ASYV Celebrates International Women’s Day All Month

ASYV is #EachforEqual.

Sunday, March 8th, was International Women’s Day, a celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements and a call to action to urge the world to push toward the equal treatment of women all around the world.

Instead of celebrating for just one day, the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village commemorated all month long with a series of events and our very own #EachforEqual campaign to match the International Women’s Day theme of 2020.

Students, staff, alumni, and Board members shared how they are taking action to support women and girls, what inspires them about the women in their own lives, and their “words of wisdom” to inspire others to build a more equitable world.

Addressing disparities in gender equity at the Village is one of ASYV’s main strategic goals. The campaign served as an important reminder to our community about the importance of lifting up women and girls and a means for us to stand in solidarity with women and male allies all around the globe.

Deborah Meillah Asiimwe Hirwa, Student Government President 2019-2020

Words of Wisdom to younger ASYV sisters: "I would encourage them (younger sisters of ASYV) to pursue and follow their dreams and ignore all the excuses that life would give them that they not able and many other excuses because with excuses things decline and fall apart. They should stand up and work for what they want because if they don't no one in the world will do if for them. I would also advise them to never accept anything less than what they deserve because we teach people how to treat us so they should work hard be strong, conquer their goals and be happy."

Rebecca Uwera, co-Minister of Gender and Family Promotion 2019-2020

Reflection on Gender Equality: “Many years ago we were not able to speak up, to participate in leadership positions as a girl. But today we have equal rights; opportunities the same as a boy. Let us all stand up, think out of (the) box and our abilities (will) shine to make this world a better place."  

Ismael Nsabimana, co-Minister of Gender and Family Promotion 2019-2020

What do you respect most about ASYV's Mamas?

"I don't know what kind of words I can use in expressing how much I respect our Mamas here in Agahozo. I respect whatever they do, whatever they say, etc. In addition to this I always wonder how ASYV would look like if Mamas were not there. Through their motherly love, we students are given (a) chance to be cared, loved and raised (even though) they are not our biological mother, and this is very helpful to those who had no opportunity of being cared, loved and raised by their biological Mamas. According to me, I give too much respect to what they do and I will always give them too much respect until my last breath. All in (all) I would like to say that Mamas in ASYV, they all deserve too much respect. "

Jean-Claude (JC) Nkulikiyimfura, Executive Director

What does gender equality mean to you?

"Gender equality to me means two things:

1. That my daughter at home and my daughters at the Village feel safe and secure at all times.

2. They can dream and have no limitations to do anything they want to work hard for."

ASYV Big Sisters

Advice for younger ASYV sisters:

"ASYV is the school but it's also the family, so in order to make the family better we have to work together; helping each other, raise up everyone. The one advice to my younger sisters, so many people are telling you that you have an opportunity here. Yes we have it, but we have to work hard in order to get that opportunity. And work hard as much as possible in order to reach your goals."

- Musengimana Joselyne, Isonga Grade 2019, IT Intern, Big Sister to Bessie Coleman Family

ASYV Mamas

When asked about what advice they have for the male and female students they support, these Mamas said the following:

"I help my boys understand that women are also able." - Mama Emmanuella

- Mama Jeanne

"I would help girls understand that even though there are things boys/girls are naturally good at, it doesn’t mean that one is better than the other."

Maurice Mpanguhe, Class of 2016

A reflection on Gender Equality:

"Gender equality is a state in which there's no limit to opportunities or resources based on gender. Thus, I believe that we all have (the) equal power and right no matter our gender. It is our responsibility to fight for it as humans, and not leave it for females."

ASYV Gender Committee

Here are some words of wisdom from a couple of the members of the Gender Committee:

Mbagunza Prence:

"A female hero who inspires me is Rosa Parks. The reason why I'm inspired by this woman is (because of) how she worked hard and sacrifice herself to fight against racism in America. She organized many movement advocating for Black Americans to:

- eat in the same restaurant with whites

- share same school with whites

She advocated for sharing seats on busses where before black used to sit behind but she fought against that and she achieved."

Umutesi Sharon

"I would like to tell my young sisters in ASYV to use opportunities they have in ASYV. Never hide yourselves because you are capable enough."

Liz Stern, Board Chair

When asked to complete the sentence “I will help forge women’s equality…” Board Chair, Liz Stern said, “I will help forge women’s equality in Rwanda by ensuring that the opportunities, policies, and practices consistently strive to be equitable for all students and staff members at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. Gender equality beings with vigilant mindfulness, and I consider that to be one of the most important jobs I have as a founding Board member and decision maker.”

ASYV Sports Coaches

What inspires Coach Jack most about female athletes at ASYV is that:

- They love to compete

- They love to learn new skills

- They are multi-talented

- They are committed

Promise Kamayenji, Female Solidarity Legacy President

How do some of our students plan to help forge women's equality?

"I will forge women's equality by working hand in hand with my fellow women for continuous development."

Rose Mushimiyimana, Class of 2016

What advice do you have for your younger ASYV sisters?

"One important thing I can tell you is about 'Self-love.' Always strive to do the best that you can, (and) get the best you deserve. I would advise you to take time every day and check whether what you are doing can earn as much value as you deserve. If not, find a way of changing how you do what you are doing. We are all equal with the same right and ability to do what we like, however, we earn according to our level of working. Let us all aim to get the best, not average. We can make it."

Same Heart, ASYV's Poetry Club

An excerpt from Same Heart's* Poem "EACH FOR EQUAL" performed at Village Time for International Women's Day:

This is the right time to step up

Put our hands together and stand up

To take this opportunity to show up

And talk loud, no need of being told to speak up.

...

We’ve to respect gender equality

Because we’ve the same ability

To love each other is our responsibility

As we all have humanity.

...

We’re all capable

Unbreakable

And, inseparables

‘cause we were meant to be there for each other!

“EACH FOR EQUAL=”

Josiane Giraneza, He for She President

Who is your hero and why?

"My mother is my hero. She is kind, caring, loving, supporting and honest. She is the best person in the wide world. She is my hero because she is so strong that she can go through anything to fight for a better me!"

ASYV Counselors

I will help forge women's equality by...

Sharon Amanda Muvara: "instilling love and respect for one another in both genders."

Emmanuel Ndayambaje: "encouraging and giving proper value to women’s work."

Theophila Ingabire: "encouraging female kids to be engaged in all careers."

Francine Uwamahoro, Class of 2013

"When I think of my ASYV young sisters, I always want to tell you this; no matter the bad past one's had, being in ASYV is a sign that can shape your future to be brighter. This does not happen magically, the mission is to find your purpose and serve it. Proactivity with a positive mindset will unlock weaknesses that hold women’s back. The secret is women hold perfection, because we care much (about the) details. This takes us to the next level of maximizing anywhere we invest our energy with determination. Think! Are you investing to (in) a good cause? My dearest sisters, you are in (the) good years called foundation of life. Seek guidance from (the) people around you. All of this will create the best version of yourself."

Celine Uwineza, ASYV Advisory Board Member, Co-Founder and COO of RightSeat

What does International Women's Day mean to you?

"International women’s day is the one day in the year we celebrate women’s impact and presence in society. However, I’m fortunate enough to witness on a daily the achievements and hard work of the women in my life, from my Grandmother, business partner, female colleagues and many more. I celebrate these amazing women today and every day of the year.

On International Women’s Day I’m reminded of the challenges women have had to overcome, my late mother included, but most importantly, I am optimistic about what the future represents for all women around the globe. I call today female role model day.

Happy day!"

ASYV English Teachers

We could all use some words of wisdom right now, right?

Here is some food for thought from our Liquidnet Family High School English teachers who were asked "What words of wisdom do you have for your female students?":

"No one in this world should ever make you feel unworthy - regardless of your weaknesses!" -Teacher Sarah

"'The hardest person you'll ever face in this world is the one staring back at you in the mirror.' It's true; Most of time, we are either our own best ally or our own worst enemy. It's up to us to decide which one, and we actually do have that choice through our attitude towards life. Our attitude matters more than intelligence or talent. As Zig Ziglar once said, 'Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.' Intelligence and talent play a part in how successful you become as a student and in life. But attitude matters much more. Start cultivating a positive and resilient attitude today." - Teacher Marvin

"The greatest mistake you can ever make is to fear making mistakes as students. The more mistakes you make, the more you will learn. Treat each day as a learning opportunity and treat everyone around you as a source of knowledge. Your success is never far from you if you sprint towards it." - Teacher Jamil

"The most complicated relationship that you will ever have is with yourself because you can't walk away from you, you have to forgive every mistake, you have to deal with every flaw, you have to find a way to love you even in the moment when you are least proud of yourself." - Teacher Fionah

Clarisse Uwizeyimana, Class of 2017

When asked how she will help forge gender equality, this Senior 6 student had an inspiring story to share about how she is paying it forward.

“I will help make gender equality in the world by giving contribution to girls who are afraid of doing media activities like photography and video editing.

(My) first inspiration was from a former student who was here. He called me to do that because he saw that in media club there was a lack of active girls in media activities. And then he told me that “you can do it.” And then I took it as I can do it. I applied to stay in the media boot camp over the break. I was picked to stay and I learned many things about media from it. When I came back from vacation, I started to work as the boys did. And now, as my achievement in media club, now I do have 3 short videos and a portfolio of over 100 photos. I won ASYV film festival for being the MVP and I received 3 certificates in media. I also attended the boot camp at Envision Media Arts Collective. Now I have a class. I motivate girls to do media activities. I created a class called Able Girls Media Class to teach about media activities and (I'm) advising 32 girls in ASYV.”

Biira Lovell, School Administrator

What does the theme "Each for Equal" mean to you?

"The theme means that every person on this planet is unique, each with their own qualities and no less than the other person. Each person has something positive to contribute to the society they live in. The theme emphasizes about realizing that an equal world is an enabled world."

Words of wisdom to female students at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village:

"Females, I dare you to be different, I dare you to stand tall, take action on everything you have been wanting to do, stand firm and walk in the direction that is right for you. Stand up with integrity for what is right, open your eyes, take responsibility, go out there and hunt your goals and prepare to fight for yourself."

ASYV's Big Brothers

"In the past in Rwanda, most people were not sure is meant by Gender Equality...But I like that right now a man knows the values of woman and a woman knows the value of man, and we see that men, women, boys and girls they are equal in terms of strength, capacity and everything. I am now enjoying being in a country which values gender equality where women and girls have a voice."

- Maniraguha Phocus, Public Health Intern, Big Brother (William Shakespeare Family)

Aloys Kagimbura, Academic Director

We're thankful for our educators, like Aloys, who are constantly working to create an equitable and open learning environment for all of our students.

When asked how he challenges gender stereotypes at ASYV and what inspires him most about the females of ASYV, Academic Director, Aloys Kagimbura had this to say:

"In my approaches of supporting my students or any person in need, (1) I focus on empowering mostly girls that they can do better since we have 60% of girls and 40%. (2) Many of the girls have low self-esteem because they grew up in a community which did not offer a moment of expressing themselves. Through informal conversation, I create an environment which allows them to discover how strong they are, and later they show up.

At ASYV, I am inspired by seeing females transform from vulnerability stage into females with abilities to help themselves and others. Above all, this community of 'Human Transformation' was dreamed by an 'Angel,' the founder, Anne Heyman who was a super woman and is an example of challenging wrong beliefs that females are not capable!"

Fred Bazatsinda, Class of 2019

Words of gratitude to his ASYV Mama: "(She has a) thousand best and inspiring acts that make (me) respect my ASYV mother. I respect her because (she) is the only one who gave me life. Not only that but also her values of humanity and hard work that she taught me.”

Delphin Blaise Pascal Muneza, Class of 2023

What do you respect most about your mama?

"I respect my mom (and) the love they give us because it is not possible for everyone or every person to give (it to) you. Love like the one which they provide for us, so I just respect her, (for) that thing. It is my most most most thing I like about her."

ASYV Educators

Here are reflections from some of the educators at Liquidnet Family High School (LFHS). They are reflections on gender equity and equality, and bringing these concepts to fruition in the classroom.

"I am a teacher of Physics at Liquidnet Family High School in ASYV. I teach both MPC (Mathematics, Physics, Computers) and PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) combinations. My students are composed of boys and girls. To promote gender equality in my class, I start from the language I use. I equally use both he and she, I mention examples of boys and girls when it is necessary to give examples. If I am to make groups, I make sure gender balance is respected. I can't allow boys only to present or to respond without giving a chance to their sisters. I encourage girls to speak in my class etc."

- Ernest Nsekanabanga, Physics Teacher

"ASYV is the best community where gender equality is applied. This can be proved by daily activities such as studying, playing, hobbies, talent show, organized and done by kids where girls and boys participate without any discrimination. One positive surprise found in LFHS (Liquidnet Family High School) is to meet a great number of girls studying Sciences and Mathematics (STEM) without fear and with the same performance as their male colleagues. Gender equality is part of ASYV culture!"

- Emmanuel Karamira, Chemistry Teacher

"To me, gender equity is synergy. The more you give to the other gender, the more you receive. We have many examples of boys and girls at ASYV whose transformation has been impacted by mutual collaboration. Let us teach our ASYV sons to support their sisters, and our girls to identify the strengths in themselves to support their brothers."

- Julius Kaboyo, Deputy Academic Director

Josiane Ishimwe, Science Center Coordinator

We're thankful for women like Josiane Ishimwe, the head of our Science Center, for being committed to making the STEM field more accessible to females. We asked her what it means to her to be a woman in the STEM field and what advice she has for female students at ASYV who are interested in pursuing a career in the STEM field?

"It means that we as women are capable and we should shut down the inner critics. My advice to female students is to never give up, stay focused and be the best you"

Dieudonne Ndayishimiye, Class of 2023

What do you love most about your ASYV Mama?

"I love my Mama because she respects every person, every child found in ASYV. I love her because she tells us very great things. She respects us and we respect her. She gives us advice in order to prepare our futures."

Ian Manzi, Enrichment Year Coordinator

What inspires you the most about the females of ASYV? "The Mothers and Daughters of ASYV are a continuous source of inspiration to anyone who interacts with them. The thing I admire most about them is the one attribute they all have in common: being dreamers and visionaries. Despite coming from difficult backgrounds and starting out their journeys at a considerable disadvantage within our biased society, the females of ASYV never lose the ability to dream. It is on this ability that their resilience and incredible resolve are founded, and it is this ability that allows them to excel when afforded a fair chance at life and access to opportunity."

Noella Berwa, Class of 2022

Who is your female role model and why?

"My role model is Anne Heyman because she wanted to fight for the people whom she doesn't know without seeing where they come from. She has humanity that everyone can have to change our world to be a better place."

Salem Isezerano, Class of 2022

What is one thing you can do to impact gender equality at ASYV?

“I can help the new members of the media club by supporting our first female President, Deborah Mukeshimana. I enjoy being her Vice President and teaching others how to handle the camera gear.“

Who is one of your female role models/heroes & why?

“My female role model is LOUSIE MUSHIKIWABO (Secretary General of Organization Internationale De La Francaphonie) because she lead by example and inspired many Rwandan women to develop themselves.”

How do you make the activities (clubs/sports) more inclusive?

“In Media Club, for example, this year is our first year with a female President. I work with Deborah Mukeshimana and Dobby Giraneza Josiane, our Secretary, to promote all 87 of our members, males and females. Every creative idea is equal in Media Club.”

Sandrine Uwantege, ASYV Girl Up President

"Don't be afraid to be yourself, know who you are, what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there. Try new things and discover how you will contribute to the world in a unique way. Your uniqueness is a gift!!"