The Rwanda Women Leaders Network was launched on Saturday 17th December 2011 at a dinner hosted by the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion and the One UN Rwanda. It was attended by about 250 women leaders from government sectors, private organizations, civil society, the media and Rwandan women from the diaspora. Also in attendance were young women – the leaders of tomorrow.
Rwanda’s First Lady H.E Jeannette Kagame officiated at the launch. In her keynote address, Her Excellency said the opportunity women leaders in Rwanda have been given is indeed too good to be true. She urged them to use this opportunity to build the nation and ensure the well being of all women, girls and their families. She expressed the hope that this network would enable women leaders to create partnerships with their peers and also mentor young girls. The First Lady also launched the Rwanda Women Leaders Network website which will be used as a tool for networking among the members.
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Hon. Aloisea Inyumba praised the Government of Rwanda under the leadership of the President His Excellency Paul Kagame for the foresight that has created an environment in Rwanda where women can confidently apply their leadership skills and talents and work alongside the men in making Rwanda what it has become.
Hon Inyumba said this network was long overdue and expressed the optimism that it would be a forum which will enable leaders to put their hands together in support for one another and be able to engage together in activities to give back to society. Hon. Inyumba also appreciated the First Lady for her continuous leadership in uplifting the status of women and girls in Rwanda. She appreciated the women leaders for their hard work in the various sectors.
As part of celebrating the achievements of Rwandan women leaders, Hon. Aloysia Cyanzayire, former Chief Justice of Rwanda was honoured for her just completed service to the Judiciary. Hon. Cyanzayire has served as Chief Justice for the past eight years and was involved in the judiciary reforms and building of the justice system of Rwanda as it stands now.
- The First Lady Mrs. Jeanette Kagame shares a light moment with the women leaders at the launch.
Hon. Cyanzayire attested to the value of determination and hard work which she said were principles she upheld in her term of service. She shared that she realized the value of team work early in her career and pointed out that people complement each other and should work as a team. She illustrated the value of men working in partnership with women saying two hands need each other. Hon. Cyanzayire encouraged the women leaders to set a good example for the younger women and these would in turn influence others and consequently Rwanda would be an example for other nations.
The women leaders also made a declaration - ‘umuhigo’ in which they committed themselves among other things to support one another and advocate for the uplifting of the social and economic status of all women.
By A.K Otiti