Kigali, 15 October 2019-The International Rural Women’s Day was observed this Tuesday, 15 October 2019 under the theme: ‘A Secured and Prosperous Family’ loosely translated: ‘Umuryango Utekanye kandi uteye imbere’.  Celebrations were held countrywide at sector level while on national level, the event was observed in Gicumbi District, Byumba Sector, Bukamba village, Northern Province. The event was attended Government officials, Development partners, NGOs, Civil Society and the Private Sector.

 Women cooperatives exhibited their outstanding products to testify how they have improved their wellbeing.

The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Amb. Soline NYIRAHABIMANA underlined that celebrating rural women’s day is an opportunity to rejoice with women achievements and most importantly, rural women achievement. ‘It is a time to look back on the challenges faced by rural women and

come up with mechanisms to deal with those challenges that hinder their (women) wellbeing.’ The Minister noted

The Minister said that women and girls play an important role in the family welfare and the country’s socio-economic development at large adding that though there have been remarkable progress in women empowerment, there are persisting issues that affect women including child defilement, teenage pregnancy, GBV, domestic violence, malnutrition/stunting, poor hygiene.

‘I call upon you both male and female to work together to address these issues that affect the family welfare.’-Echoed Amb. Soline

Ingabire Marie Immaculée of Transparency International Rwanda who spoke on behalf of other partners also urged women to break the silence and report child abusers, teenage pregnancy culprits so that victims are accorded with justice.

During the international Rural Women’s day celebration, ten cows were donated to ten vulnerable families as part of ‘Kuremera’ initiative whereas wheel chair bicycles were donated to people living with disability. Telecommunication Company, MTN Rwanda also handed a two million Rwandan Francs’ check to support vulnerable families.

The International Rural Women’s Day was celebrated worldwide under the theme: ‘Rural Women and Girls Building Climate Resilience’.  Since 2008, every year, on 15 October different countries celebrate this date to honor and recognize the role of rural women in enhancing rural development and the country's socio-economic development.