The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations marked the International Day of Rural Women, which is celebrated annually on October 15, by donating 100 water tanks to families in Gicumbi District.

This gesture is part of their commitment to recognising the vital role and contribution of rural women, including rural women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security, and eradicating rural poverty.

The celebration in Rwanda was hosted in Gicumbi District, Rubaya sector, and brought together hundreds of women, along with their male counterparts, government officials, and dignitaries from international organizations, including FAO.

Coumba Sow, FAO’s representative in Rwanda, spoke about the purpose behind this donation, emphasising its significance in celebrating the invaluable contribution of Rwandan women to the transformation of agri-food systems in the country.

She stated, "An equipped woman is a successful woman! We are pleased to support 100 women and their families with these tanks, providing them with immediate access to water.”

One of the beneficiaries of FAO’s water-tank donation, Victoria Mbabayiki, 53, expressed her gratitude for the support. She explained how the water tanks would save the time she would otherwise spend fetching water from the community source, especially given her age.

She said, "My husband and I will now have more time for other activities. Daily trips to the community source were challenging for us, as our children who used to assist are now married and living with their own families.”

Mbabayiki’s husband, Leonidas Ndagijimana, also appreciated FAO’s support, highlighting its practical uses. He stated, "We are delighted to have the water tank. It will serve our household needs, including cooking, washing, and providing water for our cows, which are in need of hydration.”

Another beneficiary, Vestine Mukandayisaba, shared her enthusiasm for the water tank, as it will help her family utilise rainwater collected from their roof during the rainy season.

She explained, "Previously, this water would go to waste, but now we can use it for various purposes, including irrigating our vegetable gardens.”

Her husband, Felicien Yambabariye, pointed out that their family resides some distance away from the community water source. Thus, the water tank will reduce the number of journeys they have to make to fetch water.