International women forum pushes for gender equality

Women in Parliaments Global Forum (WIP) has called on world leaders and parliamentarians to step up the fight against gender-based violence and other forms of discrimination that prevent women from attaining their full potential. This was one of the recommendations from a three-day WIP forum that closed in Kigali yesterday. The summit brought together hundreds of female legislators from 51 countries across the world. The meeting observed that 20 years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda had experienced an unprecedented levels of political, social and economic growth while creating an inclusive society. “Rwanda’s commitment to empowering women has led to sustainable development. This policy (women empowerment) has immense results on improving social-wellbeing of the people and combating poverty,” the meeting noted. Silvana Koch-Mehrin, the founder of WIP, said participants had drawn lessons from Rwanda’s gender policies. Addressing journalists at the closure of the meeting, Koch-Mehrin said each one of the participants will go back to their home countries with ‘a piece of Rwanda in their hearts’. “Coming to Rwanda was logical and fair, as we all wanted to have a firsthand experience on why Rwanda chose to have a women majority Parliament,” she said. Donatile Mukabalisa, the Speaker of the Lower House, said the meeting gave them a platform to share their experiences while reaffirming their commitment to national development. “Two decades ago, Rwanda was declared a failed state. But due to good governance and goodwill of the people, we have been able to rebuild the country,” she said. Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, the president of the Senate, said Rwanda is determined to ensure growth of all sectors. He urged participants to be ambassadors of Rwanda’s struggle for peace and to ensure that the notion of ‘never again’ to genocide is fully realised. The summit, meanwhile, condemned the abduction of more than 200 Nigerian school girls by the Boko Haram terrorist group and appealed to the international community to step up efforts to secure their freedom. “As we show solidarity with our sisters in Nigeria, we shall never be passive victims of war but rather active instruments of peace,” said Koch-Mehrin.

National

International women forum pushes for gender equality