Rwanda Women's Network

Rwanda Women's Network (RWN) is a national humanitarian non-governmental organization established in 1997 and dedicated to promoting and improving the socio-economic welfare of women and girls in Rwanda. Since its founding, RWN has focused on women's empowerment, gender equality, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention by supporting survivors to heal, rebuild their lives, and transform into independent, influential leaders in their communities. The organization operates more than 24 village-level Women Safe Spaces in 12 districts across Rwanda and implements programs in gender equality, GBV prevention and response, economic empowerment, transformation and health. RWN was founded by Mary Balikungeri, a Gender and Development specialist born in Rwanda who returned after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to support women who had endured profound trauma and loss. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a nationally recognized organization transforming thousands of lives across Rwanda. One of its most significant contributions is the Polyclinic of Hope, a holistic approach that integrates psychosocial support, medical care, economic empowerment, and community engagement for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. This model has contributed to the establishment of Women Safe Spaces across Rwanda. RWN's vision is a healthy, empowered, and peaceful Rwandan society where women are active participants and beneficiaries of social, economic, and political transformation, living dignified lives free from violence. Its mission is to improve the socio-economic welfare of women in Rwanda by enhancing their efforts to meet their basic needs, grounded in empowering women for self-transformation, gender equality, and leadership. Core values include accountability, humanitarianism, organization, and partnership. The organization reports 29 years of service, 24+ safe spaces created, 30K+ lives impacted, and 12 districts reached.

Rwanda Women's Network (RWN) was established in 1997 as a national humanitarian non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting and improving the socio-economic welfare of women and girls in Rwanda. Its founding is closely tied to the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Mary Balikungeri, born in Rwanda, was six years old when violence against the Tutsi forced her family into exile in Uganda. Growing up as a refugee exposed her to injustice and hardship, but also opened opportunities, including access to education and leadership development. Following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, she returned to Rwanda determined to support women who had endured profound trauma and loss. In 1997, she founded Rwanda Women's Network with a vision to create safe, supportive spaces where women could heal and rebuild their lives. What began as a grassroots initiative has since grown into a nationally recognized organization transforming thousands of lives across Rwanda. One of Mary Balikungeri's most significant contributions is the development of the Polyclinic of Hope, a holistic approach that integrates psychosocial support, medical care, economic empowerment, and community engagement for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. This Polyclinic of Hope has contributed to the establishment of Women Safe Spaces across Rwanda, providing survivors with safe environments. The organization operates more than 24 village-level Women Safe Spaces in 12 districts across Rwanda and implements programs in gender equality, GBV prevention and response, economic empowerment, transformation and health. RWN's vision is a healthy, empowered, and peaceful Rwandan society where women are active participants and beneficiaries of social, economic, and political transformation, living dignified lives, free from violence, and contributing meaningfully to their communities. Its mission is to improve the socio-economic welfare of women in Rwanda by enhancing their efforts to meet their basic needs, grounded in empowering women for self-transformation, gender equality, and leadership. This includes ensuring women's access to healthcare, education, justice, and economic opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. Core values include accountability, humanitarianism, organization, and partnership. The organization reports 29 years of service, 24+ safe spaces created, 30K+ lives impacted, and 12 districts reached.

• 2004

  Year founded listed on official website homepage.

• 1997

  Rwanda Women's Network founded by Mary Balikungeri.

• Development of the Polyclinic of Hope holistic model.

• Operation of more than 24 Women Safe Spaces in 12 districts.

A national humanitarian NGO empowering women and girls in Rwanda through safe spaces, holistic healing, and socio-economic programs.

• Women Safe Spaces

  Village-level safe spaces for women and girls.

• Polyclinic of Hope

  Holistic approach integrating psychosocial support, medical care, economic empowerment, and community engagement for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

1. 1Rwanda Women's Network - Empowering Women, Healing Communitiesrwandawomensnetwork.org
2. 2Executive Director - Rwanda Women's Networkrwandawomensnetwork.org
3. 3Who We Are - Rwanda Women's Networkrwandawomensnetwork.org
4. 4Who We Are - Rwanda Women's Networkrwandawomensnetwork.org
5. 5Rwanda Women's Networkwikidata.org