Akagera Lions Settle
After almost a month in the boma in Akagera National Park, seven translocated lions were release from their temporary enclosure on 27th July. These are the first lions to step foot in Akagera, and Rwanda, in over a decade.
The five females came from three different prides; a 10 year old mother and her 18-month old cub, two 3-year old sisters and five-year old single female. They had already spent one month together in quarantine at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve before coming to Rwanda. The males, aged 3 and 4 years old came from Tembe Elephant Park, both parks are in the South African province of KwaZulu Natal. The males met the females for the very first time on arrival in Akagera.
All seven lions were fitted with GPS collars so that their movements could be monitored as they settle into their new home. Intrigue was high on release day; would they leave the boma straight away or stay where it is familiar? Would they stay together as a pride of seven or split up into smaller groups? Their first weeks have been fascinating to follow; encounters with the locals, first successful kills, changing dynamics of the group and the first tourist sightings…
Tempted out by a waterbuck carcass, the females were quick to emerge from their temporary enclosure when the gates opened. They were eager to explore their new home and all five quickly left the boma area traveling west and leaving the males behind. Within days they had encountered a group of 16 hyenas and, feeling outnumbered, they retreated into the western boundary hills. By the end of the first week they had moved over 35kms. They had returned to the lakes and, after several failed attempts, they were finally successful in bringing down a female waterbuck. Adam Bannister was part of the film team following the lions and he observed only one hunt where they really worked together as team. Although they had been together for over two months at this stage, this was the first time they were hunting for themselves as a pride of five, and they had a lot to learn! The lionesses had managed to evade any tourists, despite using the road network to move at night and spending a lot of time just a few metres away from the roads during the day. But then excitement was high a month after the release when the five females were spotted for the first time. Soon after this, the two sisters parted ways with the rest of the group and embarked on their own journey of exploration moving right up to the northernmost tip of the park.
The first weeks for the two males were very different. They have shown more caution than the inquisitive females and for the entire first month they remained on Magashi peninsula, moving not more than 5kms from the site of the boma. The area is roughly 5,000 hectares and surrounded by water on all sides except for a narrow connection to land. Without any roads beyond the boma tourists don’t visit the area and with plenty of game, the reserved males hunted successfully and were content to stay. A month passed before they finally decided to venture from their territory and left Magashi moving west into the Mutumba hills.
Six weeks later, one question still remained; when will they all meet up? Since the males left the boma area they had been crossing paths with both female prides but always days, or several kilometers, apart. Not long after after the males had finally left, the pride of 3 females returned to Magashi and the sisters were at the extreme north of the park. It seemed a rendezvous was far off. However, the males soon returned to familiar territory and one morning we got satellite readings from both the males and the females, less than an hour apart, showing them within a few metres of each other. It was a fitting reunion, on Magashi peninsula where they first met and then parted way six weeks earlier, but far from the end of the story, this is hopefully just the beginning of a new chapter in the story of Rwanda’s Pride.
Follow @AkageraPark on Twitter, Friends of Akagera National Park on Facebook for regular updates.
Sarah Hall sarahH@african-parks.org
Read MoreSeven Lions Released into Akagera National Park
African Parks, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, has released seven translocated lions into Akagera National Park. The five females from &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and two males from Tembe Elephant Park, both in South Africa, were brought to Rwanda at the end of June in a ground-breaking conservation effort for the country.
Earlier today, the gates of the quarantine boma were opened to allow the lions to exit the temporary enclosure. A waterbuck carcass was placed outside the gates to encourage them to explore their new home. The first female poked her nose out of the gates within a few minutes, closely followed by three other females, who looked around curiously, unconvinced about their new found freedom, before feasting on the carcass. The youngest lioness was last of the females to emerge and nervously kept her distance in nearby bushes. The two males were much more cautious and did not emerge from the boma while the park and press vehicles were there. These are the first lions to roam Akagera National Park, and Rwanda, for almost 15 years.
Tourists now have the opportunity to see the lions in the wilderness of Akagera, as previously viewing was restricted to park personnel who had been monitoring the lions in the boma. The time in quarantine has allowed the lions to adjust to their new surroundings, bond with each other, and recover from what was likely the longest wild lion translocation in conservation history, taking over 45 hours. The lions have come from different prides; among the females are a ten-year-old mother and her one-year-old daughter, a single five-year-old female and two three-year-old sisters. The males are three and four years old and are unrelated. The lions have been fed every two-to-three days, mainly on impala carcasses, and will now hunt for their own food.
All seven lions are fitted with satellite collars, which will allow the park management to track their movements, and see whether they stay together as a pride or split up as they explore their new surroundings.
The seven lions will be given names by those who generously supported the translocation process, including Bralirwa brand Turbo King, which will name the two male lions. Turbo King covered the lion’s charter flight from South Africa to Rwanda. Other key donors and stakeholders have been given the honour of naming the female lions. The names of the lions will be announced in the near future. African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board are very grateful to our sponsors for their kind contribution to this conservation milestone for Rwanda.
For more information, please contact Sarah Hall, Tourism and Marketing Manager, Akagera National Park on +250 (0) 782 166 015 or at sarahH@african-parks.org.
Akagera National Park
Located in the east of Rwanda on the border with Tanzania, Akagera is 112,000 hectares in size. A river of the same name on its eastern boundary feeds into a labyrinth of lakes that make up the eastern boundary of the park. Rolling grassland and wooded hills make up the western boundary. The park is home to a huge diversity of animal and birdlife, and boasts spectacular scenery.
Akagera is managed through a public-private partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks, a non-profit organisation that takes on responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks and protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks manages ten national parks and protected areas in seven countries: Rwanda, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Chad, Malawi and Zambia.
Read MoreRwanda to Host Africa Hotel Investment Forum in 2016
The Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Development Board, will host the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in 2016 in Kigali. AHIF brings together the leading international hotel investors in Africa with local operators, ministers, government officials and industry experts, to discuss all aspects of hotel investment and operation in Africa.
The decision to host AHIF in Kigali underlines a clear strategy by the Government of Rwanda to attract investment in the tourism sector. Ambassador Yamina Karitanyi, Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board, said: “We see AHIF as an excellent platform to meet many of the most important decision makers and investors, who have the power collectively to influence investment in the hospitality industry in Africa. We are determined to build relationships and showcase Rwanda as the right place to do business and therefore we believe that hosting the event will create an opportunity for local hotel developers to forge partnerships with investors.”
In signing the agreement to bring AHIF 2016 to Kigali, all parties committed to pursuing five goals, which include:
- Supporting hotel and infrastructure development within Rwanda and across Africa
- Promoting Africa to the international hotel investor and operator community
- Educating the hotel investment community about the tourism potential of Africa
- Facilitating networking between African stakeholders and the international community
- Supporting Rwanda’s ambition for growth through travel & tourism
In Africa as a whole, Travel & Tourism is seen as a highly attractive growth industry. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), it is responsible for 8.1% of GDP and it is forecast to rise at 4.9% per annum until 2025.
Similarly, Rwanda’s tourism sector continues to grow positioning itself as the leading foreign earner for the country. For the financial year 2013 to 2014, the sector registered a three per cent increase in the number of visitors to Rwanda. These numbers grew from 1.14million visitors to 1.2 million visitors also accounting for an increase in revenue from $293.4m in 2013 to $303m in 2014.
In Rwanda, leisure has been a major driver of Rwanda’s tourism industry. Currently, the country is focusing on Meetings Incentives Conference and Exhibitions/Events (MICE) tourism, capitalising on safety, developed infrastructure, accessibility and new entrants in the hotel industry such as the Marriott, Radisson Blu, Radisson by Park Inn, Sheraton, Golden Tulip, Kempisnki and Zinc, amongst others. Hosting the AHIF will no doubt contribute growth of Rwanda as a leading MICE destination in the region. Later this year, Rwanda will host Interpol AGM, World Economic Forum on Africa in 2016 as well as Africa Union Summit in 2016.
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench Events, the company that organises AHIF and other top international hotel investment conferences, said: “I know of at least three hotel projects in Rwanda that came about as a consequence of a conversation at AHIF.I have every confidence that the proactive approach that is being displayed by the Rwanda Development Board will pay off, as all the major hotel chains are seeking new opportunities in Africa – and one of the most crucial issues for them is to find public sector partners that are making a serious effort to speak their language.”
By moving to a different African city every couple of years, AHIF will help to showcase high-growth destinations across the continent as a whole. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench Events concluded: “The African economic growth story is becoming well-known. At around 5% per annum, it is a multiple of developed economies and that is appealing to the international business community.”
In 2014, the event took place in Addis Ababa and attracted over 500 participants from more than 40 countries who represented over 400 companies. AHIF ‘15 will again take place in Addis, at the Sheraton hotel on 30th September – 1st October, where the number of delegates is expected to increase substantially on last year.
Several networking contacts made at AHIF have since resulted in promising new business relationships and the event attracted considerable media attention, with around a hundred reporters in attendance from major local and international news organisations.
Read MoreLions Return to Akagera National Park
Rwanda reached a major conservation milestone this week as it reintroduced lions to the country after more than a decade of being absent. The five females and two males were donated by &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and Tembe Elephant Reserve in South Africa. The big cats, selected for their reproductive capacity and genetic diversity, could see their first cubs born on Rwandan soil within one year.
“As we welcome back the lions to Akagera Park, we celebrate a great advance in the Rwanda’s tourism and conservation journey,” said RDB’s Chief Tourism Officer, Ambassador Yamina Karitanyi.
Akagera Management Company board member and leading conservationist, Michel Masozera, said: “The reintroduction of lions to Rwanda is testament to the government’s commitment to conservation.”
John Mugabo, the mayor of nearby Kayonza District, said that the people of the district are ecstatic about the re-introduction of lions: “We welcome the lion’s return after a long absence from the park. As a community, we are now aware of what is required to conserve and protect the lions and the park in general.”
The lions will be quarantined and monitored by a team of veterinarians for at least 14 days before being released into the wilderness of Akagera. The park has installed electric predator proof fencing around the park and improved law enforcement within the park to prevent human wildlife conflict and poaching.
Akagera, located in Rwanda’s east, is the country’s most visited national park with more than 28,000 visitors annually. In recent years, it has seen a significant growth in its animal population, a major determinant in reintroducing the lions. According to the last census conducted in 2013, Akagera is home to approximately 100 elephant, 2,500 buffalo, 1,500 impala, 1,000 hippopotamus, 1,000 waterbuck, 1,000 zebra, 60 giraffe and 90 roan antelope.
Akagera Park Manager, Jes Gruner thanked sponsors &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and Tembe Elephant Reserve in South Africa for generously donating lions to Akagera and Turbo King Rwanda who supported the transporting of lions from South Africa to Rwanda. He concluded by saying that the lions would be well looked after.
To view photos of the lion’s journey to Rwanda, visit www.flickr.com/rdbrwanda.
Read MoreRwanda Taps into Chinese Tourism market at the Guilin Tourism Expo
Rwanda is participating at the China Guilin International Tourism Expo in China from May 29th -31st, 2015, which is taking place at the Guilin International Conference and Exhibition Center in Guangxi, China.
“The China Guilin International Tourism Expo is one of the leading tourism exhibitions that caters for both business and travel sectors. It is therefore a good platform for Rwanda to expand its partnerships and business relationships especially in the tourism industry. Rwanda has all it takes to be a premier destination for Chinese tourists,” said the Ambassador of Rwanda to China Charles Kayonga.
The expo brings together the Chinese tour and travel industry and the Association of South Asian Nations, which has a combined population of almost two billion people, with international buyers and exhibitors. This makes it a strategic platform for leading industry players to tap into the enormous and still growing Chinese and Asian tourism markets.
“With easy access to Rwanda, a destination that offers varied and exciting experiences for travelers and with continuous awareness through roadshows and fairs such as this, we expect to see an increase in the number of leisure and business tourists from China,” Ambassador Kayonga added.
In order to give the visitors at the stand a taste of the Rwanda experience, traditional and cultural dances are being performed and traditional instruments such as the famous inanga (violin) are being used to create music. In addition, there are Business to Business and networking sessions among industry players to exchange information on the various attractions and what it takes for Chinese tour companies to market the Rwanda destination.
Zhang Chao from Hunan Everbright International Travel Service Co. Ltd, one of the outb ,ound companies in China, said that; “Increasingly, our customers are asking about new experiences, Rwanda would be a potential market to look at considering what I have seen and heard here at the expo.”
The China Guilin International Tourism Expo is organized by The People’s Government of Guilin, the Guangxi International Expositions Bureau, China Guangxi Tourism Administration in partnership with The Guilin Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Guilin Municipal Tourism Bureau, and Conference and Exhibition Management Services (CEMS).
Ends
- For pictures, visit our Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/remarkablerwanda/
- For more details on Remarkable Rwanda, visit www.rwandatourism.com, Twitter handle: @TravelRwanda, Facebook: TravelRwanda, Instagram: TravelRwanda
- For more information: contact us at marketing@rdb.rw
Nyungwe’s Canopy Walk
Nyungwe Forest National park is, without doubt, one of the reasons why Rwanda has lately become a top tourist destination the world over. A visit to this place should be among the things on your ‘To Do List’ before this year ends. It is not only a place for relaxation but also one for adventure and insight into Rwanda’s unique beauty.
Nyungwe Forest is the largest protected mountain forest in Africa covering between 1600 and 2000 square metres; and, being a five-hour drive into the heart of Rwanda, the long drive to Nyungwe gives visitors a chance to drink in the country’s diverse scenery and impressive landscape en route to the main attraction.
Once you get there, prepare yourself to embark on one of the most incredible adventures you will ever have: The Canopy Walk!
Besides the beautiful scenery, huge, centuries-old trees and extra thick forest, this outstanding tropical forest is shelter to a 200m Canopy Walk way that will give a thrill that can hardly be matched by anything else.
Getting to the Canopy is about 2 hours from the starting point at Uwinka Visitors centre. This forest is on a mountain and so the hike down is quite slippery because of the mere fact the ground on which the tourists trek is wet and moist. Seeing the Canopy on arrival, especially for those afraid of heights, it could be described as ‘The endless walk to Hell’.
The bridge suspended between huge trees gives one a feel of fresh air, 60 metres above the forest floor. Besides the freshness in the air and magnificent aerial view of the trees, you will enjoy the sight of beautiful birds flying across as you enjoy the walk.
The Canopy Walk is the favourite activity for park visitors. It is one of those things you want to attempt before you die.
Opened in 2010 it is the only one of its kind in East Africa and the third on the continent.
The 90 metrelong Canopy walkway offers unique face to face encounters with butterflies, colorful birds and monkeys.
Hard wood trees dominate the upper canopy while the lower part is beautified with a large selection of purple orchids and lush flora and fauna that flourish better in the higher altitudes.
Besides the Canopy Walk, the park offers a range of trails in to different parts of the forests for avid hikers and occasional walkers. All the guided walks depart from the central Uwinka Reception centre, the western Gisakura entrance and the eastern Kitabi entrance.
While the view may be better from above, this tourist attraction is equally fascinating from the forest floor.
A network of over ten mud trails takes you deep into the heart of the forest park.
Finally, do reward yourself after a 10km hike with a visit to Nyungwe Forest’s beautiful Ishumo waterfall. It may be small in size, but this calm waterfall is striking in its own way and the breeze to which one is welcomed will feel like one of life’s simplest and greatest pleasures.
Read MoreFAQs About Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
The Virunga mountains in Rwanda are famous for to be a home of to over 40 mountain gorillas which is half of the world’s big population and some of these gorillas where discovered in the neighboring Bwindi Impenetrable Park. There are ten gorilla families that have been habituated for viewing by tourists and they are a must see. The mountain gorillas in Virunga move in a big group including babies, juveniles and the mothers.
Planning your Gorilla trekking safari.
The fact remain that gorillas can be tracked all around the year in Rwanda therefore as a tourist, feel free and ready for you expeditious safari. During the rainy seasons in the republic of Rwanda in April- May and November you are required to carry a rain jacket, walking boots and warm clothes. Its quiet hard to predict weather in Africa because it can rain anytime.
How and when to secure a Gorilla Permit.
Securing a permit, you need to use a reliable tour company which will arrange for you. The permits cost UD 750 and only 80 permits are issued each day for the different gorilla groups though the money seems to be a lot, it is very rewarding to see these gorillas.
Conditions required for Gorilla tracking
As a tracker, you must be physically fit since is the only way you will enjoy the hike as you move through the forest, searching for the gorillas. Some breaks are given as you walk along the walk which enables you to catch a breath. In case you feel so tired and you cannot continue you may hire a porter at a fee. During the walk, some gorilla groups are close and can be seen within 30 minutes though this depends on the one assigned guide.
What is expected on your Gorilla Safari?
You will require an early morning breakfast then head to the park head quarters in Kiningi village for briefing about the rules and regulations that govern gorilla trekking in Rwanda. After you have been assigned a gorilla group to track by the ranger you will be required to move to the forest and it is quiet strenuous although rewarding to you as a trekker.
What is required to be packed for your Gorilla Safari/ Tour
You will only enjoy your trek by packing the right safari/tour clothes which include Khaki clothes, jeans, long and short sleeved shirts, walking boots, sandals, Gloves, Rain jacket, sweater, socks and a safari hat. The trails are muddy sometimes or slippery and do need strong walking shoes. You will also need a walking stick to support you as you walk on the steep slopes of the mountain.
What is the best time to take photos when you are in the field?
Tourists/visitors who come to track gorillas want to remain with good memories. A camera is a must to carry and make sure that it is fully charged or have extra batteries. You must take magical pictures that will remind you of an adventurous safari you had in Rwanda. As a tourist, you will be kindly required to switch off your flash light when taking photos since it disturbs gorillas and they decide to walk away. Since these areas are rain forest, you need to take care of your camera and these needs to be protected. The park is known to have 10 gorilla families for tracking including; Agashya, Amahoro, Sabyino, Umubano, Susa, Karisimbi, Hirwa, Kwitonda, Bwenge as well as Uganda group of gorillas. All these gorilla groups are exciting thus take adventure with the Mountain Gorillas of Volcano National park in the Republic of Rwanda.
Read MoreCreating a Perfect Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Thinking about perfect Africa holidays, Rwanda is a well-stocked full of only wonderful & amazing attractions from culture to wildlife. Scenic views can take your attention all through but the friendly beautiful people impact your stay more than what you can imagine. No wonder thousands visit the country often and feel delighted every time they talk or think about Africa and Rwanda in particular.
Gorilla trekking tours are one of Rwanda’s unforgettable travel experience and an outstanding adventure in the whole world. Before heading out for a Rwanda safari ensure that you buy a gorilla permit at the Rwanda tourism board which go for $ 750USD.But if your schedules are tight a Rwanda travel agent can book it for you provided you put in your request in time. Get to the park as early as 7.am to meet up with other day trackers for briefing an activity which unveil all the gorillas dos and don’ts. A traditional dance welcome you at the park head quarter and morning coffee becomes even tastier since it’s sipped in company of the Intore dance performers. Put on right clothes and remember to carry your valid passport plus the insect repellant.
Later the park headquarters assigns you a gorilla group and guide according to your level of fitness, followed by entering the forest with your guide to search for the exclusive Mountain Gorillas. Normally the park guides keep in touch with other park wardens who surely know where the apes are. During Rwanda Gorilla safaris, tourists have ample freedom of speech so they request for particular Gorilla families provided they are sure of their level of fitness. Make good research on different gorilla families before putting in your request at the park headquarters especially if your interest is to track a family with many baby gorillas and members.Before the trek it’s good to hire porters bit fit or not since they give you a solution to slippery grounds (walking sticks).The bottom line of this is to have an exceptional Gorilla tracking experience free from luggage but full of joy and relaxation. Besides viewing mountain gorillas in their natural beautiful home is Rwanda’s most wonderfully rewarding adventure which leave every gorilla tracker happy and full of amazing memories plus stories which last forever.
Interestingly the adventure is great for family holidays, group and sole travel because memories don’t discriminate the adults or youngsters.Even gorilla lodges cater for young and old offering exclusive comfort throughout every guest stay.
There is nothing better than exploring a beautiful country at your own pace at the same time making your dream come true. Africa is a large, beautiful and mysterious continent waiting to be discovered but Rwanda will make you have a million reasons to visit other Africa travel destinations. Take the strain off you and book a tailor made Rwanda gorilla trekking safari to volcanoes national park for three day duration or even more if time permits. A perfect 3 day Rwanda Gorilla safari itinerary will be designed by experienced tour consultants covering the entire main park activities including gorilla tracking, golden monkey trek, a visit to the twin lakes, diany fossey tombs and also mountain hikes to Bisoke and Karisimbi. Still the expert will advise you on the best lodges to use according to your budget hence making you get the most out of your African adventure.
Above all Rwanda itself is amazing, the people are wonderful with spectacular tour activities done under co-operative cool weather, and the tour guides are too tremendous that no guest fails to say thanks to you for taking us through at the end of every Rwanda tour. Kind words like that are what make Rwanda travel the most excellent travel destination in Africa. Check out some of the trendiest gorilla adventures online for a little further evidence of how fun it is to take on a Rwanda Gorilla trekking tour for family, group or sole travel. Everything can be great if you plan well and use right trip planners; however, fantasy feels all over the morning on the Gorilla tracking day in the ancient beautiful forest which comes to life every day.
Read MoreSisters of Rwanda
The Rwandan genocide of 1994 was a tragic period of history as most are aware, causing close to 1,000,000 deaths with over 99.9% of the population being witness to violence and death. Over 300,000 children were made orphans with over 85,000 under 18’s left with the responsibility of looking after their younger siblings. This has lead to many social problems with the younger generations today. Many girls were lead into prostitution due in large, to immense poverty and lack of knowledge of other alternatives.
This is a lonely life of abuse and neglect. Many are repetitively raped and it is believed that today in Rwanda around 25% of sex workers in Rwanda are HIV positive. Legally, Rwandan laws take a very strict criminalizing policy towards prostitution, with the sex seller rather than the sex buyer being prosecuted. When arrested the women are subjected to jail time with the children at most times being left at home to fend for themselves, and is too young left to die. Lots take to drug abuse as a way of coping with their circumstances leading to addiction and difficulty in taking proper care of their children.
Most are desperate to escape the industry but do not know how, feeling totally trapped. Sisters of Rwanda, is a new NGO attempting to break the cycle of prostitution in Rwanda, ending gender based violence and empowering women.
The start of Sisterhood
In the March of 2005 Pastor Joseph Ayienga began going out onto the streets, counseling women and giving them spiritual guidance, in an attempt to help them find a way off the streets. Although the women were unresponsive at first, lacking trust in men from years of abuse, in time they began to confide in Joseph, wanted to find out about the possibilities of leaving prostitution. Joseph did not like to call them ex-prostitutes so began to call them his sisters, leading to the name, ‘Sisters of Rwanda’. In May 2006 Jared Miller a long time humanitarian, met with Pastor Joseph and began to realise the possibilities to help these women escape from sexual abuse, aids and poverty. In December 2006 Sisters of Rwanda became a registered NGO and they haven’t looked back.
Programmes
Sisters of Rwanda now have a compound in the Gasbo District of Kigali where the women are able to come during the day with their children to take part in the programs offered. The NGO strongly believes in giving the women independence and are hoping to make the NGO financially self-sufficient by 2009.
(1) Income Generating Programme
Job opportunities are offered to the women, paying them a wage for pottery and embroidery. Through this, the sisters have a regular set income, hopefully decreasing the chance of them being forced back into prostitution. They are also in the midst of a deal with a big hotel chain, hoping to be given the rights to sell them regular supplies of soap and candles, enabling more sisters to enter the program.
(2) Education
The NGO has raised international sponsorship to enable some of the sisters children go to school. They are now paying the school fees for 34 children but are still in need for further sponsorship so as to be able to open this opportunity up for more. There are over 45 more children in need of education and it is also crucial that the funding continues to keep the current ones at school. They also offer after school English lessons to the children to aid them with their studies.
Future Development
There are also proposals in place to aid the women concerning their healthcare. Through research and interviews with the sisters, they realized the health problems countless face. In Rwanda most invest in a health policy. The Mutualle de Santé costs 1000 francs a year per person, which includes all health expenses. However many of the women, although having a policy, are not using it due to the consultation fee of around 200F, leading to illnesses.
Sisters of Rwanda wants ensure that all of the women and children are enrolled in Mutuelle, by creating a healthcare fund to subsidize the consultation fees and ensure that they are able to purchase medications, as at the moment many of the women are use traditional herbs when they are sick. They also want to put in place a comprehensive health education program to educate
women about reproductive health with a focus on preventative measures, and increase the women’s nutritional status through education and access to subsidized food. They would also like to offer the women education on their legal and human rights. Many are entitled to things such as child support but don’t know how to go about claiming it. When talking to the women they also discovered an interest in programs such as will writing, something of particular importance to the HIV suffers.
On a larger scale the NGO is also conducting advocacy to impact legal legislation for punishing prostitution in Rwanda. They would like to see the focus shift to criminalizing the buying rather than the selling of sex, placing the burden of punishment on the clients who perpetuate the sex trade, rather than the women who are trapped in the business. Moreover, they would like to see greater emphasis on programs to help sex workers leave the trade. A similar legislation was enacted in Sweden, with the government aiding programs similar to Sisters of Rwanda to give women other
options. As a result, the number of prostitutes dropped by two thirds and 80% of men discontinued buying sex. This truly highlights the enormous positive effect this change in law can make in decreasing the destructive pattern of sex selling.
How you can get involved: To find out more go to www.sistersofrwanda.org
Read More