Ruvimbo Makoni’s life has been difficult. As a single mother of two, she has faced the brunt of Zimbabwe’s economic downturn. With inflation soaring and job opportunities scarce, Ruvimbo Makoni has struggled to provide for her family. The little she earns from her small vegetable stall is barely enough to cover the rent for their one-room apartment in the city’s outskirts.

Ruvimbo Makoni’s challenges are compounded by the social issues that plague many Zimbabwean women. Gender-based violence and limited access to healthcare have left deep scars. Her dream has always been to expand her business and secure a better future for her children, but the lack of capital has kept this dream out of reach.

Finding Humanism

Ruvimbo Makoni encountered a group of Humanist Zimbabwe volunteers distributing educational materials. The pamphlets spoke of a world where human rights, freedom, and equality were paramount—values that resonated deeply with Ruvimbo’s own experiences of inequality and her desire for social justice.

As a vendor, Ruvimbo witnessed firsthand the struggles of her peers, many of whom were women battling societal prejudices and economic hardships. The humanist perspective, which emphasizes the importance of human welfare and ethical living without reliance on supernatural beliefs, offered her a new lens through which to view her world—one that valued her voice and her potential as an individual.

Ruvimbo was inspired by the idea that humans have the power to shape their own destinies and the responsibility to help others. The humanist commitment to reason and science as tools for understanding the world and solving its problems appealed to her intellect, while the focus on compassion and empathy aligned with her nurturing spirit.

Ruvimbo was particularly moved by the humanist stance on education and its role in empowering individuals. As someone who had to overcome barriers to her own education, she understood the transformative power of knowledge. Humanism’s advocacy for a secular, progressive society where education is accessible to all became a cause close to her heart.

The Impact of a $100 Grant

With the Humanist Mutual Aid Network $100 grant. Ruvimbo Makoni will expand her business so that she can take care of her children and provide them with proper care.

· Seed Capital for Business Expansion ($40):

 Purchasing a wider variety of vegetables and fruits to attract more customers.

· Educational Materials for Children ($20):

Buying books and school supplies to ensure her children continue their education.

· Healthcare ($20):

Funds for medical emergencies or regular health check-ups, which is crucial given the healthcare challenges in Zimbabwe.

· Transportation Allowance ($10):

Covering the cost of travel to and from the market, allowing Ruvimbo Makoni to save time and energy.

· Baskets, Plastic bags, and other tools for storage ($10):

Storage tools for her vegetables and fruits.

Total = $100