Seven female officers who were promoted to the rank of Colonel in December 2023. (Top, L-R): Col. Lydia Bagwaneza, Col. Stella Uwineza, and Col. Seraphine Nyirasafari. (Bottom, L-R): Col. Lausanne N. Ingabire, Col. Belina Kayirangwa, Col. Betty Dukuze, and Col. Marie Claire Muragijimana. Courtesy.
As Rwanda joins the world in marking the International Women’s Day (IWD) this Friday, March 8, it also marks the country’s three-decade journey of championing women’s rights and empowerment.
Today, although not on a perfect scale, women are seen everywhere, in all careers, and decision-making positions, among other walks of life. The World Economic Forum ranks Rwanda as the most gender-equal country in Africa and sixth in the world.
This year’s IWD will be commemorated under the theme "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” In light of this, The New Times has compiled photos of a cross-section of women in their respective fields of work to highlight Rwanda’s efforts in investing in women.
Some of the 2,072 officers, who were part of the 19th Basic Police Course (BPC), Dduring Police Cadet pass-out, intake 11, in 2021, at the Police Training School (PTS) Gishari, in Rwamagana District. Photo by Olivier Mugwiza
Esther Mbabazi was the first female in Rwanda to be certified as a commercial airline pilot.
Leading women in Rwanda’s banking sector, (L-R) Patience Mutesi, Managing Director of BPR Bank, Christine Baingana, CEO of Urwego Bank, Kampeta Sayinzoga, CEO of Rwanda Development Bank., Diane Karusisi, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Kigali, (Bottom L-R) Lina M. Higiro, CEO of NCBA Bank, Beata Habyarimana, CEO of BK Group, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Deputy Governor of Central Bank, Carine Umutoni, CEO of ECOBANK.
Rwanda Women’s Sitting Volleyball team celebrates victory after defeating East African rivals Kenya 3-0 in the final on February 3, to win the Africa Zone Sitting Volleyball Competition and qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
A lecturer during a class at the University of Rwanda, Gikondo Campus. Photo by Craish Bahizi
A mechanic on duty at Akagera Motors in 2023.
A teacher inspects how girls practice what they learn at FAWE Girls School in Kigali.
Multi-award winning actress Eliane Umuhire. Photo by Willy Mucyo
Businesswoman Erica Mbanda serving coffee in her coffee shop in Kigali. File photo
Camerawomen conduct an interview with Rwanda’s women’s cricket team captain Gisèle Ishimwe at Gahanga Stadium
Construction engineer Lise Isaro Katangulia, who supervised the development of Phase 3 of Norrsken Kigali House, a multi-story building.
Doreen Karehe in one of the greenhouses where she grows juicy strawberries. The trained lawyer took off her legal gown to focus on horticulture. Photo by Olivier Mugwiza
Dr Inyange is Rwanda's youngest neurosurgeon, and one of the two neurosurgeons in the country.
Fashion designer Sonia Mugabo in her showroom. File photo
Miners at a Rulindo-based mining site. Photo by Craish Bahizi
MP Fatuma Ndangiza was awarded for her commitment to gender equality and women’s advancement in Rwanda. Courtesy photo
Reine Imanishimwe, one of the very few and dedicated women in her line of work, also goes by the moniker, ‘Carpentry Queen’.
Renowned Rwandan disc jockey, Sonia Kayitesi, popularly known as DJ Sonia.
Solange Uwingabiye, a taxi moto rider.
Seven female officers who were promoted to the rank of Colonel in December 2023. (Top, L-R): Col. Lydia Bagwaneza, Col. Stella Uwineza, and Col. Seraphine Nyirasafari. (Bottom, L-R): Col. Lausanne N. Ingabire, Col. Belina Kayirangwa, Col. Betty Dukuze, and Col. Marie Claire Muragijimana. Courtesy.