Women for Women – Photography & visual storytelling by allkind

In Rwanda, many women battle every day against the consequences of conflict, poverty and oppression, and a lack of education is often a major obstacle. Women for Women Rwanda is a remarkable aid organisation dedicated to strengthening and supporting these women and girls. Through extensive programmes, the organisation helps them rebuild their lives and gain economic independence. These programmes include training in various vocational skills, health and wellbeing courses, and legal education and support. Women for Women Rwanda creates transformative change and gives women and girls the opportunity to influence their communities lastingly and create a better future for themselves or their families.

The brief was to capture visually the positive effects of Women for Women Rwanda’s work. Instead of emphasising poverty, I concentrated on showing the radiant faces and the hope in the eyes of the women and girls who benefit from the organisation’s support. These images are there to inspire donors and raise awareness of the transformative work of Women for Women Rwanda.

In their pursuit of economic freedom, the women of Women for Women Rwanda learn the basic skills to run their own business and earn a living. Simple, hands-on courses teach them the fundamentals of trade, so they can act as independent businesswomen in their communities. The courses focus on essential skills such as budgeting, selling products and dealing with customers, which enable the women to build and run their businesses. This approach not only creates individual livelihoods but also lays the foundations for sustainable economic development in the communities.

Abadacogora is a programme that empowers young women. It was launched in 2023 to give school-age girls aged 16 to 17 a dedicated way to take part. It includes monthly stipends, training in business management and numeracy, and practical training in craft skills.

The aim is to give participants the tools for a successful life and to empower them to bring about positive change in their communities.

Women for Women Rwanda works not only to empower women and girls, but also actively brings men into its programmes. Through targeted training and community activities, men are encouraged to stand up for equality and for the wellbeing of their partners and families. Including men creates a harmonious interplay between women and men, a basic requirement for sustainable development and a better future.

As a humanitarian photographer for Women for Women Rwanda, I have had the incredible privilege of documenting the stories and faces of women who, despite every challenge, fight tirelessly for a better future.

Through my work I have seen how women work together to strengthen their communities and bring about positive change. These experiences moved me deeply and strengthened my belief in the power of solidarity and togetherness. To close this project, I want to stress that the efforts of Women for Women Rwanda are only possible through broad support and cooperation.

Let us keep standing up together so that women get equal opportunities, and build a fairer world in which hope and opportunity can flourish for everyone alike.

— Mäx Känzig