Kayonza - Over 400 women from Gahini Sector, Kayonza District, yesterday, completed at wo-day training on poverty eradication and basic rights.

Dr. Diane Gashumba, the chairperson of National Women Council (NWC), said the training was aimed at equipping the participants with knowledge that would enable them contribute to socio-economic development.

"Women must know their rights and laws that protect them...the training gave them the necessary knowledge,” she said, adding that the role of women in community development activities cannot be overlooked.

"Gone are the days when women used to succumb to domestic violence. This should be coupled with dropping the dependence syndrome. They can’t rely on their husbands entirely.”

NWC contributed over Rwf400,000, towards the construction of four houses for the needy living in thatched houses in the area.

Bishop Alex Birindabagabo of Gahini Diocese, who was at the function, said that it is important to empower women to solve their problems.

The Anglican Church cleric observed that women can help end thatched houses if they are fully engaged.

"We have managed to collect a large sum of money in such a short time. If women got engaged in family planning and economic production, in an informed manner, we would be a richer society,” he said.

Ernestine Mukamuvunyi, 41, a mother of five, told The New Times that the training left them with enough knowledge to handle issues in their daily lives.

She said that as a result of sensitization, majority of rural women have developed confidence and started saving with local savings and credit schemes.

The trained women were selected from the districts of Kayonza, Gatsibo and

Nyagatare.

Ends