Editor,

RWANDAN WOMEN today are no longer those who stayed at home cooking for their families. They now run big businesses and government offices. And that’s because we have trust in their ability. What they are doing is changing the lives of Rwandans in an unprecedented way.

However, this wouldn’t have been the case without the inspiring support of the Government of Rwanda. With the First Lady being a role model herself, what else can’t Rwandan women have everything they need to go places. 

I solemnly remember how my own mother used to stay at home before 1994 until she was killed by the Interahamwe militia, but when I see how my own sister is the one who’s supporting me socially and economically, I thank God for the evolution of our women over the last two decades or so. 

In Rwanda, women outnumber men, and therefore if the former are not educated in economic and financial matters, then the country can hardly achieve its development goals. Women are the powerhouse of Rwanda. We should create conducive environments to facilitate them to prosper. 

When a woman takes a step forward, it’s a Rwandan family in particular, and the country in general that go forward towards our national goals of becoming a middle-income nation by 2020. 

Thank you First Lady, thanks for inspiring Rwandan women to dream big.

Mutara Intore, Rwanda

Reaction to the story, "Women’s roles have evolved – First Lady” (The New Times, April 18)