From Setbacks to Strength: 60 Girls Graduate from ABADACOGORA Program in Masaka

At Women for Women Rwanda, we are proud to celebrate the graduation of 60 adolescent girls from our ABADACOGORA program in Masaka Sector.

 

Masaka Sector, Kicukiro District — August 27, 2025

At Women for Women Rwanda, we are proud to celebrate the graduation of 60 adolescent girls from our ABADACOGORA program in Masaka Sector. These young women, many of whom faced early motherhood and school dropout, have completed ten months of holistic training that combined vocational, social, and economic skills.

Over this journey, the girls not only learned tailoring, hairdressing, and beauty services but also gained essential knowledge on rights, health, financial literacy, and confidence-building. The transformation we have witnessed is evidence of their resilience and determination.

Stories of Resilience

Behind every graduate is a powerful story of courage.

One young mother, who became pregnant at just 14, reflected on her transformation:

“Initially, I felt despair and thought everything was over. But thanks to Women for Women Rwanda, I regained confidence, studied hairdressing and beauty, and now I am prepared to compete in the job market.”

For Nikuze Esther 17, who lost her parents during pregnancy, the program provided hope:


I was broke and lonely with my son, but now I have skills in hair braiding that allow me to earn and provide for my family. My dream is to become a professional makeup artist and own a salon.”

Similarly, Nyirahakizimana Claudine, 18, who left school due to financial challenges, now envisions a brighter future:

 

 

Through tailoring, I can now earn a living and one day start my own clothing business.”

 

 

These stories remind us why we call the program ABADACOGORA, The Unstoppable.

Beyond Skills: Building Confidence and Leadership

As our Head of Social Empowerment, Chrystel Intaramirwa, shared during the ceremony:

“Our hope is that these graduates will create employment, support their peers, and serve as role models. Alongside vocational skills, we provided knowledge about rights, health, financial management, and self-confidence.”

Her words capture our vision: empowering young women not only to improve their lives but also to inspire transformation in their families and communities.

Partnership and Community Recognition

We are grateful to the leadership of Masaka Sector, who joined us in celebrating this milestone. Representing the Sector, Ndere Emmanuel encouraged the graduates to embrace the future with confidence:

“These skills will help you elevate your lives and contribute positively to your communities. Your hard work is the foundation of a brighter future.”

The commitment of local leaders and partners, such as the Masaka Health Center, the Rwanda National Police, to mention a few, has been crucial in making this journey possible.

About ABADACOGORA

Launched in 2023, ABADACOGORA—meaning “The Unstoppable” is our flagship 10-month program for adolescent girls aged 16–17 years. It provides holistic support that blends vocational training with social empowerment and financial education.

- Rwamagana District, Rubona Sector Cohort 1 (2023): 75 girls trained (supported by Women for Women International)
- Rwamagana District, Rubona Sector Cohort 2 (2024): 75 girls trained (supported by Women for Women International & Cartier Philanthropies)
- Kicukiro District, Masaka Sector Cohort 3 (2024/25): 65 girls enrolled, 60 successfully graduated (supported by BB Energy Foundation)

Looking Ahead

Where once there was despair, now there is hope. Where once there was silence, now there are voices of resilience.

As these 60 young women step into their next chapter, we are confident they will continue to demonstrate strength, flexibility, and leadership. Their successes reaffirm our belief that when adolescent girls are given tools and opportunities, they not only rebuild their futures but also become forces of change within their communities.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the BB Energy Foundation for funding the Masaka cohort and making this milestone possible.

At Women for Women Rwanda, we remain committed to walking alongside young women as they unlock their potential and become truly unstoppable.

This is more than a graduation—it is a celebration of hope and possibility.

A logo with a person in a circle

Description automatically generated