Rwanda
The Rwanda MenEngage Network (RWAMNET) brings together organizations to engage men and boys for gender equality in Rwanda.
As a national MenEngage network, we aim to work together to protect human rights, prevent violence, and to improve health-seeking behaviours and health outcomes, including preventing HIV in Rwanda. The network focuses on advocacy and mobilisation, network leadership and information-sharing, especially on male engagement approaches in Rwanda.
RWAMNET was established in 2008. The network is supported by a national Steering Committee, and is chaired and coordinated by Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC). The Steering Committee provides guidance and technical assistance to the network in implementing the MenEngage approach in Rwanda by the different network members, and to ensure proper coordination of efforts of promoting gender equality and GBV prevention through the engagement of men and boys.
Priority issues for Rwanda MenEngage Network
- Carrying out advocacy in collaboration with Steering Committee members and other actors in the country
- Engaging men & boys in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
- Women’s empowerment and children’s rights.
Key activities and achievements
- RWAMNET co-hosted the 3rd MenEngage Global Symposium – known as the Ubuntu Symposium – including an opening event in November 2020.
- Conducting the first IMAGE Research on Masculinity and GBV in Rwanda in 2010.
- Implementation of the UNTF grant through MEA/SONKE.
- Policy scan report of Rwandan policies and laws on engaging men and boys in GBV prevention and response, in partnership with MenEngage Africa.
- Implementation of MenCare+ Programme campaign in Rwanda.