Advocacy and Women Leadership

When Rwanda Women’s Network was established, we focused on supporting women through their healing process and empowering them to find their voice and independence. Over the years, we’ve seen them grow into leaders in their communities and nationally, impacting decision making from within. 

We believe that to truly amplify women’s voices and promote equality, everyone plays a role. Women need to be represented in decision making positions and work side by side with men to advocate for policy changes, accountability and collective action planning. That is why Rwanda Women’s Network is:

  • Investing in women leadership development.

  • Partnering with government organizations to drive policy changes in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development goals forum (SDG5 - Gender equality). 

  • Partnering with local authorities to ensure accountability and supporting local communities. For example, facilitating the implementation of ‘UNSCR 1325’ resolution in Rwanda (The resolution reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction and stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security)

  • Promoting women’s rights and gender equality through our unique program FEMdialogue  

“What keeps me inspired and continues to give me energy is when I see young women we nurtured taking leadership at the country level. I point to these women to give hope to those still struggling to find their path. There is opportunity.”

—Mary Balikungeri, Director and Founder of Rwanda Women’s Network

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Read about some of our successful community leadership programs

Help us end gender equality in Rwanda:

Each year, we provide leadership, community relations and policy development training to select women across Rwanda. Read the stories of Gender Based Violence survivors turned leaders and the Women@Work project to learn more.