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Celebrating 36 percent Women Parliamentarians in CabinetBy Turi Omollo It was a star studded evening in mid May 2008. The 'Stars' had arrived, eager and excited for what they knew would be an entertaining and enlightening encounter. They came in all shapes and sizes, but all with one thing in common, an acknowledgement of their unique position as educated women of Rwanda and a passion 'towards improving the status of women and girls in Rwanda, promoting lifelong education, and enabling graduate women to use their expertise to effect change'. Indeed, the evening was a celebration of the achievements made by women, who, refusing to let stereotyping, status quo and patriarchy stand in their way, have dared to break through the glass ceiling and be the best they can be in their fields.
'Women in Rwanda are really fortunate'These were the opening remarks by Ambassador Joy Mukanyange, RAUW's sitting President. She lauded women for their achievement so far, citing the 36 per cent representatives in Parliament as remarkable. She was however quick to add that unlike women in other parts of the world, women in Rwanda were fortunate not to have suffered in the hands of gender-biased regimes. Her reference to Kenya's Laureate, Prof Wangari Maathai's struggle for her rights especially with regards to environmental conservation was spot on. Her challenge to women - 'Take advantage of every opportunity or risk the harsh judgment of posterity'. 'We shall defend our positions in Parliament'The President's challenge was immediately taken up by many, among them the Minister for Infrastructure, Hon Linda Bihire, who promised to defend their positions in Parliament and ensure that gender issues are put on the agenda thus ensuring that women's issues are heard. She urged women not to misuse this opportunity but to use it to achieve full empowerment and potential, encouraging women to always be aggressive in the pursuit and exploitation of these opportunities. As a Civil Engineer and a woman at that, she called upon women and girls not to fear pursuing courses in science and technology, saying that they should not leave such courses to men, and boldly proclaimed that 'Science is do-able.'
'We have a responsibility to work for our people''We all have a calling and a God- given responsibility to work for our people', said Hon Agnes Kalibati, Minister of State in charge of Agriculture, who further shared her compelling story of the 'deal' she made with God some time ago; that if she did her PhD, she would use her education to better the lives of her people. Having returned from her studies overseas, she has fulfilled her end of the bargain and challenged others to use their education to help others. She appealed to all not to 'horde their degrees' but said 'we owe it to the uneducated populace to put our education to best advantage'. 'Future of Africa is in its women'UNHCR Representative, Ms Annette Nyekan, shared her firm belief that not only was the future of Africa in women, but that one day, Rwanda would have a woman as head of State. This, she said was not a far fetched notion or dream, and being a Liberian national, she was confident that it could happen and it will! Vice President of the Senate, Senator Marie Mukantabana said how pleased she was that women like the two speakers were now involved in decision making at Ministerial level. She is happy to be a member of RAUW and encouraged all present to participate in decision making in their work and community life at all levels.
Secretary General Dr Shirley Randell introduced the new Office Manager, Jurua Christine Boroa to members and said how fortunate the organization was to have her services. Others acknowledged were volunteers Rose Mukabalisa and Julienne Umuhoza. Two members who had found positions through postings on the RAUW network also gave brief speeches: Theodora Utamuliza has been appointed Human Resources Officer in the United Nations Organisation for Developing Countries Revolution (UNODCR) based in New York. “I really appreciate RAUW for that and encourage all other members to remain connected and utilize all the opportunities available through our wonderful RAUW network,” she said. Shamsi Kazimbaya has been selected to take part in a workshop on Gender Based Viiolence in Senegal. Shamsi said “I will give you the feed back after the workshop and I hope that what I will learn will be helpful for all of us”.
The evening was indeed a resounding success. The turn out was great, the food and wine superb and the remarks made not only inspired, but also charged the women to strengthen their efforts towards RAUW's vision and mission. And although every guest had contributed towards the overall success of the evening, one person had stood out as having contributed in a special way. This was none other than Ms Lesley Arietti, wife of US Ambassador and the evening's hostess. This function was particularly special as it would be the last time she would host RAUW. She was leaving Rwanda, a place she had called home for the last three years. In her farewell remarks, Leslie lauded the association for the great strides it had made in the country and appreciated the people and projects she had had the privilege of meeting with and participating in. Lesley's absence will be greatly felt, but will always be remembered.
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