Various studies have revealed that the Rwandan Civil Society upholds a positive impact in meeting citizens needs in areas such as anti-corruption, gender-equality, poverty eradication, tolerance, and promoting participatory governance. However, CSOs identify key trends and concerns regarding fostering trust among organizations and networking for information sharing, learning, and advocacy.
It is against this backdrop that on the 8th of November 2018, Never Again Rwanda (NAR) and the Rwandan Civil Society Platform (RCSP) hosted a breakfast discussion to bridge the gap between Civil Society organizations working within the fields of governance, justice, human rights, and peacebuilding. There was also representation from the Rwanda Governance Board in order to link collective efforts from civil society to government implementation.
In his welcoming remarks, the Executive Director of Never Again Rwanda, Dr. Joseph Nkurunziza Ryarasa, hailed the conducive environment for CSOs in Rwanda and called upon CSOs to combine their efforts in raising their voices, influencing policies and responding to citizen’s needs.
Executive Director of Rwandan Civil Society Platform (RCSP), Bosco Nyemazi, reiterated the central theme of the breakfast meeting, noting that CSOs ought to reduce scattered initiatives, build a solid coalition for advocacy, and ensure an effective impact and contributive impact for citizens.
In the plenary discussion, the Director of Rwanda Women Network, Mary Barikungeri, urged fellow civil society actors to embrace unity in diversity, deliberately moving towards creating the independent civil society organizations that the country needs. Executive Secretary of Ibuka Rwanda, Naftar Ahishakiye, called on fellow CSO’s to revisit their structures, improve communications, and join their hands to create a framework that meets community needs.
Head of Political Parties and the Civil Society Department at RGB Justus Kangwage, mentioned that civil society ought to articulate common priorities and create an inclusive environment that will allow CSOs to work with the Government for common interests as provided by the constitution.
Acting CEO of RGB and Guest of Honour Dr Usta Kayitesi, summarized through emphasizing the will of Government of Rwanda to work together with CSOs. She mentioned that both entities work towards bettering the welfare of citizens and social transformation, and therefore Government support in the work of CSOs will be a constant.
In 2030, national governments may be highly successful at tackling societal challenges through the partnership between the public, the private sector and CSO’s. Never Again Rwanda places its effort in building trust and collaborative work among CSO’s so as to increase the role of civil society in governance and development as well as meeting societal needs.