Stronger Women, Stronger Nations Program:
Every woman possesses the potential to shape her world. When women unite, they wield the strength to
create a brighter collective future.
For the past 25 years, the Stronger Women, Stronger Nations program has been a beacon of
transformation. This comprehensive 12-month initiative has empowered vulnerable women to achieve
financial independence, enhance their well-being, influence decisions, and forge vital connections.
Women for Women Rwanda's CORE Program is at the heart of this endeavor. It reaches across rural and
semi-urban landscapes, bringing hope and empowerment to vulnerable women, including widows and
survivors.
In this journey, women embark on a year-long exploration of self-discovery and growth. Through
education, they gain a deeper understanding of their rights, financial literacy, health, and advocacy,
igniting the spark of change. Practical skills are nurtured, including vocational training and numeracy
proficiency, paving the way for sustainable livelihoods.
Empowerment takes shape through resources: stipends, asset transfers, and savings support. These
elements coalesce to cultivate not only economic stability but also resilience and determination. A
sisterhood of solidarity thrives within a nurturing space that fosters support, camaraderie, and strength.
The call to action resounds: Let us come together to fortify Rwanda. By empowering women today, we
lay the foundation for a stronger tomorrow.
STRONGER WOMEN, STRONGER NATION: Uniting for Progress
Women for Women Rwanda (WfW-Rwanda) is a non-governmental organization that is committed to promoting dignity, freedom, and equality for women. Our journey began in 1997 as Women for Women International (WfWI) when we witnessed the devastating effects of the 1994 genocide of the Tutsis on vulnerable women and children. These women were facing poverty, depression, and a strong sense of helplessness.
In 2021, WfW-Rwanda transitioned from WfWI as a local organization in Rwanda as an affiliate. Through our combined efforts and with a team of dedicated trainers, strategists, and governance board members, both local and international partners, we have served and supported over 79,000 women and helped start up over 3160 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), over 390 of which are digitized.
Every year, more than 300 young mothers and women aged 18-55 years are enrolled in the WfW-Rwanda 12-month signature program where they meet bi-weekly in groups of 25 to learn, share and support one another. They receive capacity building in social skills such as health and wellness, gender-based violence prevention, women’s leadership, communication, and advocacy; among others. They also receive business skills and vocational training to enable them to generate income for their families through cooperatives or VSLAs.
We are always learning new approaches and strategies to stay effective and responsive to the needs of our communities.