Editor,

This week, African women meeting in Kigali strongly condemned what they termed as lack of political commitment by most governments to ensure the development of women on the continent.

Women, especially those living in rural areas, are still subjected to untold suffering. Many of them remain unemployed, not because they lack skills but because they are undermined in society.

All winning nations have been able to develop because they empowered their other half of the population (women), and gave them equal opportunity to rise to high places. In some countries, leaders just talk instead of implementing gender equality policies.

It is only through political will that gender equality can be a reality. Rwanda has demonstrated that it is doable, and there is no reason why other countries cannot promote it.

Statistics show that Rwandan women account for 53 percent of the population and occupy 56.25 percent of seats in the Chamber of Deputies, which is a big lesson to other countries.

Nina Uwamahoro

Kigali