With the Women Deliver 2023 Conference (WD2023) just around the corner, the City of Kigali is ready to host a highly anticipated global event looking to, among others, catalyze collective action to advance gender equality and hold leaders accountable. It will commence on Monday, July 17, with pre-events beginning on Sunday, July 16. Besides the usual business oriented expectations, Kigali is filled with talk on how it will foster solidarity for sustainable solutions on gender equality. Delegates have high expectations as they hope to share experiences, and learn. ALSO READ: Six key things to know about Women Deliver Conference Mireille Batamuliza, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), emphasized the anticipated benefits of hosting Women Deliver. According to her the organization of side events and the participation of President Paul Kagame in a high-level panel will position Rwanda as a leader in advocating for women's involvement in healthcare technology and global women's health. It will enable us to highlight government initiatives in supporting women in business and share insights on overcoming challenges in business and trade. As for tourism, hosting the Women Deliver conference aligns with our objective of promoting Rwanda as a tourism-based economy and contributes to its realization, Batamuliza said. We are prepared to host this conference, with participants from over 160 countries. The government has diligently organized transportation services to ensure smooth arrivals and departures for delegates. Throughout the conference, regular shuttle services will be provided between side event venues at various hotels and the Kigali Convention Center. There are no scheduled road closures, as traffic police will be present to maintain smooth traffic flow as usual. We kindly urge the residents and business community of Kigali, as well as the districts hosting delegates visiting specific projects, to extend a warm welcome to our esteemed guests, she said. VOX-POP: Rwandans share views on equality ahead of Women Deliver Conference Rose Rwabuhihi, the Chief Gender Monitor at the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO), was excited about the wide range of topics that will be discussed. She especially looks forward to the opportunity to learn from other countries' approaches to gender equality, as well as sharing Rwanda's achievements and experiences. Rwabuhihi highlighted the significance of networking, forging alliances, and gaining insights into the challenges faced by different nations. Hosting the conference aligns perfectly with Rwanda's vision of an inclusive government. VOX-POP: International students on being a woman in Rwanda Annet Mwizerwa, a delegate from Health Development Initiative Rwanda (HDI), will speak at the conference. She noted that the event will have a significant impact on HDI's journey of advancing sexual reproductive health and rights. Mwizerwa emphasized the opportunity to reflect on their interventions, reiterate their commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and strengthen partnerships with the government and other stakeholders. She urged attendees to expect insightful discussions, learn from global leaders, and be reminded of their responsibilities in advancing gender equality.
