Women in Ngororero, and elsewhere in the country, have been assured of strong collaboration in tackling persistent challenges that hinder their progress. This promise was made by the Speaker of Parliament, MP Gertrude Kazarwa, during Women’s Day celebrations held on Saturday, March 8, in Ngororero District, Western Province, where she was the guest of honour. ALSO READ: For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment “All that we have achieved today is thanks to the good governance under the leadership of His Excellency Paul Kagame,” Kazarwa said. “However, we acknowledge the obstacles that still limit women’s development, including limited access to financial resources, misconceptions about gender equality, women’s predominance in unpaid labour, lack of confidence in engaging with financial institutions, and the low number of women venturing into income-generating businesses.” WATCH: Ngororero residents celebrate International Women's Day, during national level celebrations under the theme ‘Empowered Women, Stronger Nation.’ Thousands of people assembled in Gatenga Cell, Hindiro Sector, Ngororero District, to mark the occasion on Saturday, March 8.... pic.twitter.com/EBI9YB56Q1 — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) March 8, 2025 ALSO READ: Resilient women, resilient minds: celebrating women in mental health Kazarwa said that Parliament is committed to working closely with all relevant institutions to find lasting solutions to these challenges. She called for greater solidarity among women, urging them to uplift one another for collective progress, and emphasized the importance of education in securing a prosperous future, encouraging parents to ensure that their children remain in school. ALSO READ: Agnès Kayijire: From tough refugee childhood to serving in Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum Empowering families in need As part of the Women’s Day celebrations, various support initiatives were rolled out to uplift vulnerable families in Matyazo and Hindiro area. Beneficiaries received 10 cows, 268 goats, 1,700 chickens, 76 water tanks (each with a 1,000-liter capacity), 106 modern cooking stoves, and food supplies for families whose crops had been damaged. #IWD2025: A woman is of value. Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolee Uwimana, shares a special message to Rwandan women and girls in celebration of International Women’s Day. : @MugwizaO /TNT pic.twitter.com/Ds2Zam0sXY — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) March 8, 2025 Clementine Nyirahabineza, a resident of Butare village in Matyazo Sector, received a cow. Beaming with joy, she talked about the impact the gift would have on her welfare. “I am so grateful to receive this cow. It will improve my life by providing milk, manure for farming, and an opportunity to earn income from its products,” she said. ALSO READ: BNR calls on banks to drive financial inclusion for women Emmanuel Havugimana from Binana Cell in Matyazo who received a water tank highlighted its significance in addressing water shortages and preventing soil erosion in the hilly region. “These tanks will help us store rainwater, which is crucial for those of us living in steep areas where water access is difficult. It will save our children from being obliged to trek long distances to fetch water, allowing them to focus more on their studies,” he said. For Josephine Mukanyana, a single mother raising five children, the two goats she received represent an opportunity for economic empowerment. “I plan to take good care of them so that they multiply. This will help me build a stable livelihood for my family,” she said. In Rwanda, the celebration was observed under the theme “Empowered Women, Stronger Nation.” Internationally, the day was marked with the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” The celebrations served as a reminder that empowering women is essential to national development, and through collective effort, the barriers holding women back can be overcome.
