Nyabihu women unite against poverty, gender based violence

WESTERN PROVINCE NYABIHU — Women in Nyabihu district have vowed to unite against poverty and Gender Based Violence (GBV). The women revealed this days after a meeting with Women Members of Parliament, at the district conference hall – in which it was noted that poverty and GBV were the main challenges facing them.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

WESTERN PROVINCE

NYABIHU — Women in Nyabihu district have vowed to unite against poverty and Gender Based Violence (GBV). The women revealed this days after a meeting with Women Members of Parliament, at the district conference hall – in which it was noted that poverty and GBV were the main challenges facing them.

"We have realised that we have been slow at solving our own problems, the recent visit by women parliamentarians in Nyabihu and subsequent  discussions opened our eyes. We now believe that we can successfully fight poverty in our households and contribute to the country’s economic development,” explained Aziza Bihoyiki one of the women.

She disclosed that they have embarked on sensitisation campaign to encourage women to work together in cooperatives so as to easily get financial support  from the National Women Council and from other financial institutions.

According to Joyce Igirimbabazi, the campaign also focuses on family planning awareness. During this meeting, the women MPs called upon Nyabihu local leaders to support the women campaigns.

Marie José Twizeyeyezu, one of the legislators reminded the women that the main focus of the National Women Council (NWC), was to bring women together to find solutions to the problems and challenges they face.

Julienne Uwacu, another legislator urged women to develop self confidence as one of their key ingredients meant to foster success.

The meeting was also attended by local leaders, members of NWC, security personnel, and church leaders.

Ends