Empowering women for sustainable development

Towards the realization of MDGs in Rwanda By Grace Mugoya In 2000, during the United Nations Summit, World Leaders articulated eight critical goals and time-bound targets for governments to work to achieve by 2015 to reduce and tackle extreme poverty. Together, the targets are known as the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and include the following: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger • Achieve universal primary education• Promote gender equality and women’s empowerment• Reducing child mortality• Improve maternal health care• Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and 1other diseases• Ensure environmental conservation and water management• Develop a global partnership for Development Women for Women International (WfWI is among the development partners that have worked together with the government of Rwanda. According to country director Antoinette Uwimana the organization opened doors in Rwanda shortly after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. WfWI supports the most marginalized women to earn and save money, improve health and well-being, influence decisions in their home and community, and connect to networks for support. Currently, WfWI-Rwanda chapter is operating trainings and programs in six districts across the country: Kayonza, Rwamagana, Muhanga, Kicukiro, Nyaruguru and Gasabo. Most recently, the organization began programming and interventions in Nyaruguru. The decision to expand and invest in this district was in response to the significant development needs for programs and interventions that support women and the community. Women for Women International – Rwanda work and year-long program covers a variety of topics and skill areas thus that support Rwanda’s efforts to achieve 6 of the 8 MDGs. WfWI also gives direct support to women graduates to start their own businesses.

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Empowering women for sustainable development