SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA — Women in Muhanga District have given President Paul Kagame an award of an art piece in recognition of his efforts in spearheading gender equality.

The award was received by the Minister of Local Government, Protais Musoni on behalf of the President, at a function to celebrate Kagame’s past gender award.

President Kagame received the gender award last year in recognition of his efforts in promoting gender balance and women involvement in leadership roles in Africa.

During the function at Gitarama Stadium on Friday, hundreds of women danced and chanted in recognition of their own role in development.

Led by Musoni, the women chanted: "We children of Rwanda will build this country into a paradise.”

The women committed themselves to promoting democracy and supporting government’s bid to empower women.

At the ceremony, all the 12 administrative sectors of the district presented their development goals and performance contracts for 2008.

The presentations highlighted women’s involvement in social-economic activities, environmental protection and leadership roles. On average, women participation stands at 35-45 percent in the sectors.

"Apart from Kigali City, Muhanga is the first upcountry district to celebrate the award and this shows that there have been tremendous steps made by women in development and leadership. Other districts should learn from this example and celebrate likewise,” Musoni said.

He asked women to work together and collaborate so as to attain development and disseminate the good ideas to all Rwandans.

He also noted that the journey of building the country should be everyone’s commitment which needs to be done quickly.

Speaking at the function, various women indicated that men have previously blocked their bid to carry on leadership roles.

Fidel Ndayisaba, the area governor challenged men to respect the rights of women and support women’s efforts in transforming social and economic status of the communities.

In the meantime, a Muhanga-based art and craft cooperative (Coporwa), Rugendabari, and the administrative sectors also received awards in recognition of their role in promoting women in development.

As part of the celebrations, a football match was played between Nyamabuye and Shogwe women’s football teams which ended in 2-0 in favour of Shogwe. Various women leaders in the province also attended the function.

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