Komera Leadership Transition Announcement

As 2022 comes to an end and 2023 begins, Komera is embarking on a new phase in our organization. It is with a heavy heart that we announce the transition in leadership at Komera. As of 1 January 2023, Komera Executive Director, Dativah Bideri Mukamusonera, has stepped down from her role and has now transitioned to support Komera as a member of the Rwandan Board of Directors. Komera Director of Programs, Rosemary Musiimire has transitioned roles and is now Komera’s Acting Executive Director. 

We are exceptionally grateful to Dativah for her hard work and resounding dedication to Komera. For nearly a decade, Dativah has led the charge in building Komera Rwanda from the ground up. She has inspired our team and supported the growth of each staff member, and Komera’s reach within the Kayonza District. Under her charge, Komera’s holistic support and programs have grown year over year. She has led Komera as the world navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and saw the completion of the recently opened Komera Leadership Center. She has been an inspirational leader and activist for girl’s rights and we know she will continue to do so as a member of the Komera Board of Directors. During this transitional period, she will continue to work with Komera USA Managing Director, Lauren Mason, and Board Chair, Donatha Gihana, to support Rosemary and the Komera team.

Dativah’s Farewell Celebration

Komera held a farewell event to honor Dativah and her many years of service to Komera in December 2022. In attendance were local leaders, distinguished partners, Rwandan Board Members, community members, scholars and their families, and our team, including US Managing Director Lauren Mason. The day was filled with beautiful moments, and many speeches from attendees sharing their memories with Dativah in appreciation, and so much singing and dancing! It was truly a joyous occasion and a great way to celebrate Dativah’s transition and this next chapter of her life. 

Check out some of the photos from Dativah’s Farewell! 

About Acting Executive Director Rosemary Musiimire

Rosemary Musiimire is a development and education specialist spanning 15 years of progressive work experience as a teacher, trainer, mentor, and development practitioner. She offers 10 years of experience working with non-government organizations on curriculum and content development and training, resource mobilization, and coordinating and directing programs. Rosemary received her degree in Education, Literature, and English Language from Makerere University in Uganda. She holds post-graduate diplomas in Human Resource Management and Project Management. Prior to joining Komera, Rosemary spent three years working as a Senior Mentor under the Rwandan Education Board. She has been an invaluable team member of Komera since 2015, serving previously in Deputy Country Director, Programs Director and Training and M&E Manager roles. She will continue to provide the highest level of support and dedication to Komera’s programs and operations. Rosemary believes that the empowerment and education of women and girls is the foundation of inclusive development.

Here are some photos of Dativah and Rosemary throughout the years.

A few farewell words from Dativah… 

“When I joined Komera in 2014, we were a small but dedicated team working to ensure that adolescent girls in Kayonza District had the opportunity to continue their education beyond primary school. In becoming Komera’s Executive Director in 2020, I knew I was taking on the biggest challenge of my career. While we have faced many obstacles over the last eight years, including navigating the trials and hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, our organization and participants accomplished so much together.

As Executive Director, I challenged myself and my team to build an organization that could stand on its own, and was bigger than any one person. I believe we have accomplished that mission, and the grand opening of the Komera Leadership Center this past August stands as a testament to that. I feel that my skills and experiences contributed to get us to where we are now, and have set Komera up to be poised for future growth and success.

I am so proud of how we have been able to grow as a team, become stronger, and support each other in everything we do. None of this would have been possible without the guidance of our Board of Directors, the support of our partners, and most importantly, our brilliant and hard-working team. Thank you for your trust, for your generosity, for your thoughtful partnerships, and for the tremendous opportunity I have had to play a part in building the leadership of women and girls in Rwanda. 

Turikumwe - We Are Together”

We are forever grateful to Dativah for her dedication to the mission and vision of Komera. Under her leadership she has pushed the team, the community, and Komera participants to grow for the better. Though we will miss her daily presence at Komera, we know she will be with us in all future endeavors. Murakoze Cyane - Dativah

Please join us in congratulating Rosemary on her transition to Interim Executive Director, and stay tuned for more updates and an introduction from her coming soon!