Women for Women Rwanda Celebrates Impact and Future Aspirations
The Mövenpick Hotel Kigali was abuzz on March 18th as Women for Women Rwanda (WfW-R) hosted its Impact Gala, an event designed to acknowledge and celebrate the profound transformations within the lives of Rwandan women and girls. Under the poignant theme “Discover Her,” the evening brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including partners, government officials, programme participants, graduates, and the dedicated staff of WfW-R, for a night dedicated to recognition and shared success.
The gala’s atmosphere was a testament to the organisation’s mission, with the entrance adorned with striking photographs of programme participants, visually showcasing their journeys. Products crafted by graduates of the Stronger Women, Stronger Nation (SWSN) programme were also on display, highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit through a collection of beaded accessories, kimonos, furniture, and fresh produce. Inside the venue, the sounds of poet Naleli Rugege, saxophonist Stella Tushabe, and the Inkumburwa Cultural Troupe provided an engaging backdrop to the evening’s proceedings.
A Foundation for New Beginnings
At the heart of the gala were the personal testimonies that underscored the life-changing impact of WfW-R’s programmes. Esther Nikuze, a young woman whose life was irrevocably altered by loss, shared her story with profound emotion. Having lost her siblings, father, and then her mother eight months into her pregnancy at the age of 14, Esther found herself alone and facing an uncertain future. Her entry into WfW-R, through a programme initially designed for older girls, proved to be a turning point. “I thought it would be like other programmes that come and go,” she recounted, “But WfW-R stayed with me. The organisation was like a mother, father, and sibling to me.” Today, at 17, Esther is raising her son and pursuing her passion for hairdressing, with aspirations to become Rwanda’s foremost makeup artist. Her ambition extends beyond personal success; she is driven to “show up and stay” for other girls facing similar adversities, mirroring the unwavering support she received.
Emerance Mukamurigo, a mother of three and a representative of the Isangano Bumbogo Cooperative, echoed Esther’s sentiments. Before WfW-Rwanda, her life was characterized by long hours of farm labour with little prospect for the future. “After completing the 12-month programme, we applied what we learned, formed a cooperative, and started farming for the market,” she explained. “The skills and confidence we gained changed our lives.” Mukamurigo’s journey exemplifies how empowerment continues long after formal training concludes. She participated in an advanced entrepreneurship programme, further honing her farming skills, learning about value addition, and preparing for market demands, including quality standards and negotiation. From a position of survival, she now cultivates produce consistently for markets, employs others, and operates with enhanced confidence and coordination, building a business that supports her family and contributes to her community.
Transforming Households, Not Just Incomes
WfW-Rwanda’s commitment to holistic change extends to engaging men as allies through its Men Engage initiative. The story of Jean Pierre Ntezukobagira and his wife, Seraphine Mukeshimana, illustrates the profound impact of this approach. Years of conflict, violence, and financial mismanagement within their household were transformed after Ntezukobagira participated in Men Engage sessions. Mukeshimana observed, “When he joined the programme, I began to see real change. He started supporting me financially, and we began saving together.” Their lives have since taken a positive turn; they now run businesses collaboratively, are legally married, and are raising their two children. This initiative underscores WfW-Rwanda’s understanding that sustainable change requires the empowerment of women, the active involvement of men, and the inclusion of the entire community.
From Recovery to Economic Relevance: A Call to Action
Chantal Marie Ingabire, Board Chairperson, placed WfW-Rwanda’s work within the broader context of Rwanda’s development. She highlighted the historical role of women in the nation’s recovery, stating, “In our country’s most difficult moments, women rebuilt families and communities. Our role is to ensure they have the tools, confidence, and opportunities to rebuild their own futures.” The current focus, Ingabire noted, has shifted towards ensuring women’s economic relevance.
Executive Director Berna Rusagara amplified this message with a direct appeal to the private sector, emphasizing the existing opportunities. She pointed out that with over 80,000 graduates, these women are not merely participants but active consumers, producers, and entrepreneurs. Rusagara urged:
- Corporates: “These are your numbers. Open your value chains.”
- Telecom Companies: “These women are your next 80,000 customers, an opportunity to expand digital access and products.”
- Partners: “Fund beyond the visible few and back the women already in motion.”
- Financial Institutions: “Take a small portion of your risk portfolio and invest in women, not because it is safe, but because it is smart.”
Silas Ngayaboshya, Director-General of Gender Promotion at Rwanda’s Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, affirmed the alignment between WfW-Rwanda’s objectives and Rwanda’s national vision. He underscored women’s empowerment as a critical driver for sustainable development, strong families, and a resilient nation. Ngayaboshya advocated for continued efforts to dismantle structural barriers, challenge social norms, and ensure that every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.
Looking ahead, WfW-R has set ambitious targets for the period between 2025 and 2029. These include reaching an additional 2,500 women and girls, engaging 1,750 men as gender equality allies, connecting 10,000 graduates to financial and business opportunities, and expanding its operational reach from seven to nine districts. Each of these targets represents a life, a story like Esther’s, where the simple act of someone showing up and staying made all the difference.
Discovering Her: Recognizing Inherent Strength
As the gala drew to a close, the theme “Discover Her” resonated with a profound clarity. It is not about introducing a new identity, but rather about recognizing and nurturing the inherent strength, potential, and resilience that has always existed within every woman and girl.
