AboutUs
Learn how Empower Them is building peace at home by helping women survivors of domestic violence in rural Rwanda gain income, dignity, and decision-making power.
About Empower Them
Empower Them is a grassroots peacebuilding initiative that equips women survivors of domestic violence with the tools to achieve economic independence and family stability. By combining livelihood support with conflict-resolution training, we help women transform their households into spaces of cooperation and dignity.
Since launching in Gateko village, Bugesera District, we have empowered 30 women with female pigs and trained them in business and peace skills. Each woman now passes two piglets to other families—expanding impact and spreading peace from home to home.
Empower Them was born out of listening to women whose lives were marked by violence and dependency. Guided by the belief that peace begins at home, we designed a program that combines economic empowerment and conflict transformation.
Our Mission
Empower Them helps women survivors of domestic violence in rural Rwanda rebuild their lives through livestock ownership, entrepreneurship training, and peer support that promote peace within families and communities.
The Problem We Address
Across Rwanda, nearly four in ten women have experienced partner violence. Many lack control over household finances, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and instability—especially in rural communities like Gateko, where poverty and limited employment opportunities intensify these realities.
Our Partnerships
Our work is made possible through collaboration with dedicated partners who share our vision for peace and women's empowerment.
Shelter Them Rwanda
A local nonprofit organization with deep community trust and connections. Shelter Them Rwanda helps us identify participating families and provides ongoing support throughout the program.
Davis Projects for Peace
This initiative provides crucial funding support that makes our work possible and believes in grassroots approaches to building lasting peace.
Local Government Leaders
Community leaders in Gateko and Bugesera District help us identify families in need and guide local priorities and cultural considerations.
Community Mentors
Six trained local mentors provide ongoing guidance during training sessions and throughout the pig-sharing process, ensuring long-term success.
Meet Our Team
The Empower Them team combines lived experience, technical expertise, and international partnership to support women in Rwanda.
Jean D'Amour Maniragaba
Founder & President
Economics and Data Science student at Cornell, leading community-rooted initiatives for empowerment, dignity, and peace.
Gabiro Arnauld
Software Engineer & Technical Lead
Software engineer and ML enthusiast building impactful, humanitarian technology for communities in Rwanda and beyond.
Icyitegetse Placide
Medical & Community Outreach
Medical student and community enthusiast passionate about caring for people and supporting sustainable development initiatives.
Sarah Shelton
Business Strategy and Advisor
Law student with business background supporting Rwandan nonprofits that equip women as entrepreneurs and leaders.
Georgia Rafter
Business & Strategy Advisor
Business graduate advancing digital literacy and skills training for youth and women through community-based programs.