As Rwanda deepens its focus on building an inclusive, knowledge-driven economy, young women are being urged to take up space in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and leadership. At Girls Conference 2026 at the University of Rwanda, leaders and students emphasised that empowering girls is no longer optional, but essential to national transformation. The two-day conference, held from March 21 to 22 at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV), brought together more than 500 participants under the theme “Empowered Girls for Future Readiness: Skills, Innovation, Impact,” and was organized through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Rwanda. Participants are students from the University of Rwanda and other partner universities from Rwanda and across Africa, including Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program which supports academically talented young people facing socio-economic challenges across Rwanda and Africa, 70 per cent of whom are girls and young women. Through panel discussions and interactive sessions, participants explored topics including women’s participation in STEM, entrepreneurship, leadership, strategies for closing persistent gender gaps, and the values needed for females to realize their full potential. The conference also highlighted how national policies and partnerships are opening pathways for girls to build skills, innovate, and take on leadership roles in shaping a more inclusive, knowledge-based economy. Research presentations by postgraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars and alumni also showcased innovative solutions in health, education, energy, and digital technology, demonstrating how young women are contributing to solving real-world challenges. Empowerment and leadership beyond academics While opening the conference, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Associate Professor Didas Kayihura Muganga, said empowering women has a multiplier effect that extends far beyond individuals. “When women are empowered, the product is always multiplied,” he said. “It impacts families, communities, and entire nations.” He urged participants to look beyond academic success and embrace a broader vision of impact, noting that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program goes beyond financial support to build full-rounded leaders. “The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda moves far beyond the scholarship. It is about a 360-degree transformation, equipping young people with knowledge, skills, mindset, and the ability to influence change,” he stated. Policy perspective on women’s empowerment Silas Ngayaboshya, Director General of Gender Promotion and Women Empowerment at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, underscored the central role of girls and women in Rwanda’s development agenda. “Sustainable development will not be achieved by including girls at the margins,” he said. “It will be achieved by placing them at the centre as leaders, innovators, and decision-makers.” He highlighted Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2, 2024/25–2028/2029) and the Gender Policy (2021) as key frameworks guiding the country’s vision of an inclusive, resilient, knowledge-based economy. “Women and girls are not beneficiaries of development but drivers of transformation,” he added. He emphasised that empowerment requires not only expanding opportunities but also shifting mindsets and dismantling structural and cultural barriers. “Empowering girls is not only about expanding opportunities. Rather, transforming the norms, systems, and mindsets that hold them back as well,” he said. He also called for collective responsibility in advancing gender equality, noting that institutions, communities, and individuals, including men and boys must work together to create an environment where every girl can thrive. “True transformation requires all of us,” he said. “We must actively build a society where every girl can lead without limitation.” Students share inspiration and personal impact For many students, the conference was more than a learning platform; it was a source of inspiration and a turning point. Nadia Umulisa, a third-year Social Work student at the University of Rwanda, said the experience broadened her perspective and strengthened her confidence to take bold steps. “I am now in a position to lend a hand to others as well. I will use this opportunity to pave the way and bridge existing gaps at both the national and individual levels. I will add more bricks, just like others did,” she said. Emerance Uwera, a Master’s student in Data Science specialising in Data Mining, said progress is already visible, even in fields traditionally dominated by men. “We now have more examples of achievers. My area of specialisation is new, and we expected more men, but I also joined. My younger sister will admire my path and may join the movement as well. If I did it, she can too. My future will depend on what I am doing now,” she said. The Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda, Associate Professor Anne Marie Kagwesage, reminded participants of the opportunities available to them and encouraged them to make the most of their time at the University. “Once you are at the university, you already have the opportunity to lead. Start where you are and contribute in every way you can,” she said. While officially closing, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Strategic Planning and Administration at the University of Rwanda, Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, thanked all participants for attending the conference and requested the girls to always strive to grow. “Don’t always try to fit into existing spaces; also create new spaces for yourself and for others,” the Deputy Vice Chancellor said. Regional collaboration and shared learning The conference also served as a hub for regional collaboration, bringing together participants from partner universities across Africa, including South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, and Kenya, fostering cross-cultural exchange of ideas and experiences. Organisers said the goal is to develop a new generation of transformative leaders, young people who are academically capable, service-oriented, and committed to driving social and economic change.
