The trip was hosted by ARBEF, the Rwandan Association for Family Welfare (IPPF Member Association) and was carried out as part of the European Alliance on Vulnerable Girls. The MPs present came from the European Parliament, Australia, Germany, Slovakia, Sweden and the UK.

The visit aimed to discover the everyday experience of Rwandan Girls given the socio-cultural pressures they face, and the various initiatives that are being carried out to help and protect them. Using a cross-sectoral approach, the delegation examined their situation in terms of security and protection, economic welfare, access to basic services and participation and empowerment. Studies on girlhood in developing countries and post-conflict environments reveal that girls are relatively “invisible” in programmes for women and young people, although they play a major role in building peaceful communities and sustainable development. The parliamentary delegation visit therefore focused on the disparities faced by girls in access to welfare services and resources, highlighting policies, programmes and practices that consult with girls and address their interests. The delegation met with members of the Rwandan Parliamentarians’ Network on Population and Development, the Rwandan Women’s Parliamentarians’ Forum, as well as the Rwandan Minister for Gender and Family Promotion and the Rwandan First Lady.

Following the tour the participants agreed on a powerful shared statement, in which they “commit to work as legislative leaders to mobilize support and legislative action to ensure education, health, dignity and rights for girls all around the world in the shortest possible time”. They described the experience as “inspirational”, saying that it left them with two deep convictions: “When we all invest in girls, everyone wins, and that the achievements of Rwanda are a genuine model for all of Africa”.