On  Saturday, Rwanda joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Women’s Day. The day was celebrated under the theme; "Empower women and girls to sustain families”.  

When I reflect back on what the yester-woman went through; staying home, taking care of the extended family, giving birth to as many children, economic disempowerment and deprivation of some rights, I am thankful that all this has changed. 

Our grandmothers lived difficult lives characterised by domestic violence and other abuses, and were greatly helpless as far as work and taking key decisions were concerned. 

Today, many women have reached the top in almost all aspects of business and life, including being presidents, prime ministers and CEOs of top global firms. Women are earning a decent living for themselves, raising healthy families and contributing immensely to their countries growth.

In Rwanda today, women have been inspired to dream big and explore their potential to be the change society needs. Women have been challenged to outdo themselves and achieve things beyond their dreams. Many women have joined the business arena as a result, which was not the case decades ago. The country’s leadership has supported the woman and assured her that she can do whatever she wants as a citizen as long as it empowers her and promotes harmony in society. The woman has not let the government down for this trust as she has been able to take on the best in business and other sectors and, hence, contribute constructively to the economy. 

The Rwandan woman has proven that politics, business and the academia are not a preserve of the men. Many a woman is manning top government ministries, departments, agencies and even private sector institutions. Women run entities are more transparent, with higher levels of accountability and performance. 

Having confidence in our abilities is essential to becoming successful professionals and good mothers. Although there’s a big demand to fulfill their responsibilities as mothers, they have managed to balance work and family.

As a working mother and a professional, I have been fortunate to interview many entrepreneurial women. At some point during the interviews, they all say the same thing: "When I’m working, I feel like I should be with my kids. But when I’m with my kids, I feel like I should be working.” But that doesn’t stop the woman from striving for success at work and as a mother. Woman has the power and ability to do both, and do them well. Though it’s not easy, it’s worth it.

The great poet Maya Angelou said: "When we come to it, we must confess that we are the possible, we are the miraculous, the true wonder of this world”. Empower a woman and you will achieve many things beyond your imagination… 

The writer is the head of communication and marketing at Private Sector Federation