Marie Ange Raissa Uwamungu’s path to becoming a celebrated champion for gender equality is nothing short of extraordinary. As the founder of the Impanuro Girls Initiative, she has transformed the lives of thousands of girls and young women in Rwanda, proving that with vision and perseverance, remarkable change is possible.
In 2017, Uwamungu launched the Impanuro Girls Initiative, an endeavor born from her own experiences growing up in a slum area. “I witnessed firsthand the struggles girls and young women faced—teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, and gender-based violence,” she reflects. Driven by a desire to effect positive change, Uwamungu was inspired to create a platform where girls could aspire to greater heights and have role models to look up to.
Her journey, however, began under challenging circumstances. “I grew up as an orphan and was guided by my maternal family. They instilled in me the importance of education as a means to rise above my community,” she shares. This belief became the cornerstone of her mission with the Impanuro Girls Initiative. Upon graduating from the University of Rwanda in 2017, Uwamungu returned to her community with a clear goal: to offer girls and young women the opportunity for a dignified and fulfilling life.
The Impanuro Girls Initiative has made a significant impact, reaching nearly 7,000 girls and young women from diverse backgrounds. “Our programs address sexual reproductive health and rights, women’s economic empowerment and leadership, and community health promotion,” Uwamungu explains. One of the initiative’s key programs, the Tekana Hub, exemplifies their commitment to practical skills and empowerment. “In Tekana Hub, we train girls in entrepreneurship and vocational skills, such as tailoring and hairdressing,” she says.
The transformation stories from Tekana Hub are powerful testaments to the program’s success. Take Janine, for instance, a young mother of two who joined the hub with dreams of a better future. “Before joining Tekana Hub, Janine struggled to make ends meet, waking up before dawn to sell groceries at the market,” Uwamungu recounts. “Through our training, she gained skills in tailoring and is now employed and thriving. Her journey from struggle to success is a testament to the resilience and potential within every girl we support.”
Another poignant story is that of Jeanne, a young woman with a disability from Ruhango District. “Jeanne joined us with a strong desire to overcome her circumstances despite the stigma she faced,” Uwamungu says. “She has since blossomed in her community, proving that disability does not define one’s potential.” Jeanne’s story reflects the initiative’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, providing a safe space for girls to regain their confidence and dignity.
Uwamungu’s passion and dedication have not gone unnoticed. In a recent accolade, she was awarded the title of Gender Equality Champion by Lead Access through the Women In Leadership Summit. “Receiving this award was overwhelming and surreal,” she admits. “I never imagined that our small initiative would be recognized on such a scale. It’s a testament to the hard work and belief we have in our mission.” This recognition has reinforced her commitment to the cause, affirming that even the most ambitious dreams can become reality with perseverance and faith.
The journey to establishing the Impanuro Girls Initiative was fraught with challenges. Uwamungu candidly shares, “Starting an NGO as a young woman came with its own set of hurdles. Gaining the trust and support of stakeholders was difficult. Many questioned whether a young woman could run such a significant organization on her own.” Despite these obstacles, Uwamungu’s determination never wavered. “The challenges were lessons that shaped our growth,” she notes.
Reflecting on the initiative’s journey, Uwamungu acknowledges the importance of belief and passion. “When I started, I didn’t expect the initiative to grow as it has. But I believed in the impact we could make,” she says. “Seeing the change we’ve brought to so many lives validates the belief that with dedication, anything is possible.”
Her unwavering commitment to empowering girls and young women, despite the odds, serves as an inspiration to many. “If you have a dream and a vision, hold on to it,” she advises. “Believe in yourself, and keep pushing forward. Change is possible, and you have the power to make it happen.”
