Despite significant efforts by the Rwandan Government to promote gender equality, challenges such as poverty and entrenched gender norms continue to hinder progress. These obstacles often result in unequal education outcomes, especially for girls from underprivileged families. In Rwanda’s public higher learning institutions, males account for 68.9% of students, while females represent only 31.1%. This disparity affects not only their academic achievement but also their future prospects in the labor market and access to opportunities.
Generation Rise, a community organization dedicated to empowering girls and young women in Rwanda, is addressing these challenges through life skills training and mentoring. Our flagship program, Her Voice Matters, has already seen several girls qualify for government scholarships to pursue university education, thanks to their academic excellence. However, while these scholarships cover academic fees, additional costs—such as accommodation, medical insurance, and necessary materials—remain a significant burden for their families.