High school girls mark Women's Day through debate

Last Saturday, Rwandan high school girls from various schools joined the international community to mark Women’s Day as Rwanda continues to make significant strides in leveling the playing field for males and females today across various clusters of development.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Sister Marie Eugenie Kairaba, the headmistress of FAWE, gives certificates to the students who participated in the debate. (Hudson Kuteesa)

Last Saturday, Rwandan high school girls from various schools joined the international community to mark Women’s Day as Rwanda continues to make significant strides in leveling the playing field for males and females today across various clusters of development.

At FAWEGrils Rwanda based in Gisozi, it was not only a day of looking at women’s past struggles and accomplishments but also of seeking ways of nourishing the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.

To mark the day, FAWE Rwanda alumni organised an event at their alma mater dubbed "Girls empowerment is progress for all”.

The main activity of the event was a debating competition that featured students from Gashora Girls, Rwamagana Lutheran School, FAWE Gahini and FAWE Gisozi (the hosts).

Rwamagana Lutheran School emerged the winners and walked away with the trophy after locking horns with FAWE Gahini in the finals. All the participants were awarded with certificates of participation.

The chief organiser of the event, Sandra Teta, said they chose to celebrate the day by organising a debate because it helps empower girls both academically and outside school.

Sister Marie Eugenie Kairaba, the headmistress, expressed gratitude to the alumni for organising the event.

"Debate is a way of empowering the girls. We promise the alumni that we shall work with the children and teachers to bring success our way,” she said.

The girls also received mentorship from various motivational speakers.

Iza Irame, the chief executive officer of Alliance Africa Group, urged girls to be bold on their journey to greatness.

"People expect you to be a mother, both at home and at work. But as a CEO, I got a chance to be treated just like the men. The least you can do is to do your best. You may not have the best grades but it does not make you imperfect,” she said.

The day featured entertainment acts, specifically music, where, among other performances, Angerita Kagaju from Rwamagana Lutheran School excited the audience with her maestro skills on the guitar.