Countries worldwide are organising various events, workshops, seminars, and more, in observation of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), an international campaign that occurs annually from November 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10, Human Rights Day. During this time, activists, organisations, and individuals around the world come together to address and combat gender-based violence. Many local entities in Rwanda stand as beacons of change, addressing gender-based violence with unwavering commitment, weaving hope and support for GBV victims. Here are some of them: Imbuto Foundation At the forefront is the Imbuto Foundation, led by the First Lady of Rwanda, Jeannette Kagame. The foundation champions various initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls, offering counselling, educational opportunities, and vocational training to support the development of a healthy, educated and prosperous society. Rwanda Women’s Network (RWN) Rwanda Women’s Network plays a big role in fostering solidarity among women across the country. Their commitment is to empower women for self-transformation and gender equality no matter how long the journey or how difficult the challenges are. Their determination is women’s empowerment that influences positive transformation in homes, communities and the nation as a whole. The initiative invests in ending gender inequality in Rwanda by focusing on healing, by creating safe spaces where women, victims and survivors of GBV can seek help and be aware of their legal and financial rights. ALSO READ: How Gender-Based Violence affects mental health of the victim Paper Crown Rwanda This is a non-profit feminist organisation that works with youth to transform gender norms, foster leadership and create lasting social change. Gender inequality is created and reinforced by social beliefs about the value and role of girls and boys, men and women, in any given community. It is these beliefs, passed down from generation to generation, that are the fundamental driving force behind some of the world’s most pressing development issues, including persistent poverty, slow economic growth and widespread violence. Rwanda Men's Resource Centre (RWAMREC) RWAMREC actively promotes gender equality by conducting mass sensitisation, education programmes, media campaigns, public lectures, and mentoring initiatives. Originally conceived as a men’s organisation, RWAMREC engages men and youth in preventing GBV through the promotion of positive masculinity, positive cultural norms, and values. The organisation emphasises life skills and orientation in daily interactions with women counterparts, striving to foster a more inclusive and equitable society in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Effects of GBV to watch out for Haguruka Founded in 1991, Haguruka’s mission was to promote and defend the rights of women and children. Haguruka means ‘stand up’ in Kinyarwanda. The organisation works towards improving access to justice and increased empowerment initiatives to ensure women and children may claim their rights throughout Rwanda. Haguruka has been at the forefront of the fight for women's and children’s rights over the past three decades. Empower Rwanda This is a women-led non-governmental organisation established in Rwanda in 2019 to support women and youth by providing skills, knowledge, and resources that create sustainable change for them, their families, and their communities. They provide a broad array of vital support and education to over 400 teenage mothers in three districts; Rwamagana, Gatsibo and Nyagatare in Eastern Province of Rwanda. ALSO READ: Empower Rwanda graduates 100 teen mothers, fosters self-sufficiency, education Family Circle Love Lab Organisation (FCLLO) This is a not-for-profit organisation based in Rwanda. Founded in 2015, the aim is to foster a dynamic and exciting community that inspires families to live in harmony, love and respect, by creating an environment that educates and empowers girls and women and provides valuable information to men. Through its intercultural aspect, it offers an approach that provides effective solutions to problems related to conflict, which can affect mental health or sometimes be caused by it. The approach contributes to peacebuilding for the community. Save Generation Organisation (SGO) Save Generations Organisation (SGO) is a Rwandan NGO dedicated to protecting the rights of children, youth and women, to prepare, empower and equip the future generations. SGO was founded in 2015 by Yvette Nyinawumuntu to restore hope for young girls and boys who had dropped out of school and got into drug abuse or addiction and sex work due to social and economic problems. ALSO READ: Ending gender-based violence is achievable Health Development Initiative (HDI) HDI is dedicated to creating a society where everyone, regardless of background, enjoys equal access to optimal health and well-being. It prioritises sexual and reproductive health and rights for youth, women, men, sex workers, and the LGBTIQ community. While promoting inclusivity across all initiatives, HDI specifically addresses the unmet needs in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for people with disabilities in Rwanda. The Rwanda National Association of Deaf Women (RNADW) Founded in 2005 by a group of deaf women, RNADW advocates for the rights of deaf individuals. Collaborating with the Rwandan Union of the Deaf, they are implementing a project to establish local branches, enhancing organisational strength to realise deaf people’s rights in Rwanda. Additionally, the National Union of Disability Organisations in Rwanda (NUDOR), formed in 2010 by eight disability organisations, serves as an umbrella entity. NUDOR and its thirteen members work collectively to amplify the voice of the disability movement, striving to ensure equal rights for persons with disabilities in Rwanda.
