I live and work in Amsterdam / Netherlands since 1998. I was born and grew up in Rwanda. I hold Masters in Law with focus on International Public and Private Law from University of Lome / Togo. I got a bachelor degree in social and legal services from the High School of Amsterdam/ The Netherlands, which is a recognised level in European Union countries.

I am co-founder and managing Director of the Fund for advancement of women’s rights in Francophone Africa (FADHAF). Beside this I am a consultant in women’s rights and gender equity. I specially support women’s organisations of the Diaspora by providing them empowerment and training on women’s rights issues, advising on organisational strategies and fundraising activities.

I call myself a feminist because I fully support feminist principles that consider women as the real agents of change of their conditions. I am aware that women should act together to support each other in their efforts to advance theirs rights. Therefore we need space and the means to let our voices be heard so that we build and strengthen women’s movement all over the world especially in Africa. As a feminist I am ready in my capacity to do all in my power to support feminist values in both my professional and in my personal life.

African Feminists continue to face challenges related to political, economic and cultural factors that surround them. Dictatorial and corrupt regimes in most African countries are hostile to the democratic principles, women human rights dialogue and this hampers the work of African feminists. Due to the economic crisis and poverty that are generalised in Africa, women are mostly affected and their level of analysis, understanding and their freedom is very limited. Cultural inhibitions, customs and practices that are against women’s rights also constitute a big challenge for feminists in Africa.

We can address these challenges through strengthening women’s NGOs and increasing the resources available to them. We also need to continue building capacity and raising awareness on women’s rights and gender equality at all levels. Finally, we need to enhance the solidarity and networking among feminists in Africa so that we are able to speak and move with a common vision. The African Feminist charter is a powerful instrument that can guide our African women’s movement and we can create spaces for engagement with it as well as disseminating it more widely.

My determination to achieve gender equality and social justice inspires me tremendously. My dream is that women all over the world are able to enjoy their rights without any limitation, enjoy their dignity and are free to make decisions about their lives and those of their families.