Rwanda was torn apart by a destructive civil war and genocide in 1994. Founder of AKWOS, Felicite Rwemalika, saw football as a powerful instrument to re-engage girls and women and empower them. Since 2001 she has successfully introduced football in all provinces of Rwanda, and the model has recently been copied in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Playing football on a team with a mix of Hutu and Tutsi, these women learn to depend on each other to win and to find reconciliation in the camaraderie. AKWOS also focuses on reproductive health, economic empowerment, promotion of women's rights and addressing and overcoming the trauma of gender-based violence.
"When people in our community come to watch the girls play, we take the opportunity to talk about issues like HIV/AIDS, or reconciliation. They open their eyes and ears to new messages because they are laughing and enjoying. Because they are relaxed. They forget about hunger and their problems."
- Felicite Rwemalika, founder and president of AKWOS