Rights holders Kevine and Justine are participants in the programme "My Voice, My Right" organised by Paper Crown Rwanda. Photo: Gloria Powell

The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation in Rwanda

Kvinna till Kvinna has supported women’s rights in Rwanda since 2017. Rwanda has the world’s highest percentage of women in parliament, and there are strong laws to protect women’s rights. At the same time, norms and traditions still hold women back. Together with partners, we focus on preventing gender-based violence, promoting respect for sexual and reproductive health and rights, supporting conflict resolution, and promoting women’s participation in decision-making.

Why we work in Rwanda

In 1994, a genocide against Tutsis took place in Rwanda. In just three months, more than a million people were murdered. An estimated three million fled their homes. Women suffered heavily: many were raped and infected with HIV, and others lost their partners and were left widowed.

After the genocide, the government made a concerted effort to rebuild society. Rwandan women played a key role in this process. One of the victories they achieved was co-creating a progressive new constitution, guaranteeing women at least 30% of positions in all decision-making bodies in the country.

This has made Rwanda the world’s leader in number of women in parliament: 61% of the seats are held by women. Since the genocide, many laws have also been passed to strengthen women’s rights. Today, for example, women have the same right as men to inherit land.

However, strong norms and traditions still exist in Rwanda, preventing women from enjoying their rights. Gender-based violence remains a problem. The National Institute of Statistics estimates that 36.1% of women have experienced physical violence.

That is why Kvinna till Kvinna works in Rwanda: to ensure the country’s positive development continues. We strive for genuine equality, so that all women may participate fully in society.

Janneti, participant in Empower Rwanda's programme for teen mothers, and her daughter. Photo: Gloria Powell

How we support women in Rwanda

Together with our partner organisations in Rwanda, we:

  • advocate for gender-based violence prevention and support direct survivors of abuse to sources of legal and psychosocial support.
  • promote young women’s bodily autonomy and ownership of sexual and reproductive health choices.
  • promote women’s participation in local politics, peace and conflict resolution processes and the labour market and empower rural women by promoting their leadership, self-advocacy, and financial inclusion.
  • support women with disabilities and advocate for their rights.
Ninette Umurerwa, lawyer and the national executive secretary at Haguruka. Photo: Gloria Powell

Our partner organisations in Rwanda

  • Afro Ark
  • Association of Kigali Women in Sport (AKWOS)
  • Duhozanye, Empower Rwanda
  • Empower Rwanda
  • Family Circle Love Lab
  • Haguruka
  • Impanuro Girls Initiative
  • Our Sister’s Opportunity
  • Paper Crown Rwanda
  • Rwanda National Association of Deaf Women
  • Rwanda Women’s Network (RWN)
  • Save Generation Organisation (SGO)

Publications

Maputo Protocol Shadow Reports

News about our work in Rwanda