Empowering Change Through Advocacy and Action

01/31/2025 3:52 PM

Empowering Change Through Advocacy and Action

In 2021, as the world continued to grapple with COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Olivia Promise Kabatesi recognized an opportunity to create meaningful change. The Rwandan doctor and advocate established Empower Rwanda (ER), an organization dedicated to promoting women’s rights and supporting marginalized communities.

Olivia drew inspiration from her own life experiences and the challenges faced by many Rwandan women, particularly those affected by the 1994 genocide. Many of these women were left to rebuild their lives, often as single mothers, and the weight of raising children alone was immense. Olivia aimed to create a safe environment where women and girls could access their sexual and reproductive health rights, live free from violence, and pursue education and employment opportunities.

Even with protective laws in place, gender inequality remained deeply rooted in Rwandan society. Violence against women persisted, and many women were unaware of where to seek help. One of the most pressing issues was the high rate of teenage pregnancies, particularly in the Eastern Province, where many girls became pregnant as a result of sexual violence. These young mothers faced trauma, social stigma, and economic hardship.

Dr. Olivia appearing on a popular tv talk show “the Summit” aired through RTV with moderator Eugene Anangwe.

Determined to make a difference, Empower Rwanda began to gain support from both local and international partners. With this backing, Olivia’s team received training and mentorship to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and Rwanda’s Safe Abortion Law, enabling them to disseminate their message widely.

During the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in late 2021, Olivia and her team initiated a campaign to raise awareness about sexual violence and teenage pregnancies. They utilized every available platform—social media, radio, TV talk shows, and influencers—to ensure their message reached a broad audience. Olivia was not just aiming to inform; she sought to transform the conversation.

Dr. Olivia hoisted on one of the Radio Station.

“The goal was to inspire action,” Olivia explained. “We aimed to shift the conversation around gender-based violence into something that would lead to tangible solutions.”

Their efforts bore fruit. In Gatsibo District, 30 cases of sexual violence were reported, indicating that the community was beginning to take notice. Local leaders and service providers requested more outreach, acknowledging the importance of the campaign. People were starting to understand their rights and how to seek help.

Olivia’s experience has imparted valuable lessons, particularly in engaging men in discussions about gender equality. She intends to launch a “Men Engage Strategy,” which will train local men to actively participate in preventing gender-based violence.

But Olivia isn’t stopping there. She’s committed to maintaining the momentum of Empower Rwanda. She plans to develop educational materials for local leaders, assisting them in spreading the message about women’s rights and GBV prevention to even more communities.

Empower Rwanda has created a holistic strategy to address gender-based violence, featuring programs that promote girls’ education, champion women’s rights, and offer legal assistance to victims. Olivia’s team also provides mentorship, literacy classes, and resources to support women and girls in rebuilding their lives.

Then, in March 2024, Empower Rwanda was honored as the Civil Society of the Year at the Rwanda Women in Business Awards. The award acknowledged the organization’s exceptional work in promoting gender-responsive education in Rwanda. “Winning this award is incredibly impressive and encouraging,” Olivia said. “It demonstrates that our efforts are being recognized and making a difference, which is our ultimate goal.”

That same day, Olivia was also recognized as the Best Female Advocate for Girl Child Education Rights. She was celebrated for her steadfast commitment to advancing girls’ education in Rwanda. “I feel so humbled that the public believed in me and valued my work,” she said, visibly moved. “It’s a recognition of our collective efforts—especially in terms of education.”

Olivia believes that education is a vital weapon in the battle against abuse and inequality. “Education opens up options for people,” she explained. “It empowers them to speak out against abuse and equips them with the necessary tools to transform their lives.”

She views the award as a recognition of her daily efforts, fueling her passion to advocate for vulnerable girls, especially those who have faced abuse or early pregnancy. Olivia is dedicated to helping these girls reintegrate into their families and return to school, paving the way for better opportunities in their futures.

As Empower Rwanda continues to expand, Olivia remains steadfast in her mission. “We have a monumental task ahead of us,” she stated. “But we are determined to do even more, ensuring that the progress we’ve achieved is maintained.”

Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the significant difference one individual can make. Through her dedication, passion, and the support of many, Olivia and Empower Rwanda are transforming lives and igniting a movement for enduring change in Rwanda.

CIVICUS has been a steadfast ally to Dr. Olivia and the ER team in their tireless efforts to advocate for women’s rights. With their invaluable support, they have helped amplify the voices of those pushing for change, enabling Dr. Olivia and her organization to reach broader audiences and elevate critical issues.

CIVICUS’ strategic backing and resources have not only provided vital visibility but have also drawn the attention of other influential donors who were inspired by the impactful advocacy thus being awarded for the efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Rwanda.