Listen to lived experience
Women’s experiences help identify the questions that matter in families, faith communities and wider society.
OUR STORY · OUR PURPOSE · OUR PEOPLE
A circle of women.
A world of possibility.
Faith can open doors. Research can change perspectives. Together, we create space for women to shape their own futures.
Get to know the CircleThe Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians
Rwanda Chapter
belongs.
AN AFRICAN VISION. A RWANDAN CHAPTER.
Making room for
women’s perspectives.
The Circle is a Pan-African academic association of women researching, publishing and engaging with communities on gender, religion and theology. Our work embraces the religions of the African continent and the experiences of women of African descent across its diasporas.
We believe women’s lived experiences belong at the heart of conversations about faith and society. By connecting knowledge with community action, we work towards dignity, equality and empowerment.
01
1989
A movement takes shape
Launched in Legon, Ghana, by 69 women from African countries and the diaspora. Lead founder Mercy Amba Oduyoye envisioned a transformative space for women to research, write and publish on gender and religion.
02
2021
The Rwanda Chapter begins
Fifteen women came together in Huye, Rwanda, to establish a local chapter of the Circle.
03
2023
A new foundation for our work
The Rwanda Chapter was granted legal personality as a registered non-governmental organization.
HOW OUR WORK CONNECTS
From women’s experiences
to shared understanding.
Circle Rwanda brings women’s experiences into conversations about faith, gender and community life. We connect research with dialogue and practical programs so that knowledge can support dignity, equal opportunity and participation.
Research and share knowledge
Research and publication make women’s perspectives visible and give communities evidence to discuss.
Bring learning into community life
Our programs connect this learning with dialogue, advocacy and opportunities for communities to reflect together.
THE FUTURE WE WORK TOWARDS
Equal opportunity.
Shared humanity.
OUR VISION
A society where everyone belongs.
To build an inclusive society where women and men enjoy equal rights and opportunities, and participate fully in their development.
OUR MISSION
Understanding faith. Empowering lives.
To investigate how religions and gender affect women’s lives, and how they can be interpreted for the empowerment of women and their communities.
WHAT GUIDES US
Our name holds
our values.
Six commitments.
One connected Circle.
Complementarity
Bringing different strengths and perspectives together.
Inclusivity
Making space for participation and belonging.
Research & publication
Contributing women’s knowledge and critical thinking.
Community engagement
Connecting what we learn with the communities we serve.
Life affirming
Upholding dignity and the value of every life.
Empowerment
Supporting women to shape change in their communities.
OUR PURPOSE IN PRACTICE
From understanding
to action.
Our four programs bring research, dialogue and community engagement into everyday life.
PART OF A WIDER CONVERSATION
A Rwandan chapter.
A Pan-African perspective.
The Circle connects women’s scholarship with questions of faith, culture and community life across different African contexts. Our Rwanda Chapter brings this shared purpose into dialogue with the experiences of communities in Rwanda.
To explore how another chapter presents the wider movement, visit Circle Kenya.
Explore Circle Kenya ↗THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PURPOSE
Meet our leadership.
THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU IN THE CIRCLE