In 1991, ethnic tensions were flaring in the country and this had fuelled social and political upheavals across Rwanda. The multiparty political system had just been given a green-light and this had added to the political chaos in the country.

The RPA had just launched its liberation struggle so there was a glimmer of hope; the larger social, ethnic, economic and political dysfunctions in the country had taken a toll on the family unit and the brunt of all these problems was felt by women and children. And this is the time Haguruka was born, midwifed by a handful of women burdened by the social injustices women and children were going through across the country.

Creation phase (1991-1994)

Founded in 1991, Haguruka’s mission was to promote and defend the rights of women and children. Haguruka means ‘stand up’ in Kinyarwanda. The organization works towards improving access to justice and increased empowerment initiatives to ensure women and children may claim their rights throughout Rwanda. Haguruka continues at the forefront in the fight for women and children’s rights over the past three decades as a registered non-governmental organization under Rwanda law.