09 March 2020-The International Women’s day celebration took place on Sunday, 08 March 2020 under the theme: ‘Transformational Change: Women at the Forefront’. Celebrations were held countrywide at village level. This year, there haven’t been a national celebration of the International Women’s Day as the world is concerned with the widespread of Coronavirus known as the new #COVID19.

In a message posted on Twitter; The President of the Republic HE Paul Kagame recalled that: ‘Whenever women gain, we all gain as a country. There can be no true progress without equality. Thank you for playing your rightful and equal role in Rwanda’s transformation. Happy International Women’s Day to our sisters, mothers & daughters in Rwanda and across the world.’

The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Prof. BAYISENGE Jeannette and other officials joined residents of Amahoro Village, Rukiri II cell, Remera Sector in Gasabo district. The Minister urged women to address persistent barriers towards women empowerment such as domestic conflicts, Gender Based Violence, malnutrition/stunting and unpaid care work.

Celebrating women's day is an opportunity to reflect on their role in the country's holistic transformation, achievements made and set up measures to keep the pace.  #IWD2020 comes after 25 years since the Government of Rwanda embarked on the journey towards gender equality and women empowerment; allowing women to exercise their full potential in playing a role in Rwanda’s reconstruction process.  Rwanda's remarkable progress in promoting gender equality and women empowerment is a result of the strong commitment and the highest political will of HE Paul KAGAME, the President of the Republic of Rwanda who enabled a conducive environment for both men and women.

The International Women’s Day was established by the UN in 1972 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year, the day was observed globally under the theme: 'I am a Generation Equity: Realizing Women’s Rights.’