Success Stories

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐖𝐄 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐖𝐄 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐍𝐎𝐖

Our magazine had the opportunity to engage with young people involved in our SRHR youth empowerment programmes.In a refreshing and honest conversation, they addressed common myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual and reproductive health, highlighting the realities they face and the knowledge gaps that need to be filled.

𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒: 𝐔𝐍𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊 𝐈𝐍 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐑𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀’𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘 𝐋𝐀𝐖

Rwanda’s new legislation, Law n° 71/2024 of 26/06/2024 governing persons and family, introduces explicit definitions and mechanisms for recognising and valuing ‘unpaid care work’ within marriage.

𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐎 𝐙’𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐎: 𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐖𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒

Jean and Marie’s kitchen arguments could be heard three houses away. Money disappeared without discussion. Chores accumulated; resentment grew. After eight years of marriage in Gasabo District, they reached a crossroads: change or separate. Then came Ingo z’Amahoro’s Couples’ Dialogue sessions.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖 𝐎𝐅 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑-𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐌𝐀

In the aftermath of the genocide against the Tutsi, many Rwandan families faced deep and lasting wounds.

Although the constitution guarantees at least 30% representation, this minimum is often misinterpreted: focus group participants reported that the 30% quota is sometimes treated as a glass ceiling that limits women’s participation, and the system of reserved seats can discourage women from contesting against men.

WHEN THE ABUSE FOLLOWS YOU HOME : Journalists and Influencers learned how to report on online GBV, without causing more harm

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.

In our second issue, we sat down with the remarkable Queen Kalimpinya, Miss Rwanda, who became a professional rally driver. We discussed passion, sacrifice, discipline, and what it truly takes to break barriers in a male-dominated world.

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.

My name is Nkurunziza Marie Claire; I was ille­gally married with Joseph Nizeyimana whom we lived together for over 10 years blessed with 1 daughter. While living together we ac­quired properties composed of land, 2 plots, and 2 houses.

Their story is one of many among the 120 couples who participated in the couples’ dialogue sessions in 2024; some pledged to live peacefully, while others chose to legalize their marriages.

My name is Uwayezu Henriette, and I am from Kabeza Cell, Cyuve Sector. I am currently a village leader, but before HAGURUKA, my life was very different. We had no peace in our home; we used to fight, and economic violence was a constant struggle. It was a very difficult time.

Shelters offer vital refuge and support for victims of violence, connecting them to essential services such as legal and psychosocial assistance. However, resource limitations often hinder their ability to maintain high-quality standards.

My name is Mukarukwaya Christine, and I have been a paralegal for Haguruka since 2001. I started my journey in Gatsata after working as a social worker in the Muhima Sector and being a member of the CNF at that time.

In this special edition, we celebrate the women who work with Haguruka and explore our innovative approaches to empowering women and children in Rwanda. We'll highlight dedicated individuals like paralegal Mukarukwaya Christine, whose 23+ years of experience demonstrate the impact of passion and commitment in addressing legal challenges.

One day in 2021, while walking to the market, I was approached by a man who offered me a lift. Despite my initial hesitation, he persisted, and I eventually got into his car. Little did I know that this decision would put me in grave danger.

Nyiramugisha Adeline and Habiyaremye Jean Bosco married young in 2013. Adeline was 21, and Habiyaremye was only 19. Their troubles began a year later

Donat and Patricia's journey began in 1999, when they started their life together in Musanze, Rwanda. However, things took a turn for the worse when Donat, a former soldier, retired from the army in 2005.

Dieudonné Nizeyimana and Agnès Dusabimana, from Musanze District, Cyuve Sector,  a couple who began cohabiting in 2003 and have four children, experienced years of family turmoil fueled by alcohol abuse on both sides.