Dear readers,

Tough times and circumstances at times drive people to do things that they are not proud of. These hardships have pushed some desperate women to the edge, seeking for ways to survive at whatever cost. They are the ladies of the night.  As much as society frowns upon what they do, they have mouths to feed and bills to pay. But with a different income generating activity, will they walk away from this shameful profession? Women Today’s Doreen Umutesi and Jackie Gatera visited Abihanganye ba Remera, a cooperative that is keen on helping these women earn a decent living while keeping their dignity intact. 

Last week, Rwanda hosted the Oxford Human Rights Conference on Women and Poverty which aimed at pushing women to take advantage of the government policy on women empowerment so as to achieve gender equality in employment and equal participation in development. Amongst the participants were Jeni Klugman, Director of Gender and Development at the World Bank. In an exclusive interview, she shares tips on her journey to the top and also gives an expert’s opinion on various development strategies that could aid the struggle to gender equality.

In the Ask the Doctor section, Dr. Rachna Pande advises women who struggle with excess hair all over their body, something that has proved  to be a hindrance to their self esteem.  

Flip through for these and other interesting stories. 

Have a great week ahead.