Rwanda

Rwanda Women Network (RWN)

Founded in 1997, the Rwanda Women Network works with women, orphans and poor households, emphasizing the importance of a family centered and collaborative approach to providing care.

The organization had its roots in a programme started by the Church World Service to support women after the 1994 genocide. RWN has four core programs: medical treatment and health support, educating and creating awareness on issues affecting women (legal, human, sexual reproductive rights, gender-based violence), empowering women and families to improve their socioeconomic status, and advocacy and networking. RWN responded to needs of genocide survivors and women living with HIV and AIDS through its Village of Hope and Polyclinic of Hope. 

The Stephen Lewis Foundation has supported RWN since 2004 and currently funds the expansion of medical, psychosocial, counselling, palliative care and group support through the Village of Hope. New activities include training on reproductive health, human rights and responding to sexual and gender-based violence. With SLF funding, RWN is supporting 75 orphans and vulnerable children  —15 students from secondary school, 59 secondary school students and one student taking vocational training — as well as their caregivers, many of whom are living with HIV and AIDS. SLF funds are also being used to provide food support to 50 women-headed households, pay salaries for a social worker, finance officer and community mobilize, and facilitate institutional capacity-building and planning support for the organization. 

• Project descriptions last updated April 2011