In 1991, ethnic tensions were flaring in Rwanda and this fuelled sociopolitical upheavals across the country. The multiparty political system had just been given authority that increased the existing political chaos. The RPA launched its liberation struggle, which gave a glimmer of hope, but the larger social, ethnic, economic and political dysfunctions had already negatively affected the family unit and were hardly felt by women and children. This is when Haguruka was born. At a time when women and children were facing social injustices all over the country there was a need to ‘stand up’, which is the meaning of Haguruka in Kinyarwanda.
For the past 30 years, Haguruka has worked tirelessly to address several challenges that women and children face in claiming their rights. This has been done through offering free legal aid, raining community awareness on GBV, capacitating stakeholders to give better service delivery and contributing to national law reforms, among others.
Our Models
Comprehensive support for vulnerable women and children across Rwanda
Multifamily Healing Spaces
Families who have experienced trauma come together to heal collectively. Through guided dialogue, shared learning, and emotional skill-building, families unlearn cycles of hurt and develop healthier relationships across generations and households.
Couples' Dialogue
Real peace begins at home. HAGURUKA's Couples' Dialogue programme helps partners rebuild trust, improve communication, and share responsibility in the household, creating safer and more equitable homes.
Paralegals Network
HAGURUKA's paralegals are trained community members embedded across Rwanda who provide legal advice, resolve GBV and land disputes, and connect people to essential services close to home.
Women's Safe Spaces
In dedicated safe spaces, women speak freely, learn together, and grow into leaders. Through storytelling, peer support, and legal literacy, participants gain confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions in their lives and communities.
For 24 years, Frank did not know who he was and when he finally found out, the law almost left him with nothing. This is the story of how HAGURUKA is giving Rwanda's most vulnerable people a fighting chance in court and beyond.
A major challenge for GBV victims in Rwanda is establishing paternity, which is often difficult due to a lack of evidence, particularly when paternity is denied. This frequently results in lost court cases and the denial of child support.
