Empowering Women in Leadership: The CoKiyovu Revolution
- Sheba Hakiza
- May 9
- 2 min read
Several people have asked me: Why Rwanda and why now? The answer has many parts: one is time-sensitive, one reflects Rwanda’s extraordinary leadership story, one is economic, and one is deeply personal.
⏰ The Time-Sensitive Opportunity
We have a chance to acquire a magical property in the heart of Kigali—a space close to my heart. We must secure the land by July 6th, 2025, with $650,000 needed to lock in the purchase. This land is the foundation for something visionary. Global GAIN is our primary fundraising vehicle, but we have other investment opportunities. Please let me know if you have questions - I can be reached at Amy at GlobalGAIN.org
🌍 Rwanda's Extraordinary Leadership in Women's Empowerment
As the world marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action in 2025, Rwanda stands apart: women hold 64% of parliamentary seats (IPU, 2024), even as global representation has dropped to 22.9%.
Rwandan women have been central to rebuilding the country—offering a model of transformational, inclusive leadership. CoKiyovu will bring this story to the world.
✨ The Vision for CoKiyovu
We’re building something the world has never seen: an immersive, accessible feminist destination where gender equity is not just discussed—it’s lived.
CoKiyovu will be:
🧠 A "Dream Big Tank" for women to learn, lead, and collaborate
🌍 A hybrid learning hub rooted in Rwanda’s gender equity story
📣 A training center focused on confidence, communication, and digital skills
💡 A launchpad for feminist activism and enterprise
❤️ A space to help women turn ideas into impact
“If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” — Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
🌿 A Women-Centered Utopia
Think of it as a real-life Barbie Land—but more green than pink, more real than Mattel. A lush, healing space where women are in charge, surrounded by art, community, and nature.
Women will:
Learn from Rwanda’s leadership journey
Connect to the global 50x50 movement
Build strategies and networks across borders
Experience the Beijing Platform for Action brought to life
We’re building a place as powerful in design as in purpose.
🎯 Why CoKiyovu Matters
There is no globally recognized destination where women’s empowerment is the main attraction. CoKiyovu will change that.
Just as the Guggenheim transformed Bilbao, we aim to spark a feminist Bilbao Effect—bringing global attention, purpose-driven tourism, and local jobs to Kigali.
We must raise $650,000 by July 6, 2025, to secure the property. You can support through:
Global GAIN, our U.S. 501(c)(3)
Women GAIN Rwanda, our local community benefit company
Let’s build it together—and create a space where women’s leadership is lived, celebrated, and multiplied.
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