In 2020 we received funding from Amplify Change that enabled us to bring five new young people on board the Paper Crown team, to fill out our roster of gender trainers! We interviewed and selected some of the brightest sparks Kigali has to offer, to help us educate the next generation in gender equality and bring an end to GBV.
Let’s get to know our new recruits who are fighting to transform gender norms and empower youth in Rwanda. First up: Speciose Kubwimana!
Speciose, why did you want to join Paper Crown as a junior trainer?
I wanted to join Paper Crown because I am against the fact of always considering a woman as a weak and inferior creature in all contexts. Through Paper Crown I’m expecting to help the future generation, to break this intergenerational cycle of gender discrimination and violence and live in a place where men and women can enjoy the same opportunities, rights and obligations.
What did you do before joining Paper Crown?
Before joining Paper Crown Rwanda I volunteered as a community development facilitator at Corps Africa/Rwanda for two years!
What is the most challenging part of the job for you?
The most challenging part for me is the beginning.
When I am about to do something there are these voices in my head telling me different things like, “What if you fail? What if they don’t like what you are saying or doing? What if you behave inappropriately? What if your words or actions hurt someone?” etc...
But if instead I remain concentrated on the voice that tells me “go on, you can make it and start!” all these negative voices disappear.
And what is the most fun part of the job for you so far?
The most fun part for me is when we are celebrating the fact that even if there were many barriers we managed to overcome them and reach our goal!
What is the most interesting thing you’ve learnt while doing the training?
I have learnt a lot during the training but the most interesting for me was the GESD, both parts (verbal and physical). Due to this session I can proudly say that I know what to say or how to behave for me to set the boundaries in a sensitive situation, which was not the case before the training. I also gained a lot of skills about what to do to save myself and run away to safety, and also how to use my voice. And all of these things are what we are teaching the girls in our program.
If you could teach the next generation one important thing, what would it be?
To use their voice!
We’re very proud of our new recruits, and the difference they will make in young girls’ lives throughout Rwanda. If you’re interested in working with Paper Crown in your community, organization, business or school, please get in touch via our contact page on the website.