Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana, joined residents of Karangazi Sector in Nyagatare District to celebrate the International Day of Rural Women, honoring their role in family and national development. The day was observed across all districts under the theme: “Umugore ni uw’agaciro translated in English as Women are valuable.

Addressing the women, Minister Uwimana rencouraged rural women to continue improving their livelihoods, increase agricultural productivity, diversify into non-farming activities, and participate actively in decision-making processes. She commended women who have advanced their own well-being while uplifting others, urging all to leverage the opportunities provided by the country for personal and communal development, and highlighted the important contribution of rural women to family welfare and national development, noting that their engagement in agriculture and livestock farming significantly supports the country’s economy.

She also emphasized that to remain valuable, women must exemplify integrity, honesty, diligence, truthfulness, and refrain from negative behaviors that hinder their full potential as Rwandan women. She cautioned against behaviors that undermine family unity, condemning households marked by conflict, neglect of responsibilities, or negative habits such as alcoholism, which impede development and tarnish the reputation of Rwandan women. She reminded citizens that strong families, rooted in unity, are the foundation of national progress.

Amongst the celebration activities, she visited Gakoma village in Karangazi Sector, a community that has remained free from domestic conflicts, early pregnancies, and school dropouts for over eight years, Minister Uwimana praised residents for their cooperative spirit and development-oriented initiatives, and encouraged other villages to adopt Gakoma as a model for sustainable social and economic growth.

The International Day of Rural Women is celebrated every year on 15 October to recognize the contribution of rural women in the socio-economic development of the society as well as to witness the challenges faced by women in rural areas in order to address them for sustainable development of the family and the society.