Kigali-09 March 2019- The First Lady was speaking on Friday 08 March at the Celebration of the International Women’s Day in Nyamasheke District, Kagano Sector, Ninzi cell Gikuyu Village. The event brought together high officials from public Sector, UN Agencies, NGOs, Faith Based Organizations, private Sector and Civil Society who joined thousands of Nyamasheke residents and neighboring to mark the International Women’s Day.

The First Lady HE Jeannette Kagame who was the Guest of Honor said: “When we talk about a safe family, it does not necessarily mean the one that is not living in war or conflict zone. A safe family is the one living a good life, ready to live in harmony and understands better that Rwanda starts from their family.’  Adding that a safe family should understand that ‘a child is the family’s pride, hence giving birth while considering their financial means and the country’s ability to raise him/her.’

The First lady added that celebrating women’s day is also an opportunity to look back and celebrate the success gained in protecting and promoting women and girls in Rwanda.

The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Amb. Soline Nyirahabimana reiterated that although a lot has been achieved vis-à-vis women empowerment, she called for joint efforts to combat social challenges that affect the family welfare: ‘Let’s work together, women and men to address issues that hamper our families. These challenges include: domestic conflicts that lead to divorces, teenage pregnancies, malnutrition and stunting, delinquency, increasing women’s access to finance so that they empower themselves.

HE Jeannette Kagame also challenged Government officials and partners to work hard to address these social challenges especially teenage pregnancies, stressing on giving justice to victims by apprehending perpetrators.

The International Women’s Day was observed countrywide at sector level under the theme: ‘Together, Let’s Build a Safe Family.’ This year, marks the 44^th time since Rwanda started celebrating Women’s Day, a day that was recognized by the United Nations in 1975 to acknowledge women’s achievements and their role in country’s development.