Rwanda’s women are stepping to the forefront of climate resilience, turning local challenges into opportunities for transformation and sustainability. Determined to make women the driving force of climate adaptation and mitigation, the Rwanda National Discourse Forum (RNDF) is leading a transformative shift in how communities confront climate change.

Working through its member organization BENIMPUHWE, in partnership with the Center for Economic and Policy Priorities (CEPP), RNDF launched the Africa Women in Climate Change Award (AWAC) Project with support from the Australian Government. Though initiated in April 2025, the project is already generating powerful stories of empowerment and environmental impact across Rwanda.

The Africa Women in Climate Change Award Project has mobilized more than 400 women and 50 men smallholder farmers actively engaged in climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives. Since April 2025, the project has supported the establishment of 10 women’s cooperatives across five districts (two in each).

In Bugesera District (Eastern Province), Kaju Cooperative and KOTMR Cooperative run tree nurseries and supply seedlings, including exotic species for community planting. Members are also active in environmental awareness and are seeking support to enhance seedling quality and water access for irrigation.

Dufatanye Cooperative members in Gisagara District working at their tree nurseries to expand agroforestry and promote climate-smart farming practices.

In Gisagara District (Southern Province), Tuganeheza Cooperative focuses on agroforestry tree multiplication, while Dufatanye Cooperative promotes crop production and edible tree cultivation.

In Kicukiro District (City of Kigali), the Kicukiro Female Ex-Combatants Cooperative specializes in tree nursery production for environmental restoration, urban greening, and climate resilience, while creating sustainable income for its members. The second cooperative, Ururabo Niboye Cooperative, engages in flower cultivation for urban beautification and home gardening, enhancing Kigali’s green spaces and household income.

In Musanze District (Northern Province), Sane Environment Deals and Skills (SEDS) and Iwacuheza Cooperative promote environmental conservation, tree nursery development, reforestation, and eco-tourism.

In Nyamasheke District, Duhagurukire Umurimo Gihombo Cooperative produces charcoal from biodegradable waste, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood charcoal. Abahujumugambi Kilimbi Cooperative leads reforestation and community awareness campaigns, blending indigenous knowledge and modern techniques to restore degraded land and promote sustainable forest management.

Members of Abahujumugambi Kilimbi Cooperative in Nyamasheke District during hands-on training on producing charcoal from biodegradable waste, an eco-friendly alternative to wood-based fuel.

While training needs remain in pest control, nursery management, marketing, and climate-smart agriculture, many women’s cooperatives are already generating income. Mukarwego Bonifilde, a member of KAJU Cooperative in Bugesera District where the project was officially launched on 14 August 2025, shared her experience:

Her gratitude extended to local leaders and the Government of Rwanda for creating an enabling environment for cooperatives to partner with development stakeholders, underscoring how local initiatives can drive adaptation, resilience, and livelihoods.

At the official project launch in Bugesera District, RNDF leaders and local officials commended the cooperatives’ innovation and commitment. Ms. Verdiane Nyiramana, Chairperson of RNDF, called for greater investment in women-led climate initiatives, emphasizing that “investing in women yields quick and lasting results.”

Ms. Verdiane Nyiramana, Chairperson of RNDF (left), and Mr. Faustin Vuningoma, National Coordinator of RCCDN (right), address participants during the official launch of the AWAC Project in Bugesera District, emphasizing women’s leadership in climate resilience.

Mr. Faustin Vuningoma, National Coordinator of the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN), urged the dismantling of cultural biases that limit women’s participation in climate initiatives. He highlighted the contribution of women’s cooperatives to Rwanda’s green economy targets through solar energy, tree planting, and sustainable agriculture.

Government officials, including Mr. Thaddée Twagirimana, Director General of the Ministry of Environment, and representatives from the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, reaffirmed government commitment to linking gender equality with climate resilience. They praised the project for complementing national strategies and promised continued government support for women’s leadership in climate action.

Government representatives - Mr. Thaddée Twagirimana, Director General at the Ministry of Environment (left); Mr. Silas Ngayabosha, Director General at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (center); and Mr. Richard Mutabazi, Mayor of Bugesera District (right) - express government commitment to gender-responsive climate action at the AWAC Project launch.

From restoring degraded lands to improving household incomes, the AWAC Project demonstrates how empowered women can drive both environmental sustainability and community resilience. Local governments, once sceptical of community-led initiatives, are now providing logistical and financial support to expand cooperative activities.

As the Mayor of Bugesera District noted: “The district values the hard work of women’s cooperatives. Their fight for a greener Bugesera is our fight too.”

• Women’s empowerment is central to effective climate adaptation and mitigation.
• Community-led action fosters ownership, innovation, and sustainability.
• Partnerships between civil society, government, and development agencies amplify impact.
• Small investments in women’s initiatives can yield large-scale transformation in livelihoods and ecosystems.

In essence, Rwanda’s experience under the AWAC Project reinforces the principle that “when women lead, communities flourish, and the environment recovers.” The project is more than a pilot; it’s a blueprint for inclusive, community-driven climate action across Africa.