When feminist movements advocate for women's rights, they often emphasize the positive contributions that empowering women can have on their families, communities, and countries at large. But how exactly does this empowerment translate into tangible benefits? In Rwanda, a groundbreaking initiative has been transforming the lives of women, children, and the nation.
Recognizing unacceptably high rates of malnutrition, stunting, and developmental delays in children, the Rwandan government took decisive action in 2011 by introducing the pioneering Early Childhood Development (ECD) policy. It has been twelve years since its inception (and seven years since its review) and now we can fully grasp the profound impact it has had on Rwanda's economy, families, and, most importantly, our children.
Before the establishment of ECD centres, women working in tea and rice plantations faced tremendous challenges. Overworked and carrying their babies on their backs while toiling in the fields, their productivity was less than optimal. The lack of proper care for their children resulted in frequent illnesses and developmental delays due to cold exposure and limited opportunities for play. In the mining sector, women with children were subjected to discrimination, as employers were wary of the risks associated with employing mothers in high-risk sites, where most of the work was concentrated.
Many employers in the City of Kigali have started offering ECD centers at their workplace as well, to the relief of many office moms like me. This provides mothers the possibility to continue breastfeeding regularly beyond the statutory three months of maternity leave, giving their babies a chance to develop a stronger immune system. We also cannot overlook the improved physical and mental health benefits for the mothers as well, who often suffer silently as they strive to achieve a work-life balance.
These are just a few of the myriad challenges that ECD centres were designed to address. Since their establishment, employers have witnessed a surge in productivity, as women can now focus on their work with peace of mind, knowing their children are safe and well cared for.
For instance, tea plantations have recorded that women with toddlers are producing twice the amount they used to before the centres were established. Children are thriving and progressing as they should, benefiting from the holistic support provided during their crucial early developmental stages.
Furaha Claudine, an employee at Pink Mango, experienced a profound improvement in her work performance when she began utilizing the ECD centre. "My performance here at work improved dramatically when I started bringing my baby to our ECD centre," she shared. "Mentally, I can focus more on work because I know my baby is well cared for. Also, I still nurse her three times a day, which is something I wasn't able to do when I was leaving her at home."
The ECD framework encompasses six pillars that serve as primary areas of focus: nutrition, health, early learning, water, sanitation and hygiene, child protection and inclusion, and positive parenting education. Furthermore, ECD centers come in various models, including home-based facilities run by compassionate individuals who generously offer their homes, community-driven initiatives, and government-owned establishments. Currently, Rwanda has 31,271 ECD settings with 25,032 of them being home-based. That said, regardless of operating model, these centres are proving indispensable to Rwanda's economy and to human capital development. Jean Paul Nyandwi, a National Child Development Agency employee asserts that "Rwandans have bought into this program because they see the positive impact it is having”.
However, even though these centres are having a tangible impact, they are not without challenges. Predominantly reliant on volunteers, there is an urgent need for increased incentives to recognize dedication of unpaid caregivers who devote their time and skills to nurturing Rwanda's future generation. Additionally, the expansion and improvement of infrastructure, as well as provision of adequate learning materials, remain pressing priorities.
As we witness the transformative power of ECD centres in Rwanda, it is evident that empowering women and investing in the early development of children have far-reaching benefits.
Rwanda's approach illustrates that by championing women's rights and fostering a nurturing environment for children, societies have a better chance to flourish and thrive, and equity and prosperity can go hand in hand.
The writer is a mother and media personality who has consistently shared her challenges in achieving a harmonious equilibrium between her career and motherhood.