SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA — Women in Muhanga district have hailed Non Government Organisations (NGO’s) in Rwanda for their contribution in uplifting the lives of rural women.

The women made the remarks during the district celebrations to mark the Day of the Rural Woman, held in Nyarusange sector last Thursday.

The function was officiated by Yvonne Mutakwasuku, the Muhanga Mayor and various district officials; under the theme: "Encourage rural women to join self help groups, to save and participate in decision making.”

The Mayor encouraged women to steer development initiatives in the district and lauded their efforts for promoting socio-economic change through joining cooperatives and saving schemes.

The women demonstrated change in their social welfare, affordable health outreach and human rights awareness, among other things- through songs, dances, poems and drama, and various testimonies.

"A rural woman has sought leadership roles because of various training on human rights provided by NGOs and encouragement from the government. Through working in cooperatives, she can now afford health services, education and contribute to family support,” said Françoise Mukarurema in her poetic testimony.

Some of the NGOs  leading the women empowerment campaign in Muhanga include: the African Evangelistic Enterprise (AEE), Young Women Christian Association and Women for Women International.

Most of the NGOs have capacity skills development and human rights awareness projects in the rural areas of the district. Most of their beneficiaries get support through establishing self-help groups and cooperatives.

On behalf of the NGOs, Augustine Nsabimana said: "There is a commitment to support rural women towards economic independence through integrated development, change of business mindset and addressing crosscutting issues like HIV/Aids, unity and reconciliation, environmental protection and human rights.”Nsabimana is the AEE Muhanga Coordinator.

AEE currently helps over 8,000 rural women in 428 self help groups which have savings amounting to Frw33millions. According to AEE officials, there is need to increase on the business mindset to improve circulation of money.

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