We support local organisations who work for women’s rights and sustainable peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia and Rwanda.
Our goal is a future in which women have the same rights and opportunities as men to participate in society. We want women to be able to live a life free from sexual violence, abuse, discrimination and poverty.
Our work in sub-Saharan Africa is conducted from our offices in Bukavu, Monrovia and Kigali.
School girls in Uvira in South Kivu, the DRC. Photo: Cato Lein
Women in the DRC face significant obstacles—including violence—to accessing political power, economic resources and basic services. Our partners work to challenge discriminatory norms and increase respect for women’s rights.
Liberia’s women’s movement played a key role in bringing peace to the country after years of civil war. Today, our partners support survivors of sexual violence and advocate for women’s political and economic empowerment.
In Rwanda, 61% of seats in parliament are held by women—the highest in the world. But norms and traditions still hold women back. Our partners prevent gender-based violence and promote women’s participation in decision-making.
Our regional roadmap for sub-Saharan Africa 2023–2028 is the second strategy for the region. It takes its starting point in the organisation’s newly developed global strategy “A push for lasting peace”, but is also based on a thorough assessment of the foundation’s current work and lessons learned from its long presence in the region.
During this strategic period, Kvinna till Kvinna plans to expand its presence in the region. This roadmap aims to guide that expansion while also strengthening the ongoing work in our current programme countries.
– Francine Kasimba of our Congolese partner organisation CEDEJ-GL
Photo: Bertin Mungombe
“I suppose the passion I have for this work keeps me going. Besides all the trials and tribulations, I went through and at times still go through. Seeing women and girls lives in my community changing for the better, being respected more, and their dignity upheld is what keeps me going.”
– Nelly Cooper, West Point Women for Health and Development Organization
Thanks to Paper Crown Rwanda, the students at G.S Gihogwe meet every Wednesday to learn about their sexual and reproductive rights and gender-based violence—an initiative meant to create lasting social change in Rwanda.
20 December 2023
Amidst the prolonged armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, women’s rights organisations in South Kivu have been instrumental in supporting victims of gender-based violence and advocating for women’s rights for the past 25 years.
13 December 2023
At Paper Crown Rwanda, Clementine Nyirarukundo and her colleagues work tirelessly to fight gender inequality and transform deep-rooted social norms in Rwanda. By implementing a unique training programme and engaging young people, they want to break the cycle of violence.
20 November 2023
For more than two decades, Christine Mukarukwaya has been working to support women needing legal assistance. She volunteers at Haguruka, a non-governmental organisation that fights the rights of women and children. Christine offers legal support to women in Rwanda and meets many victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
1 November 2023
Through participating in youth dialogue sessions, Bocso wanted to improve his knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender equality. Now, he organises weekly activities for his community—passing on his learnings to peers and encouraging open conversations.
24 October 2023
Fostering dialogue and providing education on sexual and reproductive health and rights—that is what Haguruka, one of The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation’s partner organisations in Rwanda, set out to achieve by organising dialogue sessions for young adults. Participants Nadine and Ruth share their experience with the programme.
28 September 2023