Suzanne Ruboneka

Suzanne Ruboneka Suzanne Ruboneka is a Rwandan women's rights advocate and peacebuilding activist who devoted decades to women's empowerment, education, reconciliation and community development. Born in 1945, she and her family fled Rwanda during the 1960s. She studied social affairs in Belgium, worked as a teacher and helped develop educational curricula before returning to Rwanda in 1994. She subsequently worked in government and joined Pro-Femmes Twese Hamwe in 1998, where she served as Director of the Peace Action Campaign. Ruboneka's work focused on helping women participate in decision-making, promoting girls' education, rebuilding trust between communities and encouraging women to work together despite their differences. Her experience offers valuable lessons about peace, equality, resilience and collective responsibility. Quotes As a way of changing the mindset amongst the women, we embraced the slogan ‘Women can do it’ which inspires and motivates women to go into ventures that were initially considered men’s jobs. Ruboneka’s 45 years of fighting for women empowerment. The New Times (October 14, 2026) In regard to whether there is need to review the current affirmative action policy, Ruboneka says: "In some countries its 50-50 and I don’t see any problem if the 30% affirmative action is put to 50% in Rwanda. Ruboneka’s 45 years of fighting for women empowerment. The New Times (October 14, 2026) Family, as the smallest unit in society and as the most influential unit, needs to treat both girls and boys equally so as to promote gender equality. Ruboneka’s 45 years of fighting for women empowerment. The New Times (October 14, 2026) I was born Rwandan, in Gisenyi. I was exiled for more than thirty-five years. After 1994, my family returned home. Today, I am proud to be Rwandan. https://irenees.net/bdf_fiche-experience-793_en.html The Irenees (October 14, 2026) Women are saying, ‘Stop the war. We want peace. THE PLIGHT OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. The DCCAN (October 14, 2026) Each person holds a responsibility to be reconciled with herself. THE PLIGHT OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. The DCCAN (October 14, 2026) We urged the women to come together in spite of their differences Women Taking a Lead Report_v1.pmd. Studylib (October 14, 2026) I believe it’s something they will consider in their families. Ruboneka’s 45 years of fighting for women empowerment. The New Times (October 14, 2026)