especially Voice, which proved invaluable in sustaining our efforts.  We also learned that building trust and establishing strong networks among women is crucial for sustaining the impact of such initiatives. By creating spaces where women could connect, share experiences, and support one another, we laid the groundwork for long-term change. 

However, there is still more to be done. Additional support from organizations like Voice could enhance the scalability of our approach, allowing us to reach more communities and further embed gender-inclusive practices in rural development. 

Call to Action
The journey of the Hoomsen Women Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative is a testament to the power of collective action and inclusive decision-making. We invite you to join us in this mission to empower women and build sustainable communities. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering your expertise, or simply sharing our story, your support can make a difference. Together, we can create a future where every woman farmer has the opportunity to thrive and realize their full potential to lead. 

This Project Journey showcases the achievements, challenges, and transformative power of our work, while also calling for continued support and collaboration to sustain and expand our impact.