Prize for Women's Creativity in Rural Life
Her project supports the following SDGs:
What are the SDGs?
The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.
Reducing Gender-Based Violence with Clean Water Access
Since its launch, the Bright Future initiative led by Eugenie has provided 250 households in Agateko Cell, Rwanda, with direct access to clean water through a nearby tap point.
This has reduced the time women and girls spend collecting water and lowered the risk of gender-based violence during travel. Reports of assaults have dropped, and 30 vulnerable households now receive free water and soap.
Over 250 individuals, primarily rural women, have been trained in gender rights, hygiene, and small business skills. Family conflicts have decreased as couples engage in gender balance workshops, sharing responsibilities more equitably.
Bright Future is a community-driven project addressing gender-based violence through clean water access, public awareness, and support services. Despite challenges like limited funding and cultural skepticism, Eugenie successfully forged partnerships with WASAC (Rwanda’s national water utility), local leaders, and health workers.
Her work is transforming social norms, fostering inclusion, and improving the community’s well-being.