Since 1997, Women for Women International has developed a program that offers Rwandan women a constructive, dignified way to regain their power. Through your support, our training gives women in Rwanda the tools to know and defend their rights and use their economic and social power to change the status quo.
From rural villages to the national parliament where women hold two-thirds of the seats, women in Rwanda are leading the rebuilding of their country. In the aftermath of the devastating 1994 Genocide, the challenge of creating a lasting peace depended greatly on the actions of women, who were the majority of survivors.
When supported by her peers and provided with the right resources and opportunities, even the most conflict-affected woman can discover the confidence and skills to transform her life, her family, and her community. The Urugo Women’s Opportunity Center (WOC) was established in 2013 as a center for entrepreneurial activities for women in and out of the program. The WOC remains a hub of business outside of Kigali, and participants and graduates regularly report the success of their businesses through sales and production at the WOC.
In 2021, Rwandan leadership led the process of transitioning to a local, independent NGO called Women for Women Rwanda. Throughout its history, nearly 79,000 women have been reached through our Stronger Women, Stronger Nations program in Rwanda and we are so excited to see Women for Women Rwanda flourish as our sister organization.
The program helps women know and defend their rights, influence decisions at home and in their communities, generate income, save money for the future, contributing to economic self-sufficiency in their lives and for their families. During the second year of Women for Women Rwanda’s establishment as an independent organization last year, a total of 425 women were served.
Contributing to the Rwandan government’s Vision 2020 and Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Women’s Opportunity Center integrates economic transformation, rural development, and productivity, in a space of learning and renewal for women in the Kayonza area and beyond.
