The National Women Council has said it will actively engage women in Ndi Umunyarwandaprogramme to ensure the campaign takes root right from families. Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Beatrice Mukasine, the council chairperson, said talk-shows have been organised in all sectors across the country, while the official launch will be held today in Cyuve Sector in Musanze District. Mukasine said if women are well informed about the programme, it will take no time for it to take root within families. Started last year, Ndi Umunyarwanda initiative seeks to foster a Rwandan community that is based on trust and unity. “Women were almost excluded from decision-making and policy implementation process on issues affecting people’s lives, which had a big impact negatively. Now that government has empowered us, we should take advantage of it and strive for better welfare of society,” she said. The Secretary General of the council, Christine Tuyisenge, said the fact that women make up 52 per cent of the population makes them an ideal constituency. “Women play a key role in educating children and influence their future. If they feel ownership for Ndi Umunyarwanda programme, they will change society for the better,” Tuyisenge said. The new drive will see the women taking the message down to the household level. The two-day discussions were organised by the National Women Council, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Unity Club, the Prime Minister’s Office, One-UN, among other partners.
