Rwanda’s Ambassador to the US, Mathilda Mukantabana, has stressed the need to actively involve women in development. Mukantabana made the remarks in a key note address at a retreat of Rwandan women from the District of Colombia, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) at the Radisson Hotel in Rockville, Maryland, USA, last Saturday. “The 2015 Rwandan Women Retreat” discussed women in leadership, empowerment, Africa’s Agenda 2063, social services and the importance of faith. The event drew a number of women from the DMV area, according to a statement. Mukantabana’s talk focused on women in leadership and underscored Rwanda’s achievements through good governance. She emphasised that women’s involvement in all sectors has contributed greatly to Rwanda’s rapid development. She stressed the need for women to gather and dialogue as a way to update each other on the progress made in the country, as well as share new ideas. “Rwanda is number one in the world when it comes to women’s representation. Women are not only the key to Rwanda and Africa’s development, but they are the key to the world’s development,” said Mukantabana. Participants shared their experiences and sought to learn more from each other, the statement said. Josepha Musabyemariya, a Rwandan woman who works for the African Union (AU), briefed participants on women’s empowerment and development in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063. Musabyemariya stressed the need for women’s access to financing to grow business and pointed to Ethiopia’s creation of a women’s bank, which helps women to gain access to credit and financial tools. Diana Bisengo, shared her life and education experience growing up in the U.S. She encouraged women students to work hard and realise their potential. Antonette Kanyabutembo, DMV gender commissioner who organised the event, called for continued support of women’s events and youth activities in the DMV area. Participants agreed unanimously to the idea of creating a women’s bank as vital to the continued rapid development of the country. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
