Celebrating the International Day of Rural Women is about recognising the important role rural women play in the country’s development and environmental conservation, as well as the challenges they face, and identifying ways to improve their livelihoods, according to Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Consolee Uwimana.

She made these remarks during the celebrations held on Tuesday, October 5, in Gatare Sector, Nyamagabe District.

This year’s theme, "Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future: Building climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and caring for land towards gender equality and empowerment of women and girls,” emphasises the role rural women play in environmental conservation and sustainability.

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According to the 2022 census, women make up 51.5 per cent of Rwanda’s population, with many living in rural areas.

Uwimana noted the struggles rural women face daily. "Rural women work hard, but they face obstacles that impact both their lives and the environment. Many farm on small plots of land, often without enough produce to sell at the market.

"Additionally, many homes, especially those headed by women, still rely on wood for cooking, which increases their workload. These women are also burdened with unpaid domestic labour. We must change this and create opportunities for rural women to work and earn a living."

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Uwimana stressed the importance of practical solutions to ease these burdens. "We need more childcare facilities near families so women can work, and water sources should be closer to their homes to reduce the long distances they walk to fetch water. Schools and access to clean energy should also be available so women can cook without relying on firewood," she said.

She called on men and children to support women, saying that the personal development of women benefits the entire family.

Uwimana urged families to avoid conflicts, prioritise children&039;s education, and join development groups.

"It’s important for all family members to work together, not only for the family’s well-being but also to preserve the environment by managing land properly, harvesting rainwater, building terraces, and planting trees where necessary."

UN Women Country Representative Jennet Kem noted the role women play in protecting the environment.

"The health of the planet, our communities, and our future depends on women’s efforts. If we want sustainable development and prosperity for everyone, we must all take care of nature," she said.

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Kem praised rural women globally, particularly in Rwanda, calling them "custodians of biodiversity, stewards of the land, and first responders in the face of climate change."

However, she acknowledged the ongoing challenges they face, including violence against women. "We are here to remind ourselves of these challenges and say no, they should not happen again," she said.

She added: "We can build a world where all rural women thrive, where biodiversity flourishes, and where prosperity is shared by all. Nature is us, and what we give to nature, we receive in return."

Devotha Batamuriza, a resident of Gatare Sector in Nyamagabe, explained how joining local women’s savings groups transformed her life. "I joined a women’s group where we saved Rwf200 each week, and we also had the option to take out loans from the group.

"In these groups, we are encouraged to believe in ourselves and our abilities. We also learn to communicate better at home. This newfound confidence has allowed my family and me to live in peace. Now that I contribute financially, my husband respects me, and we have mutual respect for each other," she added.

Regarding her role as a rural woman in protecting the environment, Batamuriza said: "My husband and I farm together, and we play an important role in preserving the environment. We build terraces to protect the soil from erosion. Even though we have a small plot of land, we use it effectively."