Over 2,000 vulnerable women to get houses

KIGALI - A total of 2, 148 houses meant for vulnerable women are currently under construction across the country under the ‘Bye Bye Nyakatsi’ programme, Oda Gasinzigwa, the Chief Gender Monitor, said. During a telephone interview, yesterday, Gasinzigwa explained that one house will be built in each of the Cells countrywide. The activities to build the houses started a week ago when the ‘Women and Girls Week’ was launched in Ndera, Gasabo District by the First Lady, Mrs Jeannette Kagame. Gasinzigwa observed that women and girls achieved a lot in the last one year, including curbing the rate of Gender Based Violence (GBV). “Sensitization and training programmes on GBV laws were carried out countrywide and this increased the awareness of women and girls’ rights,” she noted. Gasinzigwa added that the performance of girls in schools also increased “due to the help rendered to them by the concerned ministries and stakeholders.” The International Women’s Day is celebrated every March 8, and Gasinzigwa said that this year’s them is “Science and Technology.” This, she said, aims at encouraging girls to embrace science disciplines. Anita Akankindi, an engineer with one of telecommunications companies, however, said that sexual harassment and economic independence should be given emphasis for women and girls to be fully empowered. “Many businesses are run by males in the country. Programmes to support women and girls economically should be initiated. In that way they will have a say in their families and communities,” Akankindi said.

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Over 2,000 vulnerable women to get houses