Kigali, 19 September 2025 – The 24th General Assembly of the National Women's Council concluded with a powerful call to action, emphasizing the critical role of women's empowerment in achieving national stability and development. Belancille Nyirajyambere, President of the National Women’s Council, addressed the assembly urging stakeholders to redouble efforts to support women and girls across the country.

Nyirajyambere commended the dedication of local women leaders, recognizing them as guardians of equality and complementarity at the grassroots level. She stressed that while Rwanda has made remarkable strides in gender parity, continuous efforts are essential to ensure all women and girls fully realize their potential, focusing on the interconnected goals like strengthening participation in decision-making and eradicating gender-based violence. 

The priorities for the current fiscal year, presented by CNF Executive Secretary Marie Médiatrice Umubyeyi, directly center on family economics, social well-being, and good governance. Key initiatives include supporting vulnerable families towards self-reliance, promoting financial inclusion, including strengthening 89 women's cross-border trade groups in Rusizi and Rubavu by transforming them into stable cooperatives.

The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana, highlighted Rwanda’s social progress, noting that poverty fell from 59% in 2001 to 27.4% in 2024, while maternal mortality declined from 1,071 deaths per 100,000 births in 2010 to 203 in 2020. However, she acknowledged persistent challenges, including poverty, child stunting, and gender-based violence that still affect many families. 

She reinforced this forward-looking approach by announcing a new direction for Women's Day celebrations, saying that these events will now be decentralized to all districts, featuring awards to honor women whose exemplary actions positively impact their communities, with intention to foster family unity and further motivate grassroots contributions.

This General Assembly highlighted achievements and renewed commitments to make Rwandan families stronger pillars of equality, stability, and national development and called upon all partners to take part in this impactful process.