Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana, has urged women to leverage their collective efforts and tackle pressing social challenges, while encouraging them to assume leadership roles in driving community development.
She made the remarks during the 23rd General Assembly of the National Women's Council held at Parliament on September 30.
"The fight we need now is not with bullets but rather a fight against pollution, ensuring every family eats a balanced meal to fight child stunting in every district, and guaranteeing that our children are well-fed and educated. Let us unite in this fight to protect our future,” she said.
ALSO READ: Women’s Council to focus on fighting teen pregnancies in 2018
Bringing together approximately 180 women representatives, alongside various leaders including ministers, MPs, and other stakeholders, the assembly emphasizes the theme,;"Women&039;s Development, the Development of the Country."
The National Women's Council serves as a platform for advocacy and campaigning on issues faced by women, aiming to enhance their capacity and contribute to the overall development of the country.
The minister continued, emphasizing the importance of teaching children about reproductive health and fighting against violence, particularly towards young girls.
In her address, she highlighted the urgent need to tackle issues such as child abuse, school dropouts, social media misuse, and teen pregnancy among others, adding that addressing these challenges is essential for fostering a healthier and more equitable society, ultimately contributing to the country’s overall advancement and well-being.
ALSO READ: National Women Council conducts countrywide village assemblies, build capacities
Gertrude Kazarwa, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, expressed her appreciation for the progress made since the general assembly but urged members of the national women's council to uphold principles of equality and harmony, ensuring that everyone’s rights are respected.
"Thanks to the implementation of the resolutions in the previous year, we are witnessing tangible results that reflect our commitment to our daily responsibilities and our culture of following structured activity plans. While we take pride in the programs established to support women's progress, we must remember that there is still much work to be done," she stated.
Kazarwa also called for the preparation and implementation of a women's program aligned with the NST2 framework, tailored to the specific health needs of each district.
President of the National Women's Council, Bellancille Nyiramarajyambere, emphasized the importance of collaborating with local authorities to adapt commitments to the specific needs of each district, adding that it is a necessity of addressing the misuse of social networking sites among both youth and adults.
"We aim to engage in mass mobilization and advocacy around concerns that particularly affect women and families, and we need to discuss when a child should get a phone and at what age they should start using one. It’s crucial for families to set aside time to engage with one another," she added.
Nyiramarajyambere underscored the importance of raising awareness among families about appropriate technology use, noting, "She pointed out that while technology can be beneficial, improper use can lead to negative consequences. We should prioritize face-to-face conversations over phone usage, as meaningful dialogue with our family members is essential for building strong family bonds."