Why Rwanda ?
Nowhere on earth is there a model for women's leadership quite like Rwanda's. Cultivating a unique "ecosystem" of grassroots heroes, innovative nonprofits, healthcare access, progressive government, and emerging business—the "land of a thousand hills" is widely lauded as the success story of the developing world today.
Women In Leadership, At Every Level
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Rwanda is the only country in the world with a female majority in parliament. The Rwandan constitution reserves (and has exceeded) a 30% quota for women in decision-making roles |
An Embodiment of Resilience
A Hub for Innovation and Leadership
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Healthcare delivery breakthroughs, a booming coffee industry, life-changing mobile technology, banana leaf maxipads?! Impact-pioneers flock to this global community of change-makers |
Environmental Sustainability In Action
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Rated the 3rd greenest of world destinations, banning plastic bags, preserving irreplaceable habitats, working for water security — environmental protection is a cultural value and a constitutional mandate |
Breathtaking Beauty and Wildlife Adventures
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One of the last places on earth to see the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Glassy lake Kivu, lush tropical forests, Akagera national park (where lions have returned!), iridescent birds, hippos, giraffes, elephants, zebras — oh my! |
Why You?
We welcome travelers who are passionate about affecting positive change globally; cultivating leadership in their professional or social circles—and deeper insight within themselves. We invite expert leaders from a variety of sectors, including: multinational businesses, NGOs, government, finance, philanthropy, academia, and the arts.
Are you...
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You'll be in good company!
We welcome diverse participants—including male allies for women's empowerment! Mothers and daughters, sons, and brothers, sisters and friends have all benefited deeply from this experience. Space is limited—we feel a small group of committed participants works best. We ask that potential travelers apply and tell us more about who you are so that we can ensure our curriculum is an appropriate match with your personal and/or organizational goals.
Meet some of our past travelers.
"Half Sky led a journey that profoundly strengthened our organization (from staff, donor, and community engagement) like no other initiative could in a few weeks time. Our hearts, minds, and souls were opened through our new connections and we all have an adventure story to cherish for our lifetimes."
- JENSINE LARSEN, CEO, WORLD PULSE
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"Rwanda is a remarkable space of shared humanity, illuminating the greatest threats that we face and the most vibrant hopes for overcoming. Above all, I learned from the people of Rwanda the resounding impact of inaction, and the power of individual small acts to alter the course of history. When we realize the profundity of our responsibility in the web then we are able to claim our power." |
"Traveling with Half Sky opened my eyes to the sincere hearts of women in Rwanda who have much to teach regarding fierce community and about never giving up hope. I am humbled in meeting such women of magnitude and vision and will always be grateful for the opportunity to go and listen and converse and learn. Those fires burn strong in my heart!"
- MAURA CONLON-MCIVOR, PHD, AUTHOR & LECTURER IN DEPTH PSYCHOLOGY (Check out her memoir: FBI Girl!)
“As a women’s health physician and department head, I use lessons I learned in my Half Sky travels (Rwanda, Cambodia) every single day. I completed my “Global Health and Development“ certificate from the College of Public Health at my University to be more involved. I have gained a deep understanding that the solutions to our worlds’ problems are within the people themselves.” |
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- MARISA RIVERA, PRESIDENT, MPOWERMENT WORKS, LLC
What will we do?
Trip highlights may include but are not limited to the following...
- Upon arrival, relax, meet your co-travelers, and soak in the beauty and wildlife of Rwanda at our eco-lodge in Akagera National Park
- We’ll prepare our minds for creative observation as we engage with local environmental experts and artists to consider the links between nature, resources, and women’s equality
In and around the capital city of Kigali…
- Speak with experts on Rwanda’s history—colonial, independence, post-genocide
- Excursion to Women for Women International's Women Opportunity Center for women’s livelihoods
- See how women farmers are becoming the queens of coffee and related industries
- Visit cooperatives where women create clothing, bags and accessories with gorgeous Rwandan textiles and jewelry—cultivating skills and improving livelihoods
- Meet students at the inspiring Akilah institute for women, and other youth-led programs
- Meet Rwandan parliament members or heads of the ministry of gender policies
- Visit a family health clinic that provides care for thousands of people
- Visit the heart-moving Kigali Genocide Memorial Center
- Learn about programs for engaging men to combat gender inequality at Rwanda Men's Resource Center
- For those wanting even more East Africa adventures, optional gorilla trekking and Serengeti safaris available at additional cost
How we do it—differently!
We limit our travel group to an intimate size so that all members can participate. (This is why you might want to reserve your spot early!) Each day, we’ll devote time to reflect, process, and share insights. Creatives will have the opportunity to express their observations through poetry, artwork, or music. Yoga, spa, and other healing spaces will be available. Travelers and Rwandan leaders will co-participate in highly interactive, fun and lively workshops on women's leadership and discovering our voices. Rwandan youth leaders will show how their generation is moving their country forward. Travelers can learn from our Rwandan hosts, from each other, as well as offer their own skills and ideas. We’ll facilitate opportunities before, during, and after the trip to establish mentoring and mindshare relationships.
Caring for your mind, body, and spirit is an essential part of a meaningful travel experience.
Ruzizi Lodge at Akagera Park
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Coming Soon... In Collaboration with Global Engagement Institute:
Join us in Vietnam, February 2016! 
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