The United States Government, recognizing the disproportionate number of Rwandan women in the post genocide period, sought ways to assist them in the peaceful reconstruction of their society. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau of Humanitarian Response (BHR), Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) working with the USAID Mission in Rwanda conceived and designed a program for women’s empowerment and participation in local decision making. The purpose of the program was to assist women and other vulnerable groups to rebuild their lives, their families and their communities. By meeting basic needs, it was felt that women could contribute to reduction in social tensions and foster peace, at the same time the program would create opportunities for women’s political participation.