To round off the first day of the ongoing Women Deliver Conference 2023 (WD2023), presently taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, delegates attended Culture Night, an opportunity for the host country to showcase its rich traditions and cultural heritage. Women Deliver conference brought together over 6,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds and fields of expertise worldwide to discuss ways to advance gender equality and advocate for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of girls and women everywhere. ALSO READ: Women Deliver: Rwanda’s Isange One Stop Centre model takes centre stage at ministerial forum The Culture Night took place, at BK Arena, right after the conference's opening ceremony, providing Rwanda with center stage to entertain attendees with a vibrant celebration of its unique customs and heritage. The evening began with an array of tasteful foods and snacks for attendees to savor as they went through different exhibitions on Rwandan culture, fashion, creativity, and technology ventures headlined by mostly youth. ALSO READ: Inspiring change: Expectations of Women Deliver Conference participants Of seemingly particular interest were the traditional dance performances, as both locals and foreigners joined in, taking turns trying their hand at the rhythmic movements and lively steps. Sadia Hussein, a delegate from Kenya, expressed her excitement for the Women Deliver conference and her stay in Rwanda, saying, I am thrilled to be a part of this global gathering that brings together individuals committed to driving gender equality. Now, what better way to network with such people other than at a night filled with delicious food and music. Elisha Gachaga, equally enthusiastic, also shared his thoughts on the conference and his time in Rwanda, stating, Being here at Women Deliver 2023 in Rwanda is a remarkable experience. The energy and passion that I see in every participant and the beauty of this country's culture have left me deeply inspired. I believe this conference will create a lasting impact, and I am grateful to be a part of it and all the fun that comes with it. ALSO READ: First Lady roots for women’s bodily autonomy, welfare The Women Deliver Conference 2023 seeks to unite individuals, organisations, and policymakers in collective action to address the challenges hindering progress toward gender equality. With its 'Spaces and Solutions' theme, the conference aims to create empowering spaces for the feminist movement, while urging leaders to be accountable and fostering a groundswell of voices for gender equality. Throughout the week, delegates and speakers will engage in plenaries, concurrent sessions, skills-building workshops, pre-conferences, side events, exhibitions, dialogue sessions, and regional partner events.
