Sub-Saharan Africa

Participants in a programme for young mothers run by Kvinna till Kvinna’s partner organisation Empower Rwanda. Photo: Gloria Powell

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia and Rwanda

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 

Where we work in sub-Saharan Africa

Our roadmap for sub-Saharan Africa

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.

 

Read the strategy »

“Happiness for me is speaking out and standing up for myself. I am not afraid to show I am a girl – with ideas and talent.”

– Francine Kasimba of our Congolese partner organisation CEDEJ-GL

Photo: Bertin Mungombe

0
percentage of women aged 15–49 have been subjected to female genital mutilation in Liberia.
0
cases of conflict-related sexual violence was documented in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The number of un-reported cases is likely high.
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percentage of women in Rwanda believe that a husband is justified in beating his wife.
Nelly Cooper works at Kvinna till Kvinna's partner organisation West Point Women for Health and Development Organization in Liberia. Photo: Kvinna till Kvinna/Vita Kwarbo

She keeps on going

“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

News from sub-Saharan Africa

The power of young voices in Rwanda

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

Standing up against gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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

Transforming gender norms in Rwanda: ”We are breaking the cycle slowly but surely”

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

Christine’s journey in supporting women facing violence in Rwanda

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

Educating peers on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Rwanda

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

Sharing ideas about a better future: the impact of youth dialogue in Rwanda

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

Last updated or reviewed 3 April 2024