YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

YWCA Rwanda is a long-standing grassroots organisation dedicated to advancing the rights, wellbeing, and leadership of women and girls across the country. Established in 1995 and affiliated with the global World YWCA network, the organisation works to ensure that women and young women can live healthy, dignified lives free from poverty, discrimination, and violence.

With a presence in communities throughout Rwanda, YWCA combines education, health promotion, socio-economic empowerment, and advocacy to address the complex challenges facing women, girls, and orphans and vulnerable children. Their work is guided by a vision of a world where women’s rights are respected, and where every woman and girl can achieve her full potential.

YWCA Rwanda’s mission centres on strengthening the leadership and collective power of women and girls. The organisation works closely with communities to expand access to education, improve health outcomes, and create pathways to economic independence. Through skills development, rights awareness, psychosocial support, and community mobilisation, YWCA supports women and girls to overcome structural barriers and build sustainable, resilient futures.

Through programmes rooted in education, health, gender equality, and economic empowerment, YWCA Rwanda provides:

• Leadership and life-skills training, equipping adolescent girls and young women with the knowledge, confidence, and competencies they need to advocate for themselves and their communities.
• Health education and SRHR support, helping women and girls understand their rights, make informed decisions, and access essential services.
• Socio-economic empowerment, including financial literacy, savings groups, and entrepreneurship training that strengthens long-term economic security.
• Community engagement and behaviour change initiatives, promoting positive masculinities, reducing stigma, and addressing harmful gender norms.
• Support for orphans and vulnerable children, improving access to education, care, and protection.
• Advocacy, working with local leaders and national partners to advance gender equality and champion women’s and girls’ rights.

YWCA Rwanda’s work aligns closely with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Their community-led programmes contribute to stronger health outcomes, increased financial inclusion, expanded educational opportunities, and more equitable social environments for women and girls.

The BB Energy Foundation is proud to partner with YWCA Rwanda. Together, we are supporting initiatives that empower teen mothers, out-of-school boys, and vulnerable children—strengthening education, improving health and wellbeing, and building supportive community networks that enable young people to thrive.