MUHANGA - The president of the Democratic Union of Rwandan People (UDPR) party, Gonzague Rwigema, is adding his voice towards the campaign to empower youth, saying that it is vital for national development and democracy.

Gonzague Rwigema, made the remarks while addressing party members in Muhanga district on Saturday.

The group discussed the fight against Gender Based Violence, democracy, and national development, which is part of the ongoing UDPR countrywide youth mobilization programme.

Rwigema, who is a Member of Parliament, said youth empowerment is a major priority for the party.

"Youth need to be empowered so as to put their energy into proper use. This enables them to envision developmental ideas, to work hard towards building a democratic system,” Rwigema said.

He added that Gender Based Violence is a crosscutting issue that needs to be tackled by educating the youth, who can gradually transform their respective communities.

Pierre Nizeyimana, a party youth leader, said that fighting GBV needs collaborative efforts. He urged women and the youth to spearhead the national bid to attain gender equality as a means of attaining growth and development.

"The youth need to be agents of change, transform our society and mentality and this should begin with this generation today, so as to have a harmonious, development-focused community that recognizes the contribution  of women in development,” Nizeyimana said.

The youth participants re-affirmed their commitment to implementing national development programmes, fighting genocide ideology and working towards the unity of Rwandans in the years to come.

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