The Problem

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, strict measures such as lockdowns and isolations were put in place to limit and contain the virus's spread in communities. As a result of these enforced prevention measures, GBV and teenage pregnancies escalated at an alarming rate in Rwanda. Women and girls were exposed to their abusers at home, leading to increased violence. Limited movements also hindered access to essential sexual and reproductive health education and services and psychosocial support, and school closures exposed young girls to increased risks of sexual exploitation and unwanted pregnancies and risking their continued education.

Our Solution

The Speak for Change program is designed for young girls and women in rural areas and low-income communities, focusing on teen mothers and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. We are implementing this initiative through partnerships with institutions and NGOs that deliver SRHR and GBV programs to provide quality and accessible response and prevention services.

We leverage our core program, Storytelling for Leadership to build their self-confidence and resilience, and to create a mindset shift that allows women and girls to have more agency as they make healthy decisions, and to speak up for themselves and others. They also learn soft skills to set and achieve goals for the future they want, from returning to school, starting businesses, or applying for the job of their dreams.

Meet Clarisse, 21 years old

Participated in a leadership program in partnership with the Rwanda National Youth Council

Before meeting Resonate

Clarisse became pregnant at the age of 16, and her family rejected her. She experienced many struggles as a young mother. Even though she completed high school, she was ashamed of being a mother at her age and struggled with establishing goals for the future.

After meeting Resonate

Clarisse realized that a leader is a person who is proactive in the face of a challenge. Determined to create a better life for her and her child, she bought jerricans and started selling water in her neighborhood whenever there was a water shortage. Using her profits, she purchased a bicycle that she now uses to transport water and earns money from it.

In her own words

"My current dream is to go to university, and I believe that I will achieve it."

In her own words

"I am financially supporting my mom and my child, and we are happy."

Meet Anne, 25 years old

Participated in a leadership program in partnership with National Youth Council

Before meeting Resonate

After completing high school, Anne became pregnant and had to stay with her single mom of six children, and had difficulties making ends meet. She felt like a burden to her family and was discouraged, thinking that nothing could improve her situation.

After meeting Resonate

Anne learned that she should do the best that she can. She looked for a job in her community and is now working in her sector’s VUP program, a local development program that is aimed at eradicating poverty. From her first salary, she managed to start a chicken business and renovate their house.