Women are the backbone of every nation, which is why they are honoured and celebrated, said Mount Kigali University (MKU) Vice Chancellor, Dr Martin Kimemia, as he paid tribute to the vital role of women in community development. At Mount Kigali, we believe in inclusion and have created an environment where everyone can thrive. I commend our women for seizing opportunities, taking on responsibilities, and driving the university’s progress. Today, women hold key decision-making positions at MKU and are among the major forces behind our institution’s growth. Their influence is felt everywhere, from top management to the student guild council, he added. Reaffirming its commitment to women's empowerment through education, MKU joined Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD). Faculty members and students, led by Dr Joyce Kirabo, participated in the event and donated personal hygiene products and study materials to the school. Speaking at the occasion, Kirabo emphasised the importance of accelerating efforts towards empowering women. At Mount Kigali University, we recognise that our country has emerged from a dark history, one that requires the voices of women to be heard at all levels. We believe in empowering all generations through education, and we place particular emphasis on educating girls. When you educate a woman, you educate a nation, she stated. Kirabo also highlighted MKU’s efforts in promoting girls’ education through strategic partnerships, including a collaboration with the Imbuto Foundation. One of our key initiatives is signing an MOU with the Imbuto Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting girls' education. Through this partnership, we are committed to providing opportunities for students from economically challenged backgrounds, ensuring that financial difficulties do not hinder their access to quality education, she added. Dr Nadia Iradukunda from MKU’s School of Computing, Informatics, and Media Studies, urged students to take charge of their futures with vision, determination, and sacrifice. It’s up to you to decide who you want to be and commit to the journey. Success requires sacrifice; are you ready to do what it takes? If you dream of becoming a pilot, doctor, or leader, are you prepared for the challenges ahead? The world is demanding, and no one is going to hand it to you on a silver plate, so plan your path and aim high. Today, the sky is no longer the limit, she said. She also highlighted the power of collaboration in overcoming barriers ahead. No one succeeds alone. No man is an island. We all need each other. The friend beside you might change your life. We rise by lifting others, she added. Samiah Millycent Naswa, Dean of Students at Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology, expressed gratitude for the initiative, emphasising its significance in inspiring young women. This gesture from Mount Kigali University goes beyond just material support; it sends a strong message to our students that they are seen, valued, and supported. It is through such acts of kindness that we continue to build a culture of empowerment for young women in Rwanda, she remarked. Darlene Cyizere Rwamuka , Head Prefect of Gashora Girls Academy, also shared her thoughts, acknowledging the role of higher education institutions in shaping the future of young women. As young women, seeing institutions like Mount Kigali University stand with us and invest in our future is incredibly motivating. It reassures us that we are on the right path and that our dreams are valid, she said. International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. IWD has been observed for well over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. Last weekend was all about the women who shape the world, and the pillars of strength across generations, to honour their grace, resilience, and the timeless impact they leave behind.
