Women Driving Social Change: Insights and Strategies from Café Juridique

At the 31st Certa Foundation’s bi-monthly Café Juridique, hosted by the Center of Justice and Advocacy alongside Mary Balikungeri, founder of the Rwanda Women's Network,a compelling dialogue unfolded on the empowerment of women as drivers of social change. Mary Balikungeri shared her remarkable journey from a refugee camp to becoming a leading advocate for women's rights in Rwanda. Her story served as a great reminder of the resilience and strength of women in overcoming adversity.

The session highlighted the pivotal role women play in healing and community-building, particularly in contexts affected by gender-based violence. Participants highlighted the importance of involving men in addressing complex social issues like gender-based violence, recognizing the need for their active role to achieve lasting solutions. One participant stressed the necessity of educating both current and potential perpetrators, emphasizing the urgency of their inclusion in efforts to end GBV related Crimes.

Balikungeri stressed that the essence of life is loving people and engaging in meaningful work, emphasizing the significance of family and community as pillars of identity and strength. She emphasized the importance of people-centered work for women to influence sustainable change, stressing the power of belonging, claiming spaces, and acting as multipliers in society. The event provided valuable insights for promoting gender equality in Rwanda, underscoring the importance of a women-centered approach and involving men in prevention efforts to foster gender equality.

The Café Juridique session with Mary Balikungeri was a profound and timely exchange, leaving all participants inspired and motivated to drive positive change in their communities.

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