Safe Space, Real Solutions
Across Musanze and Rubavu, mediation is being introduced as a viable option to help community members understand its benefits, both within families and among disputing parties.
Since 2024, Rise Up’s partner, ALARM-Rwanda, has reached over 5,000 people with mediation sensitization workshops. These community workshops describe the process and benefits of mediation in cases involving marital conflict, property disputes, child custody concerns, and land disagreements. With mediation, instead of disputes escalating, the community is realizing many of these can be addressed through dialogue that protects dignity and preserves relationships.
On September 30, 2025, more than 422 community members gathered in Musanze, alongside local leaders and the Provincial Governor. The message was clear: choosing mediation helps families heal, and communities move forward. Local leaders shared encouraging progress as more people turn to peaceful resolution rather than lengthy court processes.
In Rubavu, ALARM also joined district government officials in a justice-focused session that strengthened collaboration and increased awareness of mediation as a trusted, accessible option for resolving disputes.
At its heart, this work is about walking with some of the most vulnerable, especially women. Now that 25 local lawyers have received mediation certification, they are ready to offer services at a fraction of the cost of court and litigation, with pro bono support available for those most in need. The next step is to establish a dedicated office that will make these mediation services accessible to the broader community.
