Rwanda marked International Women’s Day on Thursday with national
celebrations being officiated over by the President of the Republic
of Rwanda, H.E. Paul Kagame at Ruhengeri town.
The ceremony which took place under the theme ‘Women in decision-making’,
were marked by singing, dancing and a march past by Women and
Girls from all walks of life. The March 8th International Women’s
Day was held late in Rwanda because it coincided with the recently
concluded Local Government elections.
At this year’s celebrations, a special tribute was made to
the late Veneranda Nzabazamariya, a Rwandan woman who was recently
honoured post-humously by the United Nations for her efforts
to promote peace in Rwanda. Nzabazamariya died in a plane crash
is West Africa last year.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Kagame renewed the commitment
of the Government of National Unity to promote the interests
of women. He urged them to continue to make positive contributions
to development and poverty reduction.
President Kagame commended Rwandan women, particularly those
from Ruhengeri and Butare, for having played an active part
in the recent elections.President Kagame said that the number
of women leaders elected into office was good and encouraging,
but there was need for more improvement. The President also
urged women to be vigilant in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The ceremony was also addressed by the Minister for Gender
and Women in Development, Hon. Angelina Muganza who highlighted
some contributions to development by Rwandan women and praised
the government for its commitment to advancement of women.
International Women’s Day was also marked in Kigali city, Kigali
Ngali and Gitarama. The ceremony’s were officiated over by Ministers
Dr. Kaberuka of Finance, Silas Kanamugire of Public Works, Transport
and Communications, and Alexandre Lyambabaje of Commerce and
Industry respectively.
30th March, 2001