International charity organisations are known to be PR savvy, otherwise, they would not remain in operation for long. The British charity, Oxfam, could not have chosen a better stage than Davos, Switzerland, during the annual World Economic Forum that gathers all who matter on this planet – to drop its bombshell It claimed 26 richest billionaires own as much as half of the world’s population and called for a 1% Wealth Tax. Well, that was as good a try as it was unrealistic; creating wealth should not be a crime, not helping the needy is. Rwanda’s priority is getting its people out of poverty, and in its journey, it has come up with a set of unique social protection strategies. The latest that has become a hot topic for debate is the Government’s decision to pay vulnerable pregnant women and those with children under two years of age. Each will receive Rwf7,500 per month to help fight malnutrition and stunting. Sceptics contend that the Government’s action will only encourage the poor women to have more babies. Another argument is that there is no guarantee the money will be used for what was intended for and not end in local drinking joints. There is no doubt that the Government has the welfare of the mothers and children at heart, but it needs to put in place some checks and balances. The beneficiaries were put in the first category of vulnerability – the worst, according to social stratification – by their communities. The latter should also be the first line of defence to make sure the money is used in the interests of the children, and not by irresponsible parents to finance their vices. A lot of sensitisation sessions are definitely needed to make the operation a success.
