Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Action at Komera
Komera has been working in the Kayonza District of Rwanda for a decade. Since day one, we have always invested in our local Rwandan leaders who are uniquely poised to address the challenges our beneficiaries face. We do this through thoughtfully designed and implemented holistic programming. As an organization, we have made significant strides towards our goal of a justice-based model, to shift away from the antiquated charity-centered approach and include all decision makers at the table. This model includes our beneficiaries, our local and global leadership, our funders and our partners. We are proud to have both a U.S. Board of Directors and a Rwandan Board of Directors comprised of dedicated individuals who strive to develop the organization to become a model for effective holistic programming. Our work towards becoming a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization is ever-growing, and in 2020 we achieved an important milestone as an organization to shift Executive Leadership to our Rwandan Executive Director who leads the organization from the ground.
Like many organizations globally, Komera has re-committed our values and beliefs to stand against racism and inequality in light of acts of racism and suppression this past year. We are proud to stand in solidarity with communities across the world who are frustrated with daily systemic oppression and are demanding justice. We believe it is of great importance to not be silent in the face of violence, discrimination and racism. We understand that while we work to advance the rights of women and girls globally, we must also fight for the rights of the marginalized and the unheard. As we’ve stated before, “None of us are equal until all of us are equal.” We are proud to have made progress as an organization, and we know the work is not done. We are committed to continue having the difficult conversations about power and privilege as we work towards a more equitable world for all.
Komera was proud to have an active voice in this conversation on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as part of SquareTrade’s Speaker Series in June 2021. The invitation allowed Komera’s leadership to share our commitment and work in the DE&I space, and how girls’ education and women’s rights globally are an essential part of the conversation.
SquareTrade is a valued partner of Komera and we were honored to be included in this event. Komera Executive Director, Dativah Bideri Mukamusonera and Managing Director, Lauren Mason, presented Komera’s mission and vision to the company’s DE&I working group virtually through Zoom. Beginning with the history of Rwanda, Mukamusonera and Mason described our comprehensive support system, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the benefits of our shift towards justice and opportunity for all. They also introduced the story of Solange, a Komera Scholar graduating this year who we are deeply proud of!
Komera is grateful for the opportunity to present our work to SquareTrade through this series. We greatly value the work of our partners and can’t wait to collaborate in the future.
Komera welcomes future partnerships with companies and organizations that share our goals of creating a more equal world. If your company or organization would be interested in partnering with us for a speaking engagement or event, please reach out by emailing info@komera.org.