Irish Catholic Entity’s Community-Level Initiatives Creating Safe Spaces for Girls in Rwanda

Kigali, 14 August, 2025 / 5:20 PM

Young girls in Rwanda have found safety in initiatives run by Trócaire, the overseas development agency of the Catholic Bishops of Ireland, that is preparing the girls to be future leaders.

Trócaire officials acknowledge some positive strides in addressing gender equality in the east-central African country have been made through women’s empowerment programs at the community level.

“With support from Irish Aid and in collaboration with local partners, Trócaire Rwanda is creating spaces where girls feel safe, heard, and empowered to lead,” the officials of the Irish Catholic entity say in a report published Monday, August 11 ahead of the International Youth Day.

Lauding Rwanda for making significant strides in advancing gender equality in recent times, Trócaire officials however, find it unfortunate that challenges still persist as far as women empowerment is concerned.

In the efforts to address the issue, the officials of the Catholic entity say, “Trócaire Rwanda engages in women’s empowerment programming from community-level initiatives through to national advocacy.”

“These efforts are building a future where young women can thrive and shape the world around them,” they say in the report.

The officials say that in 2024, the empowerment program resulted in concrete action when Trócaire Rwanda trained 72 community psychosocial workers to support Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors.

The same year, the officials say, Trócaire also provided psychosocial support to 361 women and adolescent girls, and established 24 women’s and girls’ safe spaces that are now actively serving their communities.

These services, Trócaire officials say, “play a critical role in women and girls’ healing journey, fostering resilience and empowering them to rebuild their lives.”

In the report, the officials of the Catholic entity refer to one of its communicator facilitators, Odette Muhimpundo, who they say plays a vital role in her community.

“As facilitators, we help solve challenges faced by women. When they come towards us, especially those that face Gender-Based Violence, they meet facilitators here at the safe space, who welcome them, help them and understand them. When they have emotional distress, we first let them rest, and talk to them later,” Ms. Muhimpundo told Trócaire.

In addition to psychosocial support, the officials say that Trócaire also offers structured programming through the Masidama methodology – an innovative approach designed to challenge and transform harmful social norms for women.”

They explain, “Through a series of guided discussions and activities, the programme encourages women to recognize their rights, participate in decision-making, and develop leadership skills. This holistic approach helps to break cycles of inequality and strengthens women’s ability to lead and influence in their communities.”

“Emotional wellbeing and community support are critical components of recovery and empowerment. Equally essential is access to justice,” Trócaire officials say in the report.

As part of its holistic support for women and girls, the officials say that Trócaire Rwanda also provides legal assistance to help them navigate the justice system, protect their rights, and overcome barriers to equality.

They disclose that in last year, “3,295 women and older adolescents increased their knowledge about the legal aspect of GBV. This equipped them with the knowledge they needed to seek justice and advocate for change.”

“Trócaire reaffirms its commitment to a future where women and girls’ rights are protected, their voices are heard, and they are free from all forms of violence and discrimination,” the officials of the Irish Catholic entity say.

 They add, “Young women are at the heart of this vision, driving change in their communities and shaping a more just world. With support from Irish Aid, these women are breaking barriers and making lasting impact, in Rwanda and beyond.”