After the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, Rwandan women rose to levels of leadership previously unseen. SHE-CAN recognized the unique opportunity for aspiring women leaders to gain access to influential leadership roles that enable them to be role models and make a difference in improving the lives of Rwandan women. Due to the high levels of women’s leadership programs in Rwanda, we no longer recruit here.
The Khmer Rouge wreaked havoc on Cambodia’s people and education system. While this affected all of Cambodia, women in particular were disproportionately affected. Societal forces insisted on arranged marriages and rewarded girls throughout their childhood for being humble and shy. Due to these cultural expectations around the role of women, many girls are discouraged from pursuing careers and higher education. SHE-CAN hopes to create a steady stream of well-educated, empowered and well-connected women leaders returning home each year so they can bring women’s leadership to the country and become role models who inspire young women to challenge gender barriers.
While Liberia is a full democracy with women at the forefront, after a fourteen year civil war and an epidemic Liberia was left one of poorest countries in the world. With incredible opportunities for women to be in leadership roles, SHE-CAN believes that by providing a pathway to higher education, we are supporting the next generation of female Liberian leaders who will rise to the challenge of helping their country recover from a violent past.
Indigenous people of Guatemala have historically faced extreme prejudice in political participation, health, employment, income, housing, and education, and this pre-existing prejudice was exacerbated by a 36-year civil war. SHE-CAN hopes to connect young Guatemalan women—especially indigenous young women—with the next step on their educational journeys. Guatemala needs strong leaders to help Guatemala recover from its past and be a major player in our globalized world.
