Oxfam donates 70 cows to women

EASTERN REGION NYAGATARE - Oxfam Great Britain on Thursday donated 70 cross-breed cows to members of COTABORU Twuzuzanye Women’s Cooperative in Rukomo Sector, Nyagatare District.

Saturday, August 08, 2009
Cross breed cattle donated under the One cow per family program (File photo).

EASTERN REGION

NYAGATARE - Oxfam Great Britain on Thursday donated 70 cross-breed cows to members of COTABORU Twuzuzanye Women’s Cooperative in Rukomo Sector, Nyagatare District.

Innocent Hitayezu, the Ag Country Director Oxfam GB Rwanda, who handed over the cows to the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Dr. Jeane d’Arc Mujawamariya, said the donation was in line with the Rwanda government’s poverty eradication programmes.

 "Helping women is our priority. This is why, whenever we want to offer any kind of support we first consider vulnerable women and orphans,” he said.

Hitayezu added that apart from providing milk to the beneficiaries, the cows are also meant to foster unity and reconciliation.

Mujawamariya, commended the district for promoting development activities and empowering women.

"There is always rapid development when it starts from women and later extends to men and children. I thank the district for the strong support in promoting women’s welfare,” she said, calling on residents to ensure proper feeding for their children in order to avoid nutritional diseases.

The minister warned residents against producing many children in order to avoid population explosion.

"Family planning should be promoted in order for your sector to become the role model.

First of all you have electricity which I think offers you the best chance to develop your area,” she added.

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