Representing BPW-International at the UN is an honor – but when I get to meet extraordinary individuals, it becomes a moment of personal growth. This article showcases women and men who do amazing work, despite odds that would make many people lose trust in God, in good, and in one another. In their own words, they are certainly Women on the Move! Their piece is lightly edited, but I think it can resonate with each one of us.

Please contact me directly for more information:

Womenonthemove@nfbpwc.org

The rest of this content is from the presentation delivered at the event.

organisation rooted in Love, led by visionaries, and powered by inclusion.

In Rwanda, where community and resilience shape the rhythm of everyday life, a quiet revolution has unfolded – one that is redefining how society sees and supports children with intellectual disabilities. At the heart of this transformation is the Izere Mubyeyi Organisation (IMO), a local NGO founded in 2004 by Agnes Mukashyaka, a mother whose personal journey became a catalyst for national change.

Agnes’s story is deeply personal. When her son was diagnosed with an intellectual disability, she faced not only the emotional weight of the diagnosis but also the societal stigma that isolated families and denied children their right to education and dignity. Refusing to accept this reality, Agnes mobilized fellow parents and educators to create a space where children with intellectual disabilities could be seen, heard, and supported. Thus, IMO was born with a mission to promote the rights, potential, and well-being of these children through inclusive education, health, and community engagement.

Over the past two decades, Agnes has led IMO with unwavering commitment. Holding a bachelor’s degree in education and a diploma in special needs education, she has challenged societal perceptions, trained educators, and built bridges between families and institutions. Her leadership was internationally recognized when she was selected for the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in 2022.

A year later, she received the IVLP Impact Award for her project “Unlocking Opportunities for Children and Youth with Intellectual Disabilities,” which reached hundreds across Kigali City. But Agnes is not alone. IMO is guided by a board of visionary and expert leaders. Felicien Turatsinze, Chair of the Board of Trustees, is a distinguished development expert with over a decade of experience in inclusive programming and international cooperation.

As Country Director for Chance for Childhood/Rwanda and Head of Operations for East Africa, Felicien brings strategic insight and policy acumen to IMO’s work. His background in physiotherapy and Masters  in  Public Health, combined with his global network, has helped IMO align its programs with international standards and foster cross- border collaboration.

Dr. Donatilla Kanimba, a trailblazer in disability rights, lends her wisdom as a trustee. Founder of the Rwanda Union of the Blind, Dr. Kanimba has spent decades advocating for the full inclusion of persons with disabilities. Her work helped shape Rwanda’s national disability policy and secure the country’s adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). She has received multiple honors for her contributions, including the Leitner Center Award and the Woman of Courage Award. In retirement, she continues to champion inclusive education through IMO, mentoring the next generation of advocates.

Jean Damascene Ntihinyuzwa, a seasoned educator and communications professional, serves as an advisor to the board, overseeing fundraising efforts. With a Master of Science in Internet Systems and a strong background in ICT education, Jean has contributed to media, academia, and public engagement. His technical expertise and storytelling abilities have helped IMO amplify its impact and connect with supporters across continents. 

Since 2021, through targeted interventions, IMO has impacted over 15,000  community  members,  including 260 children with intellectual disabilities, through inclusive education, vocational training, and physical rehabilitation. These programs have helped children gain independence in daily living and empowered families to advocate for their rights. Yet the need remains immense. The demand for special and inclusive education continues to grow, especially among primary school-aged children, mainly those with intellectual disabilities. Families are eager for support, and communities are ready to embrace change – but resources are limited. To meet this demand, IMO must expand its infrastructure, strengthen vocational skilling, scale economic resilience programs for families, and deepen its evidence-based advocacy and research.

This is why IMO joined Spotlight Africa, a platform created by the Segal Family Foundation to connect African changemakers with global partners. The board sent four delegates to New York to share IMO’s story, build relationships, and seek support. It was a moment of courage and hope – stepping into unfamiliar spaces to speak on behalf of children whose voices are often unheard.We are deeply grateful to everyone who paused to listen to our story. Now, we invite you to join us.

For academicians, IMO offers a living laboratory for inclusive education and community-based development. Your research, mentorship, and collaboration can help us refine our models and scale our impact.

Chair Women on the Move
Nermin K. Ahmad
2024-2026

Photos for this article are from https://izeremubyeyi.org.