Mary Balikungeri: Paving the Way for Women’s Equality

The gesture of love rooted in community is the foundational practice that Mary Balikungeri, founder of the Rwanda Women’s Network, seeks to pass on to younger generations. Having moved from community to community as a refugee fleeing the Rwandan Genocide in her youth, Mary carved a path to create feminist spaces where women can heal, empower themselves, and work toward social transformation. As a grandmother and changemaker, Mary emphasizes the importance of balancing her activism with moments of rest, reflection, and quality time with her two grandchildren, ensuring the sustainable continuation of her life’s work.