Muhanga Women in Poverty Fight

from All Africa

The New Times (Kigali)

Daniel Sabiiti
Kigali

SOUTHERN PROVINCE : MUHANGA - Women hailing from Muhanga District have committed themselves to putting a landmark in the development of their area through various developmental activities.

Many women who talked to The New Times last week during the celebrations to mark the International Women's Day said that it was high time the silence on violence against women and children especially girls, was broken, and they participate fully in socio-economic developmental activities.

"We (women) can do it and will not accept to be left behind in development.

We have from this year promised to contribute seriously to the growth of the district. Most women have been able to join cooperatives and this is a sign that we intend to drive away poverty," Maria Dative Dusabe, the Coordinator of National Women's Council in Muhanga said.

She noted that women contribution is needed and most women in the rural areas have been trained so that they can participate in all areas of development. "Primarily, education has taken the forefront because most of them are illiterate and they can't do much on social development if they are illiterate."

Dusabe added that there is hope for women to show great signs of growth into Vision 2020. She urged that there is need for advocacy, self respect and cultural change to provide the right environment for women's development.

Beata Mukantaganzwa, a local woman resident said that the Government should continue promoting women, and the presence of women in higher positions of leadership is a sign of progress on gender emancipation.

"The reality of abuse still exists, and it's sometimes because of ignorance and poverty; but it is now time to see women impact on society through attending local development meetings, speaking out on abuse and creating jobs so that we can be part of development," Mukantaganzwa said.