Empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Rwanda

A Global Fund-supported program improving health, protection, and economic outcomes for girls and young women aged 10 to 24.
AGYW Training Group

What is the AGYW Program?

A comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to supporting vulnerable girls and young women.
AGYW Support Group

Dream Village Rwanda is a first-time Global Fund GC7 grantee implementing the AGYW (Adolescent Girls and Young Women) program across three priority districts: Rwamagana, Kayonza, and Kamonyi.

This program reflects both national priority and international investment in improving outcomes for adolescent girls and young women in Rwanda.

It targets in-school and out-of-school girls aged 10 to 24, delivering integrated support that combines health, education, protection, and economic empowerment.

Why Focus on Adolescent Girls and Young Women?

Addressing vulnerability and unlocking potential.

Adolescent girls and young women face higher risks related to HIV infection, gender-based violence, early pregnancy, and limited access to education and economic opportunities.

These risks are interconnected. Addressing one without the others limits impact.

The AGYW program is designed to respond to these realities through a holistic approach that supports young women not only to stay healthy, but to build safe, independent, and empowered futures.

 

Our Integrated Approach

Delivering coordinated interventions across health, protection, and empowerment.

HIV Prevention and Health Services

Reducing risk and improving access to care.

We provide HIV prevention services, testing, and linkage to care, ensuring that young women have access to early diagnosis and continuous support.

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)

Equipping young women with knowledge and confidence.

Through structured education programs, we provide accurate and age-appropriate information on sexual and reproductive health, relationships, and rights.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

Supporting informed choices and access to services.

We promote access to contraception, menstrual health support, and reproductive health services while addressing barriers such as stigma and misinformation.

Gender-Based Violence Prevention

Creating safe environments for young women.

The program includes awareness, prevention, and referral systems for gender-based violence, ensuring that survivors have access to support and services.

Economic Empowerment

Building independence and resilience.

We provide skills development, entrepreneurship training, and livelihood opportunities that help young women reduce vulnerability and build sustainable futures.

Program Locations / Where we work

Reaching priority districts across Rwanda.
The AGYW program is currently implemented in:
Rwamagana District
Kayonza District
Kamonyi District
These districts have been identified as priority areas based on need and opportunity for impact.

Part of a Larger Youth Health System

Connected to Dream Village’s broader programs.

The AGYW program is integrated with Dream Village’s broader Youth Health Care Program and the CATS model.

This ensures that young women who need additional support, including HIV treatment and psychosocial care, are seamlessly linked to peer-led services and health systems.

AGYW Representatives Peer Education
AGYW TB KAYONZA ()

From Local Implementation to National Impact

A scalable model aligned with Rwanda’s national priorities.

As a Global Fund-supported program, AGYW represents a strategic opportunity to scale proven approaches.

Dream Village’s role is to implement high-quality interventions, generate evidence, and contribute to national efforts to improve outcomes for adolescent girls and young women.

Support Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Rwanda

Partner with Dream Village to expand access to health, protection, and opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key information for donors, partners, and stakeholders interested in supporting adolescent girls and young women in Rwanda.

The AGYW program supports adolescent girls and young women aged 10 to 24 in Rwanda through HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health services, economic empowerment, and protection from gender-based violence. It is designed to address the multiple risks that affect young women’s health and wellbeing.

Dream Village Rwanda is a first-time Global Fund GC7 grantee implementing the AGYW program in partnership with government institutions and national stakeholders. The program is delivered across priority districts with strong alignment to Rwanda’s health strategy.

The program is currently implemented in Rwamagana, Kayonza, and Kamonyi districts. These districts were selected based on need and the opportunity to improve outcomes for adolescent girls and young women.

Adolescent girls and young women in Rwanda face higher risks of HIV infection, early pregnancy, and gender-based violence. Addressing these challenges is essential for improving public health outcomes and supporting national development goals.

The program combines HIV education, testing, and access to services with peer support and empowerment. By addressing both health and social factors, it helps young women reduce risk and make informed decisions.

The program provides HIV prevention services, comprehensive sexuality education, access to sexual and reproductive health services, economic empowerment initiatives, and gender-based violence prevention and support.

Dream Village uses an integrated approach that connects health services, education, and economic support. The program is implemented in collaboration with government systems and partners to ensure sustainability and measurable outcomes.

The program is supported by the Global Fund under the GC7 grant, along with partnerships with government and development organizations. This funding ensures that services reach vulnerable populations at scale.

The program is aligned with Rwanda’s national HIV and health strategies and is implemented in coordination with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre and other government bodies. Dream Village also contributes to national Technical Working Groups.

The AGYW program includes prevention, awareness, and referral systems for gender-based violence. It ensures that young women have access to support services and safe reporting mechanisms.

Economic vulnerability is a key driver of health risks. By providing skills training and livelihood opportunities, the program helps young women reduce dependency and make safer choices.

Yes. The program is designed to be scalable and is already aligned with national systems. With additional investment, it can expand to more districts and reach more young women.

Dream Village works with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, government institutions, and international partners to implement and scale the program effectively.

Donors can support the program by funding expansion, strengthening service delivery, supporting capacity building, and investing in integrated models that improve outcomes for adolescent girls and young women.

Investing in adolescent girls and young women leads to long-term improvements in health, education, and economic outcomes. It also contributes to national development by empowering a critical segment of the population.