International Women’s Day (IWD) has been honoured since the beginning of the 20th century. It is a day that is globally dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements in all spheres, but it is also a time to reflect on the work that still must be done.

This year, the IWD 2023 was celebrated to recognize women and girls who are championing the advancements of transformative technology and digital education under the theme: ‘’DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality’’ translated in Kinyarwanda as ‘’Ntawe uhejwe: gahunga udushya n’ ikoranabuhanga biteza imbere uburinganire’’.

With this background, the Rwandan Diaspora (RCA-NL) living in the Netherlands together with the Rwandan Women Association and in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, organized, among other activities for the celebration of this important event, a Panel discussion around this theme, with the main objective of promoting innovation and technology for gender equality. The panel consisted of Ms. Sophia Mukamana, Ms. Coco Rulinda, Ms. Mollyn Atim and Ms. Marie Louise Murekatete.

Ambassador Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe emphasized that Rwanda’s remarkable achievements in women’s empowerment were not attained by chance, but rather through the implementation of effective government policies.

He made the disclosure on Saturday 25th March 2023 when Rwandans in The Netherlands celebrated the International Women’s Day usually marked on 8th March every year.

During the ceremony, which brought together Rwandans and their friends from across the country and neighboring countries, including Belgium, Ambassador Nduhungirehe expressed pride in Rwanda’s achievements in women’s empowerment.

“Rwanda is renowned for efforts in women empowerment, but also in ICT and digital transformation. Mixing the two is important but there is still a long way to go considering our history where women’s rights and empowerment were not given needed attention. That is why Rwanda had to develop policies to empower them,” he said.

During his speech, Amb. Nduhungirehe reflected on some of the key indicators that demonstrate Rwanda’s commitment to women’s empowerment, such as the country’s 61% representation of women in parliament and policies that promote the rights of girls and women.

"In the past, only boys were entitled to inherit from their parents because it was assumed that girls would eventually marry and be taken care of by their husbands’ families. However, the situation has changed.

Although there is a high number of girls attending primary and secondary schools, there is still a gap when it comes to university education. This is a problem we must confront. As women make up the majority of the population, their representation should be reflected in all sectors, and we are working hard to close this gap," he said.

Amb. Nduhungirehe also emphasized the need for women to have greater participation in global policies, especially in this digital era.

“Digital development without the participation of women cannot reach its full potential. It is a great tool that can be leveraged for better access to education and employment, digital financial services and access to information especially for women and girls,” he noted.

As an example, Ambassador Nduhungirehe highlighted that 55.6% of Rwandan women aged 21 and above own a mobile phone, compared to 71.4% of men. Additionally, 79% of women in urban areas have access to mobile phones, while only 46% of those in rural areas do.

“We still face a number of challenges that continue to feed the gender digital gap which include negative stereotypes but the Government of Rwanda is really committed to bridge that gender gap divide by promoting innovation strategies to address gender stereotypes and engaging men and boys towards empowerment of women and girls in all sectors of our country,” noted Amb. Nduhungirehe.

Ms Hilda Kamali, heading the gender equality and development unit in Rwanda’s diaspora in The Netherlands commended Rwanda for tireless efforts to empower women and girls.

“Our country has done a great work in bridging the gender equality. There are challenges but Rwanda is in the right direction. Rwanda is among top ten countries that reduced gender inequalities and has with the highest women representation in leadership among others,” she said.

“The International Women’s Day is meant to take stock of achievements but we still need to do more to remove barriers hindering access to technology,” added Kamali.

She thanked women in Rwanda for making commendable steps to overcome barriers hindering their full participation in development activities and Rwanda’s Embassy in The Netherlands for support to make the celebration possible.

Lisette Neza Ntukabumwe recited a poem about the dignity of women as people who deserve protection and high respect in the society.

During the celebration, girls and women were given floor to showcase their products.

This article was written by Mr Aimable Karirima / Igihe.

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