Musanze: Women’s groups awarded for projects promoting agriculture, livestock, and environmental protection

During the 51st International Women’s Day celebrations, significant progress made in promoting women’s empowerment was highlighted, while participants also discussed several persistent challenges that continue to hinder women’s advancement.

Among the issues raised was poor sanitation still observed in some areas, particularly in Nyange Sector. Another concern was child stunting, with statistics indicating that 31.9% of children in Musanze District are still affected. Participants also noted the issue of unintended teenage pregnancies, with 291 teenage girls reported pregnant during the 2025–2026 period.

Discussions also addressed family conflicts, alcoholism, and the failure to fully uphold gender equality principles. It was agreed that these challenges could be overcome through stronger family collaboration, especially among parents.

The Mayor of Musanze District, Claudien Nsengimana, stated that women are highly valuable members of society and play a crucial role in national development.

He said:”Rwandan women are invaluable. There are many examples showing the important role women play in different sectors. We encourage women to be confident and run for leadership positions or compete for them at both national and local levels so that we can continue building a country based on cooperation and sustainable development.”

He added:”This is an important day to continue promoting gender equality and sustainable development in our homes, where women must be respected and valued, as highlighted in this year’s national theme: ‘Women Are Valuable.’”

Mayor Nsengimana also addressed challenges affecting some families in Musanze District, particularly the issue of poor hygiene in Nyange Sector.

He stated:”There are still sanitation challenges in some parts of our district, especially in Nyange Sector. We urge residents to strengthen hygiene practices in their households, because cleanliness begins at home. If we work together, we can reduce child stunting, family conflicts, gender-based violence, and prevent the increase in unintended teenage pregnancies.”

He made these remarks on Sunday, March 8, 2026, during the district-level International Women’s Day celebration held in Nyange Sector, Musanze District.

Hon. Madina Ndangiza, who represented members of parliament from the Chamber of Deputies and served as the guest of honor, praised the contribution of women’s groups and cooperatives in improving household and national economic development.

She said:”International Women’s Day was established by the United Nations in 1972 and began being celebrated in Rwanda in 1975. This year marks the 51st celebration. The global theme is: ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment,’ while the national theme is ‘Women Are Valuable.’”

She added that this theme reflects the central role women play in sustainable development.

“Thanks to strong policies and strategies aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, Rwanda has made remarkable progress in gender equality. Women currently hold 63.75% of seats in the Chamber of Deputies, while 46.2% of Senate members are women. In the economic sector, 78% of women of working age are employed in various activities, and 74% are literate.”

During the event, women’s groups and cooperatives that demonstrated outstanding performance in agriculture, livestock farming, and environmental protection initiatives were awarded certificates of recognition to appreciate their contribution to development.

Some of the women involved in these groups explained that their projects had significantly improved their livelihoods and supported their families.

Josiane Mutunyinka, from Gisigwa Village in Ninda Cell, Nyange Sector, who represented the “Twunge Ubumwe” group engaged in agriculture and livestock farming, said their journey began with very limited resources.

She explained:”We started with almost nothing, but we decided to save together, each contributing 1,000 francs. These savings helped us build capital and begin farming and livestock activities. Today we have reached a satisfying level where our income has grown into millions of francs.”

During the same event, some vulnerable families were also given cows as part of a program aimed at improving their economic well-being.

Vestine Nyirazibanje, from Nyabitare Village in Cyivuhuza Cell, Nyange Sector, who received a cow, expressed her gratitude.

She said:”I sincerely thank the leadership of Musanze District and the Government of Rwanda led by President Paul Kagame for this program that helps us improve our lives. I will take good care of this cow and will also pass on its offspring to others so they can also benefit.”

The celebration was attended by many residents, security organs including the Rwanda Defence Force and Police, district officials, and various development partners.

Participants emphasized that women’s cooperatives continue to play a vital role in advancing agriculture, livestock farming, and environmental conservation initiatives, contributing significantly to improving family livelihoods and promoting national development.

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