City Beat: International Women’s Day, how is it understood?

Last Sunday, the world cerebrated the International Women’s Day. Every country had its remarkable reasons for celebrating it. Rwandan women in particular, were achievers in almost all fields. It will be unfair not to mention the governments’ efforts towards the Rwandan woman’s success and the fight against Gender Based Violence. Various people have various views on the day. Alex who did not disclose his other name, said, “Hope I will not be insulting and changing the meaning of the day for some when I say that it was a Women-Men’s Day”, he said. Alex, married and in his 40s narrated that his wife took over control of every kind of responsibility on the International Women’s Day and bought expensive gifts for him as well. His wife, according to Alex, said that the day was for women to show their ability in every possible way. Accordingly, the couple ended up in a discotheque which Alex did not disclose. “DJ Mike revived our fondest memories by playing oldies which we danced to. The day was marvellous,” Alex said with a smile that said he relished the moment. So, could there be more who share the Women-Men’s Day sentiments with him? Do you? Not so for Willy whom I found at what is now popularly known as kwa-Rubangura. “Women’s Day did more harm than good in our relationship,” he lamented. He claimed his lady doesn’t understand the day’s meaning. “Can you imagine she tells me to prepare food for her!” he said adding that he really wondered if the day was meant to violate men. “Preparing a meal for my wife would not cost me a thing, but the way she handled me was not good,” he said, adding that as soon it became morning, the wife harassed him. “It’s our day; men must do what we have been doing for them. They should also face it rough the way we do, may be they will start respecting their wives,” the wife reportedly repeatedly said from morning onwards. Could it be that this implied he was not showing his wife enough respect? Anyway, for Willy, his lady made him have a bad attitude towards the day. Rehima, 26, not married but in what she termed as a serious relationship, said, “My boyfriend made me feel like a woman that day.” She added that he treated her like she was celebrating her birthday, showering her with gifts. Rita, in her early 20s, said that Rwandans should be sensitised on the day’s significance. She adds that once people have a clear understanding, many couples will not have problems on the day. Hopefully, by the time the International Women’s Day is next celebrated, Willy will have similar sentiments like Alex; it will be a Women-Men’s Day. Ends