The Gender Monitoring Office (GMO) has lauded the Ministry of Education for implementing programmes that empower the girl child.

During the Gender Budget Statement meeting on Tuesday, the ministry’s financial advisor, Wilson Rurangwa, indicated that the Ministry had implemented most of its planned programmes for the 2010-2011 financial year.

According to a Gender Situation analysis conducted at the Ministry Of Education, 152,229 books were distributed to both primary and secondary schools.

Rurangwa said the number of girls opting for science subjects rose by 2.2 percent compared to previous years. 

The analysis also indicates that, Rwf 28m was allocated towards the establishment of a unit for monitoring and evaluation for science and technology studies.

Under the Schools’ health progamme, Rwf 231m was apportioned towards building girls’ sanitary rooms in 813 primary and secondary schools.

The activities accomplished embraced both boys and girls, but gave more opportunity to the girls.

The Chief Gender Monitor, Mrs Oda Gasinzigwa, said that the meeting was aimed at sharing experience in compiling and implementing the 2011-2012 Gender Budget Statements between several government sectors.

The sectors will capitalise on problems identified to process more accurate gender budget statements for future financial years.

The meeting attracted officials from the ministries of infrastructure, education, agriculture and health.

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