Initiatives for Peace and Human Rights

As we observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, our November 2025 Legal Aid Factsheet highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in ensuring justice for vulnerable communities across Rwanda.

In November 2025, 7,077 people were reached, with 394 individuals receiving dedicated legal aid services across 128 villages. Behind these numbers are real stories of resilience — and real evidence of persistent inequalities.

One figure stands out powerfully: 13% of all cases handled involved Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Despite the courage of survivors who come forward, many still face barriers rooted in stigma, fear, or limited access to justice — especially in rural areas where 91% of our beneficiaries live.

Our teams continue to provide:
- Mobile legal aid clinics reaching remote communities (45% of all cases)
- Support to navigate IECMS (sought by 70% of legal aid recipients)
- Court representation, especially for vulnerable and low-income clients

As we share this month’s data, we reinforce our commitment to breaking the cycle of violence and empowering survivors through accessible, responsive, and rights-based justice services.

Let’s continue raising our voices.
Let’s continue standing with survivors.

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Digital Violence Isn't Just for Public Figures: The Everyday Threat to Women & Girls

As we continue the hashtag against gender-based violence, we must confront a pervasive myth: that online abuse is a problem reserved for celebrities, politicians, or high-profile figures.

The reality is starkly different. As highlighted in our latest campaign flyer, digital violence does not discriminate by fame or follower count.

The primary targets are often everyday women and girls:
The student sharing her opinion in a class forum.
The professional contributing in a male-dominated industry chat.
The private individual expressing a view on a community platform.

Anyone daring to participate visibly in spaces historically not designed for them.
This abuse is a systemic issue, not a personal one. It’s a tool used to police boundaries, silence dissent, and maintain the status quo in digital spaces that mirror—and often amplify—real-world inequalities. When women are driven out of online conversations, especially in fields like tech, finance, or STEM, we all lose the diversity of thought essential for innovation and progress.

Why This Matters for Leaders & Organizations:

Psychological Safety: Online harassment directly impacts mental health and well-being, which spills over into workplace engagement and productivity.

Talent Pipeline: Hostile digital environments deter women from entering or staying in certain industries, shrinking your talent pool.

Corporate Responsibility: A company's culture is increasingly reflected in its digital spaces. Failing to address this violence contradicts commitments to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and psychological safety.

Call to Action: What We Can Do
We must move beyond awareness to tangible action. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Amplify & Educate: Share this message to challenge the "it only happens to famous people" myth within your network.
- Review & Strengthen Policies: Does your organization have clear guidelines addressing online harassment, whether it occurs on company platforms or affects employees in external digital spaces?
- Foster Allyship: Encourage respectful digital communication. Call out misogynistic or abusive behavior in online professional groups and forums.
- Support Access to Resources: Share information about support services. (Our flyer includes a link to free legal aid for those affected).

Creating an inclusive future means ensuring all women and girls—not just the most visible—can participate online without fear. Let's commit to making digital spaces safer for everyone.

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