Established 2015 · Kigali, Rwanda
Equal rights for people with short stature
RULP is a civil society organisation run by and for people with short stature. We work so that our members can live independently, earn a living and take part in every part of Rwandan life.
Breaking barriers, building futures
The Rwanda Union of Little People was established in August 2015, after its members met to discuss the difficulties they faced every day. Education levels were low and poverty was widespread among little people in Rwanda, made worse by social stigma and cultural attitudes.
Our mission is to enable people with short stature to live independently and take an active part in society, through skills development, capacity building and social integration.
Through steady advocacy, education and empowerment work, we have seen real improvements in the lives of our members — and in how society sees people with short stature.
Four areas where exclusion still bites
Each one was named by our members as a barrier they meet in ordinary life.
- Social and economic empowerment
- Access to quality education
- Access to health services
- Organisational development
Partner with RULP
Your support helps us reach more districts, train more members and keep pressing for policy that includes people with short stature. We welcome partnerships, funding and collaboration.
Where the work happens
Each area answers a barrier our members named themselves.
Education
Supporting access to quality education for people with short stature, challenging discrimination in schools and promoting inclusive learning.
Read more →HEAHealth
Improving access to health services, including sexual and reproductive health rights, counselling and awareness.
Read more →ADVAdvocacy
Pressing for equal rights and policy change at national and local level, so that people with short stature are written into Rwanda's development plans.
Read more →ECOEconomic empowerment
Workshops, business training and entrepreneurship support so that members can earn independently.
Read more →What we are reporting on now
Inclusion begins with recognition, and recognition starts with dialogue
An update from the Rwanda Union of Little People. The full report of this work is being prepared.
Read the story →End stigma and discrimination
Families of persons with disabilities carry a burden that is emotional as well as physical and economic. Counselling is not a luxury for them — it is a necessity.
Read the story →
Empowerment through experience
People with dwarfism and self-employed entrepreneurs from Kayonza and Gakenke districts gathered to share testimonies, exchange business insight and build inclusive entrepreneurship.
Read the story →