Empower Rwanda, a non-governmental organisation supporting women and youth, has been honoured as the Civil Society of the Year at the Rwanda Women in Business Awards.

The accolade recognises the organisation's exemplary efforts in promoting gender-responsive and inclusive quality education in Rwanda, as stated by the organisers, 1000 Hills Events.

The Rwanda Women in Business Awards commend and honour women's professional accomplishments. Awardees not only receive a physical award for display but also a digital badge for their website and printed materials, showcasing their status as an award-winning organisation.

During the award ceremony held at Lemigo Hotel on March 21, Olivia Promise Kabatesi, the founder and chairperson of Empower Rwanda, was recognised as the Best Female Advocate for Girl Child Education Rights.

She was commended for her dedication to advancing girls' rights to education in Rwanda, utilising her voice, leadership, and influence to drive positive change.

Speaking to The New Times, Kabatesi expressed pride in Empower Rwanda winning the Civil Society of the Year award, seeing it as a validation of the organisation's impactful work.

"Winning this award is very impressive and very encouraging, very empowering, because it shows that the public has illuminated us and voted for us. It's an indication that what we do is being recognised and is making an impact, which is our ultimate goal," she said.

Kabatesi highlighted the importance of the recognition, indicating that it motivates her and her team to work even harder towards their goal of advocating for girls' education rights, particularly for those who have faced sexual abuse and pregnancy.

The award serves as both a challenge and an encouragement for them to expand their efforts and ensure the sustainability of their achievements. Kabatesi emphasised the need for collaboration with partners and stakeholders to address the needs of vulnerable girls in Rwanda, ultimately aiming to achieve gender equality in education.

"It gives us a huge task ahead to make sure that we do more than we have been doing and also to make sure we sustain what we have already achieved," she said. "This is the only way that we can achieve gender equality, especially in the education sector."

On receiving the Female Advocate for Girl Child Education Rights award, Kabatesi said the award emphasises her passion for education and empowerment, particularly for girls.

"As an advocate for culture and education rights, I feel so humbled that the public believed in me and appreciated my work. I feel proud that my children will live in a better future where boys and girls are equal, especially in the education lens,” she said.

She highlighted the significance of education in providing individuals with options, reducing vulnerability to abuse, and fostering the ability to speak out against perpetrators.

Kabatesi sees the award as validation of her daily advocacy efforts and feels motivated to work even harder to create a better future, especially for girls facing various challenges.

She seeks to continue advocating for vulnerable girls, empowering them to advocate for themselves and integrate back into their families to improve their chances of education and a better future.

While not winning other awards as Empower Rwanda, Kabatesi noted the importance of receiving grants for their programmes, seeing them as recognition of their impactful work in promoting gender equality, education, economic empowerment, advocacy, and family strengthening in Rwanda.

She outlined Empower Rwanda's multifaceted approach to addressing gender-based violence and supporting its victims. The organisation operates various programmes, including education initiatives for vulnerable girls, advocacy for women and girls' rights, economic empowerment programmes, and advocacy for sexual and reproductive health rights.

Kabatesi said the efforts involve partnerships with local and national entities, research-based advocacy, and practical support such as mentorship, literacy classes, and legal aid for victims.

Other awardees for the Rwanda Women in Business Awards include B-Kelana International, which won Female Accounting and Auditing Firm of the Year, Riviera High School, which won Education Institution of the Year (primary and secondary levels), and the Rwanda Women’s Network, awarded Women’s Community Program of the Year, among others.