The Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) Sub-cluster held a strategic meeting in Rwamagana District, bringing together government institutions, UN agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs), the private sector, and local institutions. The Sub-cluster provides a platform for members to share lessons, strengthen coordination, and set joint priorities to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in Rwanda.

As part of the program, Sub-cluster members visited the Learn Work Develop (LWD), an organization dedicated to empowering youth, women, and children especially adolescent girls, teen mothers and and their children through its flagship Masenge Mba Hafi Program.

They also visited LWD TVET Center where young women, including teen mothers, are gaining practical skills in mechanics, tailoring, hairdressing, and other trades, enabling them to achieve self-reliance and economic independence.

Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Batamuliza Mireille, commended GEWE Sub-cluster members for their contribution to building a stronger and more equal society. She also encouraged teen mothers not to lose hope but to remain committed to learning and raising their children responsibly.

“Do not lose hope. What you have gone through should not determine the future of your children. Stay committed to learning and building a better life for yourselves and your families. Remember, you are raising the future of our nation,” she said.

In the meeting with Sub-cluster members, the Permanent Secretary further urged them to intensify efforts to sensitize communities on gender equality, strengthen child rights, and address family conflicts that often lead to child neglect and increased risks of abuse, including defilement.

The GEWE Sub-cluster reaffirmed its commitment to continue working collaboratively with partners like LWD to accelerate progress towards gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, ensuring that no one is left behind in Rwanda’s sustainable development.