Women Leading Peace: Mediation Training in Rwanda

Across Rwanda, many communities still carry the wounds of past conflict and genocide. Unresolved disputes over land, family matters, and community decisions can deepen divisions and prevent healing. This summer, Rise Up Woman International supported a specialized mediation training, equipping individuals to become leaders of peace and reconciliation in their villages.

During the event, a vote was held to adopt the new constitution for the Rwanda Institute of Mediators (RIM) and to elect its first legal representatives. We are thrilled to share that Kankuyo Odette, a lawyer supported by Rise Up from the Musanze mediators team, was elected to the RIM Board of Directors to represent Women Mediators.

Odette’s election is a powerful step forward for women in leadership and for strengthening mediation efforts throughout Rwanda. Her voice on the board will help ensure that women play a vital role in peacebuilding and reconciliation, bringing hope to communities where conflict has caused deep divisions.

This work is deeply transformational: as women lead with courage and wisdom, they demonstrate that peace is possible. Their leadership will ripple outward, creating stronger families and healthier communities for generations to come.