A total of 73 awards were received by women and institutions in line with acknowledging and appreciating the roles they played in building Rwanda’s economy. They were recognised at a glamorous event dubbed “Rwanda Women in Business Awards (RWIBA) 2023,” held at Kigali Marriott Hotel on Friday, March 24, and organised by Thousand Hills Events Ltd. The Thousand Hills Events Manager, Nathan Ntaganzwa, pointed out that the awards in three categories were in line with celebrating wins and sharing achievements to motivate people and businesses. There was also an additional category where judges selected two women who have been supporting and encouraging other women to succeed but never looked for their own fame. “In that category we recognised a woman of honour. It was won by the Rwanda Transparency International boss, Marie Imaculee Ingabire, for her contribution, and the unsung hero, which was Mary Balikungeri,” Ntaganzwa said. According to Ntaganzwa, the winner of the unsung hero award through her NGO, as the Founder and Director of Rwanda Women's Network, contributed a lot in helping and empowering women in various ways. The uniqueness of this year’s edition included the fact that 30 women, one from each of the country’s districts, were recognised and awarded for their distinctive services and leadership roles in championing the development of their communities. Commenting on the way forward, Ntaganzwa disclosed that together with different partners they will do follow-ups on the winners and those who failed to get to the finals to help them improve and grow in several ways. The Executive Secretary of the National Women’s Council, Jackline Kamanzi Masabo, commended Thousand Hills events ltd for the initiative to empower women and all supporters for their contribution towards RWIBA 2023. Masabo pointed out that the National Women's Council recognizes the tireless efforts that women have made in advancing the country despite the challenges they face. She noted that it is not always easy for them, but they continue to fight for progress. “We are very proud of you women wherever you are, whatever you do, you are passionate, and courageous when it comes to the love for your family, society, and country. And that is what made you do more than what people expect,” she added. Masabo promised continuous support to such initiatives aimed at empowering and celebrating women. She noted that such events send a message to the world and encouraged others to contribute to the country’s development. Angelique Nyiransabimana, a farmer from Ngororero District who won an award as a community builder, expressed her gratitude to the organisers and sponsors of the event. “This award is motivation, inspiration, encouragement and also empowering to us all women in general and especially to us in rural areas,” she noted. Nyiransabimana pointed out that this was the first award she received since she started farming as a career. She urged other women to stand up and work, saying that they are able just like their male counterparts. She currently distributes vegetables in eight schools as well as employs fellow women among her other achievements and contributions toward the country’s development. In general, RWIBA, as an annual event that started in 2022, aims to promote diversity and inclusion by showcasing Rwanda's progress towards inclusivity goals, especially in the health, agriculture, manufacturing, and education sectors.
