With close to five months to the Presidential elections, Connie Bwiza, a long-serving parliamentarian has called upon women to take a stand in promoting unity by inspiring Rwandans to focus on nation building rather than dwelling on the past.

Bwiza made this call at a preparatory meeting that was held by Esther Vision Ministries and Profemmes Twese Hamwe – an umbrella organization for women, to prepare for the forthcoming national prayers set for April.

During the meeting that brought together over 300 women from the civil society, the MP highlighted the role of women in influencing societal practices adding that they should drive Rwanda to its vision.

"A woman is the heart of the home and has a major responsibility of raising future generations that will build this nation. Under the guidance of the Almighty God, strive to be exemplary women who fight divisionism,” Bwiza said.

"We know what happened in our country in the past, and as we struggle to build a new Rwanda, it is imperative to join in harmony and answer the call to stand up for unity so that God can enable us fulfil the country’s development vision.”

The president of Profemme, Therese Bishagara, also said that women in the civil society are committed to foster unity so that nation building and development can be attained.

"We started by ensuring that the status of a woman in society is uplifted, and today, we are still strengthening the contribution of women in achieving the country’s goals.

"Through prayer conferences like these, we aim at consolidating the zeal to promote peace and development,” she said.

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