Paper Crown Rwanda (PCR) is a feminist nonprofit organization with a mission to empower girls by eliminating harmful norms which perpetuate violence and discrimination. To this end, the organization engages adolescents through participatory workshops on topics such as gender-based violence prevention, sexual and reproductive health, leadership, and equality. In addition to working directly with youth, PCR recently launched a Feminist Community of Practice, bringing together gender practitioners and feminists from diverse backgrounds to share knowledge and take collective action toward ending gender-based violence in Rwanda.
Rwanda has made significant strides in advancing rights for women and girls. Despite the progress made, many challenges remain. The latest National Demographic and Health Survey (2021) reveals that 29 percent of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 have experienced some form of gender-based violence. PCR has implemented several creative programs to address this challenge, incorporating activities such as basketball, chess, and more.
The Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund will support PCR’s My Voice, My Power program. This transformative, youth-led program provides adolescents—both boys and girls—with education on sexual and reproductive health, boundary setting, and bystander training. The program approach includes three phases, beginning with capacity building sessions where girls and boys separately learn about protecting themselves and preventing gender-based violence. In the second and third phases, the groups work together to design advocacy clubs and initiatives which will be shared in community meetings and other public forums.
PCR has previously implemented three cycles of My Voice, My Power, with many positive impacts shown in program evaluations. For example, girls reported increased confidence in articulating changes they wished to see in their communities. Boys were also more comfortable discussing the harmful effects of toxic masculinity and their responsibility to challenge attitudes that promote gender discrimination. With support from the Girls Opportunity Alliance, PCR will reach a total of 50 additional girls and boys in rural areas of the Bugesera district, focusing on adolescents from low-income backgrounds.
To learn more about Paper Crown Rwanda, please visit the organization’s website and social media pages:
See more projects: Africa, Gender-based Violence, Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights