Generation rise
Supporting young women in rwanda on their journey to self-determination
Despite great efforts by the Rwandan Government to advance gender equality in various aspects of society, obstacles such as poverty and discriminating gender norms still lead to inequality in education outcomes, in the labor market and in other lucrative opportunities. Girls, especially from underprivileged families, often can’t exercize their rights to advanced education or access formal employment. In 2023/24, women made up only 36% of students enrolled in Rwanda’s Public Higher Education Institutions, against 64% for men, and there is a persistent gap in computer literacy between young men and women. Young women also face higher rates of unemployment, and this particularly affects those with greater domestic and unpaid care responsibilities.
Generation Rise is a community organization empowering girls and young women in Rwanda with life skills and mentoring to confront challenges, succeed in their education and realize their ambitions through, among others, two BTG-supported programs.
Be That Girl partners with Generation Rise on the Trailblazers Scholarship program, which provides 44 young women with a holistic package of higher education support that includes mentoring, training adapted to their needs and financial aid to complement government scholarships, covering the 4-year duration of their studies. The goal is to maximize their chances of succeeding at university and later in the job market and their access to leadership positions in the future. Among the skills included in the mentoring, the girls learn how to mobilize for collective action, becoming advocates for structural change on inclusive education in their communities and beyond.
With BTG’s support, Generation Rise also delivers the Hanga Ejo Route (HER) Project in Bugesera District, that provides women with technical and vocational education and mentoring. In the year 2025/26, 120 participants, including teen mothers, school dropouts and young women heading households, were welcomed into the HER Center. There, they went through accredited vocational training in the fields of culinary arts, the food and beverage service industry, hairdressing, and housekeeping. At the same time, they received life skills training, Sexual and Reproductive Health education, psychosocial support and financial literacy workshops.
Key numbers
REACH
In the year 2025/26, the HER Project provides 120 vulnerable girls and young women with mentoring and vocational training.
By 2025, 32 Trailblazer scholars were enrolled in tertiary education.
IMPACT (2025)
80% of HER participants reported improved knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
HER participants’ awareness of family planning and gender-based violence increased from 20-25% to 85-90%.
30% of HER participants used their newfound knowledge to educate younger children their community, particularly on SRHR.
100% of Trailblazer scholars transitioned to the next academic year.
