Born2Serve Single Mothers Initiative

Empower a Single Mother, Uplift a Generation

Born2Serve Single Mothers Initiative (BSMI)

Born2Serve envisions a world where young mothers, particularly those impacted by teenage pregnancies, are empowered to break the cycle of poverty and stigma. Through entrepreneurship, education, and emotional support, we create opportunities for self-sufficiency and resilience.

The Challenge

Teen pregnancy remains a critical social and health challenge in Rwanda:

About 5% of girls aged 15–19 in Rwanda have begun childbearing—4% have already given birth, while 1% are currently pregnant. This means roughly one in twenty Rwandan teenage girls has experienced pregnancy (Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey, 2019-20).

The number of underage pregnancies rose from 17,337 in 2017 to 19,832 in 2020, a concerning trend.

Adolescent girls face severe health risks during pregnancy and childbirth. According to WHO (2022), girls aged 15 to 19 are twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to women aged 20 and above.

Teen mothers often experience social stigma, mental health challenges, and economic barriers, leading many to drop out of school and struggle to support themselves, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

Our Guiding Star

Our mission is to inspire and empower teen mothers in Rwanda to become self-sufficient by fostering entrepreneurship, promoting education, and building a supportive community that challenges stigma and creates opportunities for growth.

— Our Approach

Born2Serve’s Single Mothers Initiative (BSMI) takes a holistic approach to tackling the challenges faced by teen mothers:

01.

— Entrepreneurship Through CUNDA Fashion House

CUNDA Fashion House is more than just a clothing brand—it is a social enterprise and empowerment hub that provides young mothers with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to rebuild their lives. Through hands-on training in fashion design, garment production, and business management, we equip them with sustainable livelihoods.

  • High-quality apparel: CUNDA produces stylish, durable, and market-competitive fashion items that reflect both Rwandan heritage and modern trends.
  • Economic empowerment: Teen mothers gain valuable skills in tailoring, branding, and retail management, ensuring they can generate income and support their families.
  • Profit reinvestment model:
    • 50% of sales revenue is paid directly to the mothers.
    • 25% is placed into a mandatory savings program, allowing participants to build financial stability and access their funds after one year.
    • 25% sustains the program for future cohorts, ensuring continuous impact.
  • Pathways for success: After completing the program, participants can launch their own businesses, secure employment, or continue working with CUNDA as skilled artisans and entrepreneurs.

CUNDA Fashion House not only provides employment but also fosters confidence, creativity, and self-reliance among teen mothers, enabling them to become leaders in their communities.

02.

— Holistic Skill Development

Financial literacy workshops equip teen mothers with essential skills to manage their income and savings effectively.

04.

— Advocacy and Community Engagement

  • Awareness campaigns challenge stigma, promote gender equality, and support policy changes that benefit teen mothers.
  • School outreach programs educate adolescents about reproductive health, equipping them with knowledge to make informed choices.
03.

— Emotional and Mental Health Support

  • Counseling services help young mothers cope with depression, trauma, and the emotional toll of early motherhood.
  • Peer support groups foster a sense of community, allowing mothers to share experiences and support one another.

At Born2Serve, we believe that empowering a single mother uplifts an entire generation. By investing in young mothers, we build stronger families, resilient communities, and a more equitable future for all.