Happy International Women’s Day 2026 to every woman and girl in Rwanda! Today we celebrate the role you play in driving the prosperity of households, communities and the entire nation. We commend your unyielding resilience in the face of adversity, and we stand in solidarity with you, reaffirming our steadfast commitment to advancing your rights and justice.

Today, gender equality stands at a crossroads. Rising conflicts, repression and political tensions across the globe are placing hard fought gains at risk of stagnation, and even worse, regression. Hence, this year, IWD 2026 is commemorated under the global theme "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” This is more than a call to action; it is a clear reminder that equality cannot remain aspirational. It must be secured through rights that are protected, justice that is promptly and impartially delivered, and bold, sustained action that leaves no woman or girl behind.

Rwanda’s remarkable journey of transformation is a clear embodiment of this year’s global theme, which is also closely linked to the national IWD 2026 theme: "Umugore ni uw’agaciro – Empowered Women, Stronger Nation,” affirming that a nation built on the foundations of gender equality and women`s inclusive leadership, is a nation that stands resilient, united and equipped to thrive. Through progressive laws, constitutional guarantees and far-reaching justice reforms, women’s rights have been placed at the heart of the country`s development. By translating global and regional commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of African Women, among others, into concrete action, Rwanda continues to showcase that advancing women’s rights is both a moral imperative and a smart investment for lasting development, peace and prosperity.

Moreover, with the near equal level of representation of women in the justice sector (52% of primary court judges in Rwanda and 48 % of national prosecutors) and global benchmark of women in Parliament (63.75%), Rwanda has continued to demonstrate that placing women as leaders across decision making bodies is paramount to ensuring that governance and judicial systems are positioned to uphold women’s rights and access to inclusive justice. Notable efforts were made in making rights and justice closer to local communities through innovative, survivor-centred, and integrated approaches such as Isange One Stop Centres, mobile legal aid clinics, gender desks in police stations and more.

However, despite commendable progress, major gaps persist. Harmful social norms, discrimination, and pervasive gender-based violence continue to deny many women and girls the full protection of the law. The National Demographic Health Survey shows that 37% of women experience physical violence by age 15, and nearly half (46%) face intimate partner violence. This is clear evidence that legal reforms alone cannot dismantle entrenched norms or guarantee safety. Emerging threats such as technology facilitated violence, trafficking for sexual exploitation, and persistent sexual harassment further show much needs to be done to strengthen accountability systems. At the same time, underfunding of justice and protection services puts progress at risk. These realities underscore an urgent need for coordinated, multisectoral action that tackles harmful norms, strengthens accountability, and ensures predictable financing of systems so that every woman and girl can fully realise her rights and access justice without fear.

This year, Rwanda will serve as vice-chair of the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), taking place from 9-19 March 2026 in New York. This forum represents a critical moment to globally promote Rwanda’s hard-won gains fought for across decades and translate global commitments into tangible actions at national level.

As we commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, Rwanda's leadership on the global stage also compels us to reflect locally: What do rights and justice truly mean for women and girls? And why is protecting them so essential to achieving equality? UN Women Executive Director, Sima Bahous reminds us: "When women and girls are denied justice, the damage goes far beyond any single case. Public trust erodes, institutions lose legitimacy, and the rule of law itself is weakened. A justice system that fails half the population cannot claim to uphold justice at all.” This stark reminder urges us to look beyond commitments and confront the systemic barriers that continue to limit women’s access to justice.

Early in my career as a young advocate working in remote communities in Ethiopia, I often spoke with local groups about what our laws and policies say regarding the rights of women and girls. One day, a journalist approached me after such a discussion. He said the conversation had stayed with him, and soon after, he pursued a case of an infant who had been defiled by an elderly man, determined that the crime would not remain hidden or unpunished. His persistence helped bring justice for a child who could not speak for herself. That moment has stayed with me ever since, reminding me that laws and policies only become meaningful when communities talk about them, challenge harmful norms, and take action. In this regard, men and boys, whether fathers, brothers, community leaders, or peers, have a critical role to play, alongside professional and community organizations, faith-based groups, the media, and all members of society. It is in all of our hands to ensure that laws and policies are translated into real opportunities, protection, and justice for women and girls.

Because real change depends on action at every level, UN Women, together with the wider UN system, remains steadfast in partnership with the Government of Rwanda and all actors across the development ecosystem to advance the rights of women and girls. From supporting legislative reforms and strengthening gender-responsive policies to promoting women’s leadership and expanding access to justice for survivors of violence, our commitment is unwavering.

The true measure of progress will lie in translating these actions into everyday realities. Only through sustained collaboration, bold investments and shared accountability, can we ensure that every woman and girl in Rwanda lives with dignity and equality, under full protection of the law to enjoy and embrace their rights.

The author is UN Women Acting Country Representative to Rwanda