Rwandan women receive international award

The Women’s Network for Rural Development has received an international award in recognition of its role in transforming the lives of rural women in Rwanda. The organisation, commonly known in French as Reseau Des Femmes Oeuvrant Pour Le Development Rural, based at Kimihurura, Kigali City, was among the 44 organisations selected worldwide for this year’s International Star Award for Quality-awarded by a Switzerland-based Business Initiative Directions (BID). The awards that included a trophy, two gold medals and a certificate were handed over by the president of Business Initiative Directions, Jose E Pieto, to the organisation’s National Coordinator, Beata Busasa on September 6 in Geneva. Speaking to The New Times yesterday after returning to the country, a joyful Busasa said the award was a privilege to Rwandan women as a whole. “The award is an indication that what we do is recognised internationally. It is an inspiration for us to work even harder…,” she said. “It has given us confidence.” Bisasa, who was flanked by the organisation’s Executive Secretary, Odetta Musengimana, disclosed that they were also given a training manual on CD which will help them in their capacity building programmes. Recipients of the award are considered based on the level of innovation, management, leadership and the impact of the projects’ activities on the people, among other things. The Women’s Network for Rural Development was formed in 1986 to facilitate and simplify ways and means that can promote women in rural areas to participate in development activities. Ends