Transforming lives through gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustained communities.
Mary Balikungeri is a pioneering advocate for women's rights and community healing in Rwanda.
Our FounderFounder, Rwanda Women's Network (RWN)
"Our greatest strength as Rwanda Women’s Network over the past 29 years has been our commitment to empower women for self-transformation and gender equality. No matter how long the journey, or how difficult the challenges our determination continues to be women’s empowerment that influences positive transformation in their homes, communities and nation’— Mary V. Balikungeri, Founder & Director"
Mary Balikungeri founded Rwanda Women's Network with a deep conviction that women are central to healing societies affected by conflict, poverty, and inequality. In the aftermath of Rwanda's tragic history, she recognized that women needed more than sympathy — they needed safe spaces, economic opportunity, and the confidence to lead their own recovery.
Through her vision, Rwanda Women’s Network became a platform where women survivors transformed their pain into strength. By combining psychosocial support, economic empowerment, leadership of women on both local and national level, her work has helped thousands of women rebuild their lives and become agents of change within their communities.
Restoring dignity, healing trauma, and empowering women to lead sustainable change in their homes and communities.
We are a women-led organization dedicated to empowering women and girls to heal, thrive, and lead positive change within their communities.
Founded in Rwanda, our work is rooted in the belief that when women are supported with the right tools, safe spaces, and opportunities, they become powerful agents of social transformation.
Our approach is holistic and inclusive. We collaborate with communities, partners, and institutions to address the social and economic challenges facing women, while amplifying women's voices in decision-making processes.
We work with women affected by trauma, poverty, and inequality, providing psychosocial support
Economic empowerment through skills training and entrepreneurship development
Leadership development and community-based programs to decision-making level both on a local and national level.
Creating safe spaces for healing, learning, and growth
"Through community-based programs, we help women rebuild dignity, strengthen resilience, and create sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families."
"By nurturing individual growth, we strengthen families, heal communities, and contribute to national development."
Ready to make a difference?
Partner With UsOur programs have touched thousands of lives across Rwanda. Here's the impact we've made together.
Fostering healing, empowerment, transformation, and community resilience.
Through counselling and psychosocial support services, legal aid services and economic skills development.
Through our health center
Through financial literacy, entrepreneurship training, and savings opportunities, we strengthen women’s economic independence and develop their leadership capacity.
Nationwide coverage across Rwanda
Creating safe spaces where women, victims and survivors of gender based violence can seek help and be aware of their legal and financial rights
Learn MoreEquipping women with skills, and opportunities to be able to independently support their welfare
Learn MoreElevating women’s voices in leadership and governance to become decision makers in their communities
Learn More30+ Women's Safe Spaces (WSS) providing support across 12 districts in all 5 provinces
Interactive map showing all Women's Safe Spaces locations
Interactive map loads when online.
Major coordination centers
Community-level safe spaces
Tip: Click on any pin to see location details. Zoom in for precise locations.
Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or partner with us, we welcome your support in our mission.
Join us for workshops, training sessions, and community gatherings.
Kigali
Focus: Engaging men and women as partners in preventing GBV.
District Level
Focus: Strengthening women's participation in local decision-making.
Stay informed with our latest news and explore our publications in our interactive digital magazine.
From Rwanda to the UN - Mary shared RWN’s work in the NGO CSW Forum
Flip through our latest issue and explore stories of impact.
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We collaborate with international and local partners to amplify our impact and create sustainable change.