ONE YEAR OF PROGRESS: Rebuilding Families and Advancing Rights Through Dialogue in Rwanda

From February to November, HAGURUKA, in partnership with BB Energy Foundation, implemented a community-based project to combat gender-based violence and strengthen the rights of women and girls in Rwanda. The initiative focused on families in Cyuve Sector (Musanze District) and Rutunga Sector (Gasabo District), recognising that lasting change begins at home.

Dialogue as a Tool for Prevention and Healing

At the heart of the project were intergenerational dialogue sessions bringing together parents, teen mothers and single mothers. In total, 120 participants engaged in conversations on gender-based violence, legal rights, positive parenting and shared responsibility.

These discussions addressed emotional, physical, sexual and economic violence, encouraging families to reflect on stigma and the psychological harm often faced by adolescent mothers. As one parent shared, “Violence does not build families; it destroys them silently.”

By the end of the sessions:

• 87% of participants expressed stronger support for girls’ rights
• 97% felt more confident protecting teen mothers and their children
• 96% reported improved communication and positive parenting practices

Strengthening Access to Justice

The project also delivered concrete justice outcomes. Eleven teen mothers received legal support to address paternity cases, resulting in the legal acknowledgment of their children. In parallel, 382 vulnerable people accessed legal aid services, strengthening trust in protection mechanisms and justice systems.

One young mother reflected, “I didn’t know my child had the right to be acknowledged. Today, my child has a legal identity.”

Education, Well-being and Shared Responsibility

Sessions on education and future planning renewed hope for adolescent mothers, with 26 expressing interest in returning to school, enrolling in TVET programmes or starting small businesses. Mental health discussions helped families recognise the emotional strain faced by young mothers and identify local support structures.

Shared parenting and joint decision-making sessions encouraged families to support teen mothers practically and emotionally. As one participant noted, “A baby grows well when carried by many caring hands.”

Case Study: Rebuilding Bonds Through Awareness and Dialogue

Uwineza Ange became pregnant at 17, with limited access to sexual and reproductive health information and little communication at home. Following her pregnancy, she experienced rejection and emotional distance, particularly from her mother.

Everything changed when the family joined the intergenerational dialogue sessions. Ange’s mother reflected on how anger had damaged their relationship and chose support instead of punishment. After the training, she apologised and embraced her grandson for the first time. Ange’s father also acknowledged his own role and committed to shared responsibility.

Today, the family describes their home as peaceful, communicative and supportive — a clear example of how empathy, dialogue and community learning can transform relationships and create safer environments for teen mothers and their children.

A Collective Step Forward

Across all activities, the project advanced Gender Equality (SDG 5), Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and contributed to health, education and economic empowerment. By working with families and communities, HAGURUKA and BB Energy Foundation helped lay the groundwork for prevention, protection and dignity — rooted in dialogue, justice and care.

All photos by Hazel Thompson.