Rooted in Rubavu, growing futures since 2014
Young Women Destination (YWD) is a community-based tourism organization in Rwanda dedicated to promoting community tourism while empowering young minor mothers, vulnerable women and young girls through education, skills development, economic opportunities and social support.
A community-based answer to vulnerability
Young Women Destination (YWD) is a community-based tourism organization founded in 2014 by Mrs. Julienne BAMURANGE in Rwanda. The organization is dedicated to promoting community tourism while empowering young minor mothers, vulnerable women, and young girls through education, skills development, economic opportunities, and social support.
YWD aims to improve the socio-economic well-being of women and girls by providing financial and technical support to local initiatives that help them meet their basic daily needs, become economically independent, and protect their rights and dignity.
Since its establishment, Young Women Destination has supported more than 600 vulnerable women and families in Nyundo, Gisenyi, and Nyamyumba sectors of Rubavu District. Through its community-based approach, the organization combines tourism, cultural exchange, vocational training, savings initiatives, and education to create lasting opportunities for women, children, and local communities.
Young Women Destination works to strengthen the capacities of women’s groups, particularly young mothers and girls living in rural communities. We help these groups mobilize resources, develop income-generating activities, and build the skills they need to improve their living conditions.
Communities in which vulnerable women and young girls have access to education, decent livelihoods, professional skills, and opportunities to participate actively in social and economic development.
Our main activities
Strengthen women’s groups
We help young mothers and girls in rural communities mobilize resources, develop income-generating activities and build the skills they need to improve their living conditions.
Share and save
Experience-sharing meetings and psychosocial support sessions, plus savings groups for young mothers that build a culture of saving, financial management and economic independence.
Build peace
Short trainings for women and visitors on peacebuilding, reconciliation and peaceful conflict resolution within families and communities, helping prevent domestic violence.
Our impactYoung Women Destination believes that community tourism can become a powerful tool for sustainable development. By involving local women in cultural activities and tourism services, we create opportunities for them to share their knowledge, showcase their talents, and earn income through their skills.
Reaching further, together
By connecting tourism with community development, YWD creates opportunities for visitors to contribute to local initiatives while enjoying authentic cultural experiences. The income generated through our tourism activities helps support our mission of empowering vulnerable women and improving children’s access to education.
Hotels
Hotels refer their guests to our activities, connecting visitors with authentic community experiences.
Schools
Schools organize educational visits so students can learn about Rwandan culture first-hand.
Women’s cooperatives
We work with cooperatives of women artists across Rwanda to develop their artistic and professional skills.
Join us in making a difference
Whether you are cooking Isambaza and Ugali, dancing to traditional Rwandan rhythms, making a small basket or creating a postcard from banana leaves, your visit helps create opportunities for vulnerable women and their families.