National International Women's Day 2024 Celebrations in Rwanda

Theme: “30 years: Women in the country’s development”

In Rwanda, the national IWD celebrations convened over 6000 participants at the Kigali BK Arena, the biggest sports complex, to celebrate Rwanda's remarkable journey towards gender equality and women`s empowerment over the past 30 years. Bringing together women leaders, government and development partners, youth, CSOs, security organs, HeForShe champions and media. The event provided a platform for an interactive engagement with the President of the Republic as the lead HeForShe champion with the public on issues of VAW, Women economic empowerment, unpaid care work etc. This was another opportunity for him to reaffirm his commitments on forging progress on women’s empowerment and gender equality.

Speaking at the event, H.E Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda emphasized and commended the critical role that women played in the liberation of the country and emphasized that women are foundational to the development of families, communities, and the nation. Stating that leaving them behind not only presents challenges for women, but ultimately for all national development targets.

Additionally, President Paul Kagame strongly condemned the prevalence of GBV and called for zero tolerance towards any form of violence or discrimination towards women and girls.

He called for women to take up leadership roles intentionally and enthusiastically in their direct environments and beyond.

“A woman is a pillar of a family and holds great responsibility at the household level and external matters. Therefore, it is comprehensible to give women their rights, with no barriers to her wellbeing and development.” H.E Paul Kagame said.

Photo Caption: H.E Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda speaking at the IWD national celebration at BK Arena. Photo courtesy of the Newtimes.

Also, different women spoke, sharing their resilient contributions to key sectors including the Chief Gender Monitor, the Chairperson of the National Women`s Council, the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda as well as three young women who have excelled as entrepreneurs and leaders across various disciplines.

The Chief Gender Monitor, Ms. Nadine Umutoni, commended the progress made towards women`s leadership, highlighting their uptake of prominent speaking positions in parliament, private sector, government etc.

• She commended the progress made towards women`s leadership, highlighting their uptake of prominent speaking roles in parliament.
• Highlighted that women’s entrepreneurship is on the rise, and that all must work collectively to ensure that gains are not only sustained but built on to ensure even further progress.

Ms. Belancille Nyirajyambere, Chairperson of National Women's Council

Speaking at the ceremony, Bellancille Nyiramajyambere, President of the National Women Council, noted that the IWD is a day to reflect on women's contribution to national development across sectors, mentioning that the progress made so far was enabled by different policies and laws that advanced gender equality and accelerated women in different leadership positions.

"Women and young girls continue to pursue STEM courses, taking part in commercial agriculture, forming cooperatives, and accessing capital in financial institutions, making savings and leveraging technology while working together with men to support their families."

Hon. Soraya Munyana Hakuziyaremye, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda commended the nation’s collective efforts towards providing access to mobile banking services for rural women in every district, enhancing their access to markets and financial opportunities.

She also highlighted that great strides have been made in the financial sector, given that the majority of banks in Rwanda are led by women.

Testimonies by Young Women leaders

Colonel Stella Uwineza, a senior military officer and a member of the Rwanda Air Force, a branch of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is among seven women who were recently promoted to the rank of Colonel from Lieutenant Colonel. She emphasized that women can also contribute to the nation`s security and play a critical role to ensure that peace is maintained. She encouraged women to get rid of preconceived gender roles, and to simply pursue their passion.

Beatrice Dushimimana, a young woman leader in agriculture also shared her testimony of her contribution to the development of the country, to inspire other young women and girls.

She encouraged all young women to prioritize saving schemes, as her accomplishments were the direct result of her emphasis towards saving to finance her business and growth.

Ebenezer also shared her journey towards economic independence as a tech woman in construction, highlighting how in pursuit of her passion she moved to South Sudan to be a part of a small start-up. Her story showcased that through determination and a willingness to learn, women are able to succeed wherever they are placed, but that women should also take risks, and be open to the opportunities that are presented to them. She now runs her own business together with her sister.

In addition, the UNCT was heavily represented under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo and the UN Women Country Representative, Ms. Jennet Kem took the opportunity to interact with a cross-section of participants on the theme.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the Q&A Session with H.E Paul Kagame, the President

• The president encouraged young girls to stay committed to their education and to not shy away from ICT and STEM fields, as those are skills that will remain future proof and will continually present opportunities. He also encouraged young women to pursue entrepreneurship as a means to open pathways for their own prosperity and that of the nation.
• The president recognized women`s participation to the country`s development as a source of national pride, emphasizing that present day achievements are a result of women taking up leadership and decision-making roles across various sectors, which was not always the case in past years. He called for strengthened action and commitment to break all barriers that hinder women`s increased representation and meaningful participation in leadership.
• The president set forth a vision that all children in Rwanda should grow up with full recognition and understanding of their rights.
• Upon request from a young female footballer who highlighted the lack of reliable donors within the sport, the president committed to working towards consistent and reliable funding mechanisms for sporting initiatives in the country through the Ministry of Sports.