Rwanda Women Network

Rwanda Women Network (RWN) is a humanitarian NGO formed in 1997 to promote the social and economic well-being of women in Rwanda by supporting their efforts to meet their basic needs. RWN works with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence throughout the country.

RWN’s work focuses on three core programs. One program attempts to address health needs through the Polyclinic of Hope, a second addresses legal rights education and a third offers training.

While not focused explicitly on refugees and the displaced, its work in emergency preparedness with Action by Churches Together (ACT) whereby focus is on trainings on how ensure good health in times of emergencies, when a lot of movement is going on and people are living in camps and other temporary shelters. RWN has carried out trainings on water management, nutrition, sanitation, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, human/legal rights, rape & violence against women / gender-based violence, trauma, etc.

RWN has also been involved in relief work e.g. distribution of blankets, tents, utensils, etc. RWN has been in discussion with UNHCR whether the methodology of the Polyclinic of Hope coping mechanism can be applied elsewhere. This project uses a holistic approach that addresses problems faced by victims of rape and other violent crimes and on how to help women in refugee camps to be self-reliant, knowledge and skills that they can draw upon even when they are back in their homes.

RWN is a member of the African NGO Refugee Protection Network.

Contacts:

Kicukiro, near World Food Program Head Quarters,
Hse # G.S.A./G. 0545
P. O. Box 3157,
Kigali-Rwanda.
Tel/fax (250) 583662
Email: rwawnet@rwanda1.com
Website: www.rwandawomennetwork.org