Dear John,

In recent times, we've all seen how privilege and power can affect people's lives. From police brutality to sexual violence to COVID-19; a person's ethnic background, gender or social status can literally be the difference between life and death.

We believe that many millions of people are being denied a fair chance to enjoy a healthy life because of unfair privilege and unhealthy power dynamics.

All too often, privileged groups and powerful institutions are putting profit and political interests before people’s wellbeing. And these power imbalances are reflected in everything from discriminatory law enforcement to exploitative trade relations to abusive personal relationships.

We're asking our supporters to help us get to the root of the problem together with communities across Africa, Asia and the Americas. That's why Health Poverty Action has launched its spring appeal in partnership with Find Your Feet - to support the community leaders, health workers and activists who are exposing and challenging unfair privilege and abuse of power.

Healthier relationships in Rwanda: Gertrude's Story

Gertrude, a mother of five, lives in a small village in southern Rwanda. Her experience illustrates how unhealthy power dynamics can impact on family life and how we're helping people to address these issues. Gertrude tells us:

“When my husband began using our little family earnings on alcohol and other items without consulting me, I felt at a loss. We barely had enough food to eat and couldn’t afford school materials for our children, but he refused to listen. My daughter eventually had to drop out of school"

A friend suggested that Gertrude should visit her local Health Corner, one of three established by Health Poverty Action in the region.

Health Corners are centres that provide female survivors of abuse and violence a shelter and safe space to receive counselling and support from their peers.

Run by a trained community counsellor (called a custodian), women and girls can seek guidance, join support groups, benefit from professional training, and engage in discussions about gender-based violence, sexual reproductive health and women’s rights.

Gertrude, feeling very vulnerable about her family situation, sought advice from Odette, the custodian of her local Health Corner. She explains:

“I didn’t know my rights or what I was entitled to. I felt so insecure at home and lost a lot of weight.”

With support from Odette, Gertrude was able to find ways to navigate through this difficult period. She called her husband and their families together for a meeting and helped them see the impact his behaviour was having on the family. Gertrude reflects:

“With the support from those around me, my husband and I worked through our issues”.

Gertrude and her husband now make their livelihood by working on farming activities together and use the money to continue sustaining their family. Their story demonstrates how people are challenging inequality at a community level, one family at a time. 

By contributing to our spring appeal you can help communities, like Gertrude's, find practical ways to build healthier and richer lives - from feeding their families to protecting their rights.

Yours sincerely,

Siaffa Bunduka
Supporter Engagement Manager