Equipping Lawyers for Peace
Earlier this May, 25 Christian lawyers gathered in Musanze District for a powerful meeting focused on justice, service, and collaboration. Hosted by ALARM-Rwanda (African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries), the convening brought together male and female lawyers committed to using their legal expertise to provide free mediation services for the most vulnerable members of their communities.
This gathering happened to strengthen ongoing partnerships, formalize reporting structures, and tackle the real-world challenges of offering pro-bono mediation—especially for women facing economic and social injustices in family disputes.
One participant shared how she successfully resolved a conflict that never reached court. Her story represents a broader movement: trained Christian lawyers across the district are stepping into family disputes, church conflicts, and community tensions with compassion, wisdom, and a commitment to peace.
Key Outcomes and Commitments:
Free Mediation for Vulnerable Women: Recognizing the economic hardship many women face in separation or divorce, lawyers agreed to prioritize such cases in their services.
Reporting and Accountability: A unified reporting sheet will now track case outcomes, challenges, and community impact.
Coordination with Local Leaders: Sector and District authorities will now refer mediation requests directly through ALARM-Rwanda, ensuring structure and consistency.
Addressing Burnout: Lawyers asked for compassion fatigue support, acknowledging the emotional toll of mediating difficult family and trauma-based disputes.
Every three months, they will meet to reflect, report, and renew their commitment to justice and healing in Rwanda. At Rise Up Woman International, we’re proud to support and celebrate these courageous leaders who are transforming the justice system from the inside out—one mediation at a time.
