A latest UN report on global volunteerism has commended the role played by Rwandan women in reconstructing the country’s economy and restoring peace after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The report titled "the state of the world’s volunteerism report” was launched on Monday at a UN General Assembly in New York, to mark International Volunteer Day, which falls every December 5.

According to the report, after the Genocide, women played a significant role in rebuilding the country that had been devastated by political insurgencies.

It indicates that women formed groups and pre-war mutual associations that helped them establish savings and credit schemes to finance income generating activities.

Speaking to The New Times at the launch of the report’s Rwanda chapter, Ivan Dielens the UN Volunteer Programme Officer, said the country was among the few that have recognized the role of volunteerism in various areas, giving the monthly community work (Umuganda) as an example.

"Rwanda offers to the world examples of how volunteerism makes significant contribution towards peace and social development. The culture of volunteerism, like the community work and Gacaca, has contributed much towards the development in this country,” he said.

He added that about 40 UN volunteers are in the country working in various activities.

Jeanne d’Arc Gakuba, the Senate vice president, disclosed that women were able to participate in developing their country due to the government’s commitments toward gender promotion.

"We are able to work and develop our country because of the government’s commitment to equip women with enough knowledge and support,” she said.

eric.kabeera@newtimes.co.rw