Rwf2.5 billion for women leadership centre of excellence

At least Rwf2.5 billion will be spent on the construction of a centre of excellence for women leadership in Gahanga sector, Kicukiro District.

Monday, November 09, 2015
Senate vice president Jeanne D'arc Gakuba and Pro-Femmes Twese Hamwe chairperson Jeanne d'Arc Kanakuze, plant a tree during Umuganda. (Timothy Kisambira)

At least Rwf2.5 billion will be spent on the construction of a centre of excellence for women leadership in Gahanga sector, Kicukiro District.

The centre will be constructed by Pro-Femmes Twese Hamwe, a national women’s organisation.

Pro-Femmes Twese Hamwe Chairperson Jeanne d'Arc Kanakuze talks to residents of Gahanga in Kicukiro district after the community work.

The the first phase of the construction is expected to be completed by January next year, Jeanne d’ Arc Kanakuze, the chairperson of Pro-Femmes Twese Hamwe, said.

"The centre will have different sections, including one for gender and family promotion activities, training and learning centre as well as apartments, conference rooms, entertainment and business activities to generate money for women’s economic transformation,” she said.

Some of Pro-Femmes Twese Hamwe members participate in the community work in Gahanga, Kicukiro district.

The development was announced on Saturday as the umbrella organisation which brings together 56 women associations carried out community work at the site reserved for the centre.

"It will be a centre for regional and international guests to learn about our model and activities on gender promotion. It will have programmes to teach about gender and fighting violence, but also the ultimate vision is to help women be self-reliant,” Kanakuze said.

Residents of Gahanga in Kicukiro district participate in the community work on Saturday.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Speaker of Senate, Jean D’arc Gakuba, urged the women to increase efforts geared towards social transformation for vulnerable citizens, especially women.

"The residents of Gahanga Sector will be primary beneficiaries of this centre. It is commendable progress by the umbrella of women that will improve family and gender promotion efforts. The umbrella should ensure it delivers on social transformation in this area,” she said.

Pro-Femmes Twese Hamwe's new building that is under construction in Gahanga, Kicukiro district. T.Kisambira

"We want to see results on eradicating illiteracy, family planning, health insurance but above all business development to achieve self reliance.”

Gakuba also used the occasion to urge residents to fight malnutrition, especially among children under five.

Jeanne D'arc Gakuba (C), the Senate Vice president joins residents of Gahanga in Kicukiro district to participate in community work on Saturday.

She pledged to help mobilise support to contribute to the construction of the centre of excellence.

A resident of Gahanga in Kicukiro district participates in community work. (All photos by Timothy Kisambira)

At the same occasion, the organisation provided health insurance premiums for 100 families. editorial@newtimes.co.rw