Impanuro Girls Initiative at 5: Transforming lives and ensuring no girl is left behind
3 min read
By Editor
At Sainte Famille Hotel in Kigali, the Impanuro Girls Initiative (IGI) on August 27, 2025, marked five years of impactful work through NTUSIGARE Project, celebrating the milestones it has achieved in empowering young women and girls across Rwanda.
Founded in 2017 by Marie Ange Raïssa Uwamungu, IGI has grown into a beacon of hope for vulnerable girls, equipping them with knowledge, opportunities, and a strong voice to shape their future.
The celebration, held in partnership with Save Generations Organization (SGO) through the Make Way Consortium, funded by Akina Mama wa Africa, highlighted the organization’s impact in addressing challenges related to sexual and reproductive health, disability inclusion, gender-based violence, and economic empowerment.
During the event, girls who have directly benefited from IGI shared moving testimonies of transformation.
Eugenie Nyiranzafashwanande, one of the beneficiaries, explained: “At Impanuro Girls Initiative, I learned about reproductive health and also acquired vocational skills. Today I make handbags that I sell at local markets. Despite becoming a mother at a young age, I am now able to pay for my child’s health insurance and education. Life has truly changed for the better.”
Similarly, Kanakimana Amina (name changed), a 19-year-old from Kirehe, narrated her journey from abandonment, homelessness, and near despair to hope and stability through IGI’s support. After receiving guidance and training, she started a small business selling vegetables and fruits.
“I am grateful to Impanuro Girls Initiative because they rescued me from the streets and gave me the chance to build a better future for myself and my child,” she said.
Another young woman, Kanakeza Chantal (name changed), once ostracized by her family for becoming a mother at 18, found a new purpose through IGI. She is now dedicated to sensitizing parents against child abuse.
“Because IGI supported me when I had no one, I want to use my experience to raise awareness and help other girls find their way,” she said.
Partners recognized
Speaking at the celebration, IGI’s Executive Director Marie Ange Raïssa Uwamungu commended partners such as the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), NUDOR, and Akina Mama wa Africa, who have stood by them over the years.
“We could not have reached this far alone. It takes collaboration and solidarity to achieve sustainable change,” she emphasized, as she handed out appreciation awards to partners.
Ariane Dusenge, the Make Way Country Coordinator, praised IGI’s unique role in amplifying the voices of youth living with intersecting vulnerabilities.
“Impanuro Girls Initiative has demonstrated how, when young people are given space and value, they contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.
From its inception in 2017, IGI has reached thousands of girls through awareness campaigns on sexual and reproductive health, vocational training, leadership development, and advocacy for rights and inclusion. By working in districts such as Gasabo and Kirehe, IGI has proven that when girls are empowered with knowledge and opportunities, no one is left behind.
The testimonies shared during the fifth anniversary reaffirmed IGI’s guiding belief: “supporting one girl can change the future of an entire community”.
