A Celebration of Courage and Transformation

170 Women Graduated in Kenya & Rwanda

This summer, the air was filled with joy, tears, and songs of celebration as 170 Rwandan and Kenyan women leaders walked across the stage to receive their certificates of completion in our 3-year leadership training initiative (WLTI).

Many of these women had never had the opportunity to step into a classroom before being recruited to participate in this program. Over the course of three years, they faithfully participated in the week-long trainings, built deep relationships with each other, and discovered the importance of courageously using their voices as leaders.

These graduates have gained knowledge and practical leadership tools. And it doesn’t stop with their lives; they are equipped to train other women in their communities, creating a ripple effect of transformation that will impact generations.

Rwanda: Empowering Communities, Restoring Dignity

In Rwanda, 100 women gathered in Kigali to celebrate a milestone they once thought was impossible.

These women came from rural villages and regions still healing from the wounds of genocide. Through this initiative, they studied topics such as conflict resolution, trauma healing, small business development, and servant leadership.

On graduation day, they proudly donned caps and gowns, a symbol of dignity and achievement.

“We have been in the darkness, but now we are in the light,” shared one graduate. “These trainings have taught us how to resolve conflict, grow gardens to feed our families, and become leaders in our communities. You have taken us far.”

These women will now return to their communities as trainers, bringing hope, reconciliation, and opportunity to hundreds more women.

Kenya: Maasai Women Rise as Leaders

In Kenya, 70 Maasai women gathered in a vibrant celebration filled with traditional song and dance.

For many, traveling to the training site required long walks across rugged terrain, but their perseverance over three years reflects their deep commitment to creating change. The graduation ceremony honored their courage and their dreams for their families and villages.

These leaders are now equipped to stand against harmful cultural practices, advocate for girls’ education, and launch small businesses that bring economic independence. They will also serve trainers, expanding the impact of training far beyond this initial group.

A Ripple Effect of Hope

What began as a dream five years ago has now become a movement of women leaders across East Africa.

Because of the generosity of Rise Up’s donors and the dedication of local partners, this year’s graduates are multipliers of change—women who will go on to train hundreds more in the years to come.

“When you invest in one woman, you are truly investing in an entire community,” shared Rise Up Founder Corinne Gunter. “These graduations are not just endings—they are powerful new beginnings.”