“The International Women’s Day is an occasion to reflect and celebrate great achievements accomplished by Rwandan women.” The First Lady, Mrs Jeannette Kagame made this statement at the national Women’s Day celebrations in Shyira Sector in Nyabihu District. The First Lady reiterated the value of women in the Rwandan culture, and how they lost it to the point of being denied most of their rights including education and economic growth. She also stressed the role of women in rebuilding the country that was devastated by the Genocide against the Tutsi, when women had found themselves widows and heads of families. They have shown tremendous courage in collecting the pieces and driving the country from the ashes to the current development.   “Women make 52% of the population, there is no way we can achieve development if they are left behind and neglected.” Mrs Kagame said. “Women are now present in every leadership and decision making position, they have access to finance and are contributing to the economic growth of our country. Girls are going to school with their brothers and do all the courses including vocational trainings. ” First Lady added.

She called upon women to continue working together to close all the remaining gaps; “as we celebrate the achievements, let us also ask ourselves why we still have problems like teenage pregnancies and domestic conflicts. As empowered women, we can put end to the outstanding issues.”  First Lady urged.

Women of Nyabihu District have pledged to keep the momentum in promoting healthy nutrition and cleanliness in their households and neighborhoods as well as encouraging their fellows to join cooperatives to be able to access to finances. They have also pledged as parents, to improve the quality of the relationship with their children and teach them about reproductive health to prevent teenage pregnancies that is trending and hindering the bright future of the youth.

The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Nyirasafari Esperance speaking at the event said that the Ministry has planned activities aimed at addressing the remaining issues in women and girls empowerment. “Our objective is to ensure that all Rwandan women know and use all the available opportunities for their development. We also want them to keep contributing to their families and communities’ wellbeing and sustainability.” The Minister mentioned.

These activities will include among others, campaigns to fight teenage pregnancies, violence and human trafficking and provide judicial support to the victims, educating more women financially and connecting them to financial institutions, promoting healthy nutrition among children and cleanliness in their households. This will be conducted across the country up to the end of the month.