Sunday 15 October - Minister Dr. Valentine Uwamariya and other officials, Joined the National Women’s Council in celebration of International Rural Women’s Day, in Rubaya Sector, Gicumbi District focusing on the local theme ‘Financing Rural Women’s Empowerment’.

The celebration of this day aims to highlight the crucial role of these women in the country’s sustainable development, starting from their own homes. It also aims to strategize ways to overcome ongoing challenges, such as limited access to resources, the heavy burden of unpaid care and domestic work, and more.

In her speech, Minister Uwamariya emphasized that citizens’ progress begins with enhancing their daily life and work. She stressed the importance of improving income activities, focusing on market-driven agriculture, and ensuring children receive a balanced diet to prevent malnutrition.

She mentioned that women in rural areas have the potential to achieve great things; however, they need to believe in themselves and their abilities. She reminded that if family affairs are not favorable, it is unrealistic to expect progress in society, with family serving as the fundamental cornerstone of communities, and that empowering women means supporting stronger families.

She also encouraged men to support and believe in their wives, working together with them for a stronger family

The celebration became even more inspiring when a moment filled with the essence of mutual support and vitality emerged, as women actively participated in ‘Ukuremerana’, a tradition of offering assistance and sharing.

The day also included the provision of 200 water tanks and the presentation of a cheque worth Rwf50 million as a start-up capital to 20 women cooperatives, 2 cows as part of the ‘Girinka’ programme, 100 modern cooking stoves were provided to vulnerable families.