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.
Women for Women Rwanda (WfW-Rwanda) is a national organization created and legally registered in 2020.