Women were crucial to the reconstruction of Rwanda following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, and their hard work and commitment remains just as indispensable today. Rwanda is internationally lauded for its efforts to promote women in leadership positions within the government and to empower women at the grassroots level economically, socially, and politically. It is the only country in the world with a female majority in parliament (currently at 64%), and it has established a 30% quota for women’s participation in all decision-making bodies nationwide, from the village councils all the way up to the level of national government.

Dining for Women (DFW) has supported Rwanda with multiple grants (eight in total) over the years, making it an ideal place for a life-changing, DFW member trip. Fourteen travelers had the opportunity to see firsthand the women and girls that DFW supported and to celebrate women’s continuing vital leadership role in Rwanda!

Highlights of the trip included:

• Visits to DFW grantees, including Sustainable Health Enterprises
 and Gardens for Health
• Visits to other grassroots organizations: Akihila Institute and Rwanda Men’s Resource Center
• Traditional Rwandan dance class
• Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Optional gorilla trekking
• National Genocide Museum
• Dian Fossey Museum

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