KIGALI - Women cannot achieve emancipation and desired socio-economic development if the government does not offer a viable environment to support their activities.

The observation was by the Director General of Labour and Employment in the Ministry of Public Service, Anna Mugabo, celebrations to mark International Women’s Day at Centre Cesar in Kimironko Sector.

Centre Cesar is a women cooperative involved in various economic activities that include tailoring, handcrafts as well as an internet café.

Mugabo, who is also a woman Councillor for Kigali City, reminded her fellow women that there would be nothing to celebrate in terms of empowerment if it was not for the government’s enabling policies that value them.

Liberata Kanakuze, Kimironko Sector women coordinator, called upon women to cherish the achievements by conserving the fruits.

"Currently, a Rwandan woman is a model to the rest in the world. We should be proud of this, but it is also crucial to remember to build on what we have and aim for the top,” she said.

She urged them to join the fight against gender-based violence, where it still exists, and consider the importance of community medical insurance (Mutuelle de Sante).

Kanakuze added that women are the pillars of national development and should endeavour to seek knowledge through education and trainings and use the knowledge in advancing the nation.

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