From Waste to Wealth: Women Cultivating Change

Compost and climate-smart farming aren’t just great for the environment—they’re also helping women in India and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) turn challenges into opportunities!

Through hard work and the support of Giving Joy, women in Madurai, southern India, are transforming waste into profitable vermiculture businesses. Meanwhile, farmers in Fizi District, eastern DRC, are tackling climate change by implementing sustainable farming practices. The result? Thriving communities, stronger women-led businesses, and the proof that with a little dirt (and a lot of determination), great things can happen.

With support from a Giving Joy grant,  Vision Foundation, India, is empowering Dalit women in Madurai District with a sustainable path to financial independence. Many of these women, previously engaged in manual scavenging, received vocational training in vermicomposting—turning waste into wealth.

Two Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were formed, training 40 women in compost production, packaging, and marketing. A revolving seed fund provided small loans for start-up costs, enabling 20 women to launch their own businesses, selling nutrient-rich compost to farmers and merchants.

With income flowing and loans repaid, these women are on track to lift others, ensuring the cycle of empowerment continues. By April 2025, 40 women will have transformed their lives—proving that with opportunity, resilience thrives.

Darleine Sango Dewalo’s Info Climat is transforming farming in Fizi, DRC. With a Giving Joy grant, Darliene coached 25 women in agroecology, the project has improved soil health, boosted crop yields by 20%, and reduced land conflicts by 15%. Each woman has shared her knowledge, expanding the impact to 600 people.

Beyond farming, the grant has strengthened Darleine’s leadership, amplifying women’s voices in decision-making. Looking ahead, she’s mentoring more women in climate resilience and agribusiness—ensuring sustainable livelihoods for years to come.

These stories are more than just about farming—they’re about resilience, opportunity, and the power of women to create lasting change. Thanks to your support, women in India are breaking free from exploitative work and building sustainable businesses, while farmers in the DRC are restoring land and securing food for their communities.

Your donations made this possible. With every grant, we’re not just funding projects—we’re fueling transformation. More women are gaining skills, growing businesses, and lifting others along the way.

Donate today and be part of the next success story!