RWAMREC Event Story | High-Level Dialogue with Faith Leaders on Gender Equality and GBV Prevention
- Laura Gotti
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
When Faith Speaks for Equality: Religious Leaders Unite to End GBV in Rwanda
Today, in the heart of Kigali, RWAMREC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), hosts a historic High-Level Meeting with Faith Leaders under the theme: "Faith in Action for Gender Equality and the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence."
Gathering more than 60 senior religious leaders from across Rwanda, this pivotal dialogue at Serena Hotel aims to turn shared values into shared responsibility, as faith leaders reflect deeply on their role in transforming gender norms, preventing violence, and promoting dignity for all. This is more than a meeting—it is a milestone.
Faith Leaders at a Crossroads
In Rwanda, where over 92% of the population practices a religion, the moral authority of faith leaders is profound. They guide hearts, shape culture, and carry messages that resonate beyond policies and programs. Today’s event recognizes this influence and calls on spiritual leaders to harness it to challenge harmful norms, reimagine leadership, and affirm the inherent worth of every woman and girl.
This gathering comes at a critical moment, supported by a powerful new resource: the Situational Analysis on Faith-Based Organizations’ Engagement in Gender Equality and GBV Prevention, developed by RWAMREC with UNDP support.
The Situational Analysis: A Call to Reflect and Act
This landmark study unveils both opportunities and challenges within faith communities:
Many faith-based organizations (FBOs) are eager to engage, yet struggle with doctrinal rigidity, limited gender capacity, and male-dominated leadership.
Collaboration with women’s rights organizations (WROs) exists—but is often informal or fragmented.
Powerful initiatives, such as RICH’s interfaith curriculum and SEVOTA’s faith-based trauma healing, show that change is possible—and already happening.
But to scale these efforts, faith and rights must meet intentionally, with shared tools, training, and partnerships.
📘 We invite all participants and stakeholders to read the full Situational Analysis and explore its insights, challenges, and actionable recommendations.
Why Today Matters
This dialogue is not just about listening. It is about committing. Throughout the morning, leaders will:
✅ Examine their role in Rwanda’s gender equality journey
✅ Reflect on findings from the stakeholder mapping
✅ Make public commitments to foster equality and prevent GBV within their congregations
A Moment of Collective Courage
This event is a powerful example of Rwanda’s leadership in inclusive, values-driven development. When faith institutions, government, civil society, and communities walk together—real transformation happens.
As President Paul Kagame once said, “Whenever women win, we all win as a country. Without equality, there can be no real progress.”
Today, we take another step forward—together.
📩 For media inquiries, partnerships, or to join the movement, contact:📍 Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC) | info@rwamrec.org | www.rwamrec.org
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