Photo: L – R 1st Lady Mrs. Jeannette Kagame and Hon. Nyirasafari Espérance, Minister of Gender & Family Promotion, Mayor, Nyabihu District applauding after a testimony from a rural woman and behind the 1st Lady is Mark Bryan Schreiner, UNFPA Representative and his wife Mary-Ann.
Quotes on celebration of International Women’s Day
“We remember the commendable strides that have made Rwanda one of the pioneers in championing efforts that promote and advocate rights for women and girls. Let’s put our efforts in campaigns that not only realise the importance of supporting women, but that of women and men working alongside each other for the betterment of our people, our country and subsequently the world,” First Lady of Rwanda, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his message for this year’s Women’s Day, noted that women’s rights are human rights “but in these troubled times, as our world becomes more unpredictable and chaotic, the rights of women and girls are being reduced, restricted and reversed.”
“Gender equality is a human right. Women are entitled to live in dignity and in freedom from want and fear, without discrimination. Gender equality is also vital to sustainable development, peace and security. It’s not just a women’s issue. It’s an issue for all of humanity. Women and girls who can make choices and control their reproductive lives are better able to get quality education, find decent work, and make free and informed decisions in all spheres of life”. UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin
“Even though there is a lot to celebrate as regards Rwanda’s push for women empowerment, there is still a long way to go for the country to reach UN’s Planet 50-50 goal”. The UN Rwanda Resident Coordinator, Mr. Lamin Manneh
“Empowering women and girls is the only way to protect their rights and make sure they can realise their full potential. We pledge support to ensure the rights of women and girls to sexual and reproductive health including family planning” said UNFPA Representative, Mr. Mark Bryan Schreiner
The 2017 theme for International Women’s Day, on March 8, focused on “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030.”
