Beyond A Thousand Hills.
Before coaching became the focus of my work, I used photography to explore how people make sense of their world. Beyond A Thousand Hills grew from that curiosity — a collaborative project exploring contemporary Rwanda through the stories of the people building its future.
Rwanda. A country rebuilt by women.
After the genocide, over 70% of the population in Rwanda was female.
Today, many people say that Rwanda is a country rebuilt by women.
Did you know that women in power at a leadership level has resulted in the highest female representation in parliament anywhere in the world?
During the production of Beyond A Thousand Hills, we spent time with inspiring Rwandan women, across all levels of society, witnessing first-hand the cascading effect of female empowerment.
From witnessing well-organised and creative women’s co-operatives along the Congo Nile Trail in rural Rwanda, through to our dealings with the Rwandan Development Board in Kigali and the countless female Inkomoco entrepreneurs we visited and interviewed, Rwanda champions women’s rights far better than any country we’ve ever visited.
To meet and hear about many of the wonderful Rwandan entrepreneurs we met, please order your copy of Beyond A Thousand Hills below.
“Cate eloquently captures the pulse of Rwanda today, revealing a vibrant, modern, entrepreneurial country. The exquisite light and colour of the region are taken to new heights with this stunning visual portrayal of Rwanda in all its glory.”
Influence today
The project continues to influence how I work today. I'm still fascinated by the stories people tell, the assumptions we bring to situations and what becomes possible when we look beyond the obvious.
I've always been curious about what sits beneath the obvious story. Photography taught me to look closely. Community work taught me to listen. Policing taught me to work in complexity. Coaching brings those strands together.
Taking you on an intimate visual journey through contemporary Rwanda.
The book contains more than 200 beautiful photos from across every corner of Rwanda. From pioneering innovation to spectacular wildlife and landscapes, these photos capture a country that is fast becoming the go- to destination for discerning travellers visiting Africa. Over 3 years, professional UK based photographer, Cate Gunn and her entrepreneurial brother John Gunn spent months traversing the entire country by foot, meeting some of Rwanda’s most inspiring entrepreneurs. Enriched by written input and stories from inspiring local Rwandans, Beyond A Thousand Hills is a unique visual celebration of Rwanda. As a social project, a proportion of proceeds are being donated to Inkomoko, a Kigali based social enterprise that supports local Rwandan entrepreneurs.