Women empowerment gaining momentum: Antennette Murenzi, Social Affairs Officer

“Women today are no longer afraid to share ideas or oppose what they think is wrong in district and sector meetings. The theme for this year has come at the right time when equal rights of women have indeed progressed.” Antennette Murenzi, the Social Affairs Officer and Women Affairs specialist for Sector of Kinyinya, says women achievements should be celebrated while remaining vigilant and ensuring further sustainable change. “In many meetings at the sector and district level, women today are no longer afraid to share ideas with men and oppose what they feel isn’t right. There is no difference between the voice of a man and women today.“Women, in collaboration with their leaders, have also joined different co-operatives to bring change and development among the fairer sex. These co-operatives haven’t just stopped at that but have come up with Saccos, where contributions are made and given to women with great ideas but no capital,” she says. However, is this climb to equality really balanced? Are women gaining power in their homes too?Murenzi says the power of a woman in a home is the power of a family. Since more girls are being educated in secondary schools and universities, families are able to quickly build and sustain themselves. “As for the case of domestic violence, we can’t say it’s totally ruled out. There are very few cases but I’m glad to say that many have been wiped out,” she added.