Impanuro Girls Initiative (IGI) is a young women-led, non-governmental organization in Rwanda. The organization’s mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through education, counseling, socioeconomic empowerment, and capacity building. Its programs and initiatives focus on four key areas: sexual and reproductive health and rights; women’s economic empowerment and leadership; community health; and advocacy. Since its founding in 2017, IGI has supported more than 6,500 girls and women.
Teenage pregnancies are a significant issue in Rwanda and often result in serious pregnancy complications, including maternal, neonatal and infant mortality. Between 2017 and 2022, rates of teenage pregnancies increased by 17.5 percent across the country, driven by COVID-19 school closures, inadequate recreational activities, and a lack of access to sufficient sexual and reproductive health education. These young mothers often face social exclusion and stigma, and they are more likely to drop out of school and marry early.
The Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund will support IGI’s two-year girls’ empowerment project. In the first year, IGI will establish “Imenye Clubs” in two local schools. These clubs will provide a safe space for girls to learn about leadership and engage in other activities that allow them to explore their interests and talents in the arts, storytelling, and sports. Imenye Clubs will also equip girls with leadership and public speaking skills, and one club member will be nominated to speak at the Annual National Children’s Summit.
In the second year, IGI will focus on prevention by providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education. IGI will also develop a community advocacy project, focusing on changing attitudes and norms regarding girls’ role in society. Girls in the Imenye Club will be encouraged to participate in these advocacy activities, allowing them to practice the leadership skills they developed in year one.
Through this project, IGI hopes to show girls that their role in society extends beyond just having children, inspiring and empowering each of them to reach their full potential. To learn more about Impanuro Girls Initiative, please visit the organization’s website and social media pages:
See more projects: Africa, Central Africa, Arts & Culture, Leadership & Life Skills Development, Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights