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.
I became pregnant at 17 years old while I was in my second year of secondary school. I never told my parents about my situation, but eventually, my mother approached me after hearing rumors from others in our community.
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.
Much of what is called women’s empowerment depends on the men in their lives. Fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers hold power in ways that are often subtle and sometimes direct. Conversations about women’s rights that ignore this reality do not go far.
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.
Bellamie Mungayinka, a resilient 20-year-old from Kinihira Nyagatare, shares her journey of overcoming adversity after her parent's separation when she was just ten years old.
It has been 12 years since Josephine Mukabasomingera embarked on her journey for justice for her child, who was born out of wedlock.
Marie Chantal, a leader in the Musanze district, shared her journey of transformation through the Ingo Z’amahoro project by Haguruka
Ruth Murekatete resides in Kageyo sector in Gicumbi District. Married to Jean Claude Minani for nearly five years, she was initially drawn to his caring and understanding nature.
At the close of 2017, Mukarukundo, born in 2002 and residing in Gateke Village, Cyeya Cell, Rukomo Sector, Gicumbi District, worked as a house help.
Innocent Nsegiyumva and Agnes Manirakiza shared a life of twelve fulfilling years, blessed with three wonderful children. While they hadn't formalized their union legally, they jointly owned property, including land. However, there was a significant imbalance in their relationship regarding decision-making and control over their shared resources.
Liberee and Deogratias have been married for 35 years and have six children together. For most of their marriage, the husband was the only one making decisions over the family’s property including selling it and using the money for his own needs instead of the family’s.
After over twenty years of marriage, Ziripa thought the hard years were now behind them as a couple. She never imagined herself being in a situation she found herself into when her husband left her for another woman.
Fanny Nyirarukundo, a resident of Kayonza district was married to Venuste Masumbuko. Their marriage was like that of most couples; have kids, build a home and a future together.