GSS worked with the women of Tambunan to start a livelihood project producing ginger-based products. This project, piloted by the WSGs, managed to rake in a profit of 27%. The profit will be used as a seed fund to enhance the livelihood component in 2019.
The youths played an important role in the livelihood programme as well. GSS Youth Connect Circle (YCC) member Ivy Ieren Gibi said that being part of the livelihood programme enabled her to contribute more to her community apart from organising events and campaigns to spread the message on SGBV.
Under this programme, youths were taught and given the responsibility of managing a ginger farm. The produce from the farm was supplied to the WSGs and turned into ginger-based products.
By working on the farm, Ivy and her peers were able to connect with the community’s farming roots and even picked up new skills.
The success of Phases One and Two heralds a positive transformation within the villages of Tambunan. This was made possible through the combined efforts of the people of Tambunan and GSS.
Moving forward, it is imperative to continue engaging with the communities of Tambunan in a meaningful and substantive manner. This approach will enable them to take a firm stand in the prevention of SGBV and eventually drive positive change and shift the dominant thinking on socio-cultural norms relating to gender equality in the district.