After five years of inspiring youth-led change, the Generation Gender (Gen G) programme in Rwanda concluded on Friday, October 24, at the Kigali Serena Hotel, celebrating its transformative impact in promoting gender justice and ending gender-based violence across communities. Since its launch in 2021, Generation G Rwanda, implemented by the Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC) in partnership with the Health Development Initiative (HDI ) and AfriYAN Rwanda, has championed the vision of a gender-just and violence-free society. The programme trained and empowered young people to challenge harmful gender norms, advocate for shared family responsibilities, and lead community initiatives that promote equality. ALSO READ: Poor parenting root of family challenges, says gender ministry Speaking at the closing ceremony, Fidele Rutayisire, Executive Director of RWAMREC, reflected on the programme’s journey, emphasising its focus on raising awareness and supporting legal reforms that strengthen family systems and social harmony. “We believed that gender begins in the family. Our project also addressed social harms amplified through social media. Beyond advocating for family well-being, we engaged youth through different campaigns to build a more inclusive society,” he explained. The programme also contributed to advocacy that informed key legal reforms. For instance, the revised Person and Family Law now guarantees women equal rights to family property during divorce, addressing long-standing gender inequalities in access to resources. “Women used to handle all household responsibilities, which are the foundation of family development, yet this wasn’t recognised in cases of separation. Now, they can claim a percentage of family property, which brings fairness,” said Announciata Mukayitete, Gender and Social Inclusion Officer at HDI. ALSO READ: Rwanda awards first Gender Equality Certifications to 26 institutions Additionally, reforms to the Labour Law increased paternity leave from four to six days, encouraging fathers to spend more time with their families and promoting shared parenting responsibilities. To ensure nationwide impact, Gen G introduced various community outreach initiatives, including training programmes for Generation Focal Points (GFP) local champions equipped to educate their communities on gender equality and family laws. Marceline Irakukunda, a mother of two and one of the GFPs, testified about how the programme helped transform community perceptions: “We’ve educated families about their rights and the laws that guide family life. I’ve witnessed real change. Men now understand that domestic responsibilities should be shared, and this has created safer, more peaceful homes,” she said. Representing the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), Mediatrice Marie Umubyeyi, Executive Secretary of the National Women’s Council, emphasised that although the project has ended, its mission must continue. “We’re closing the programme, but not the mind-set of equity it has built. Gender equality starts within families and must continue to guide future generations. We want everyone to benefit equally from existing opportunities,” she stated. Social media influencer Rameck Gisanintwari also commended the programme’s collaboration with media professionals, noting its impact in addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). “This programme changed us before we even began our advocacy campaigns. In the past, our sisters were often attacked and humiliated online by people unaware of the harm they caused. Today, that narrative has shifted, paving the way for a more respectful and supportive digital community,” he said.
