Women have made commendable contributions in the three-decade journey of rebuilding the country, however, they hold more untapped potential that can be leveraged for development, according to President Paul Kagame.
He made the remarks at the national celebration of International Women’s Day themed 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ bringing together thousands of women in different sectors across the country at BK Arena.
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Rwanda has made tremendous strides in women's empowerment over the past three decades since the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, to which they also demonstrated strengths in the liberation struggle as well as the rebuilding of the country.
The World Economic Forum ranks Rwanda as the most gender-equal country in Africa and sixth in the world, owing to different policies put in place to promote women in leadership positions, access to finance, and assured security.
The Head of State said that from liberating the country in 1994 with their presence on the battlefield, women have contributed to economic development of the country but most importantly restoring the essence of a Rwandan family.
"A woman is a pillar of a family and holds great responsibility since she’s asked household and external matters. So, what is not comprehensible about giving women their rights? There shouldn’t be any barrier to her wellbeing and development.”
Kagame emphasized that a woman cannot be excluded from the responsibility of building a nation, noting that they should take on leadership positions where decisions are made not because they are women but because it’s their right.
According to him, the same goes for other sectors such as economy, investment, business, and security, among others.
"A woman is development.” Why should women be left behind? If you do so, the negative impact is not on them but the country as a whole,” he said.
Kagame said that March 8 should be a reminder and serve as an example of the responsibility people hold in the development of Rwanda and allow women to own up their rights across different sectors.
"Women have strength that we have not yet tapped into for the development of our country.”
However, he noted that women should be the first to understand their rights and responsibilities, and not wait for it to be handed as a gift but claim it at whatever the cost.
"We all want development but often, we should ask ourselves where we were 10 or 15 years ago and evaluate where we are in our journey of development. We had vision 2020 and now 2050. We should question ourselves on what we did and the gap that remains.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Bellancille Nyiramajyambere, President of the National Women Council, noted that the IWD is a day to reflect on women's contribution to national development across sectors, mentioning that the progress made so far was enabled by different policies and laws that advanced gender equality and accelerated women in different leadership positions.
"Women and young girls continue to pursue STEM courses, taking part in commercial agriculture, forming cooperatives, and accessing capital in financial institutions, making savings and leveraging technology while working together with men to support their families."
The event featured various women who took the stage to share their development journey and commitment towards the country’s development.
For instance, Beatrice Dushimimana, an official of DB Ibeshaho Ltd, recounted her journey as an entrepreneur from Burera District of winning a tender bid worth Rwf300 million to supply schools in Burera, Kamonyi, and Muhanga districts.
"As a 28-year-old, I was able to construct my own house, I own a truck for logistic purposes, and in the journey towards Vision2050, I will be among Rwandans bidding for even bigger tenders. The secret is confidence, savings, and being part of cooperatives."