The Local Government Women Network General Assembly convened on September 27, 2024, in Muhanga District, Southern Province of Rwanda, bringing together more than 350 women from various leadership positions across all local administrative entities to share experiences and discuss their contributions to the transformation of Rwanda.
The event was officiated by the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Uwimana Consolee, who was the guest of honour. She called upon members of LGWN to inspire young girls to compete for elected and technical positions in Local Government, and help the country tackle human security issues affecting families.
Over the past 30 years, the Government of Rwanda has made significant strides in promoting the participation of women in decision-making and leadership roles.
The Rwandan Constitution, among its core principles, emphasises “building a state governed by the rule of law, a pluralistic democratic government, equality of all Rwandans, and between men and women, which is affirmed by women occupying at least thirty percent (30%) of positions in decision-making organs.”
The Local Government Women Network brings together women in elected and technical leadership positions to empower them, give them a platform to discuss their contribution to governance and transformation of the country, and bridge gender gaps in Local Government noted Nyiramasengesho Jeannette, the chairperson of the Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA).
“The attendance and enthusiasm we witnessed today indicate the commitment towards the success of the network and women in Local Government in general. This is an important opportunity to share experiences and reflect on the uniqueness of women to combine work and family responsibilities successfully.” Nyiramasengesho added
Following the 2021 local government elections, women held 51,139 (42.9%) of the 119,023 elected positions in the Local Government of Rwanda. Currently in the Parliament of Rwanda, women hold 63% and 53% of the total seats in the chamber of Deputies and Senate, respectively.
Mr. Dominique Habimana, the Secretary General of RALGA, highlighted that women in Local Governments left empowered and with a strong urge to lead by example and perfection in their role in bringing practical solutions to citizens pressing needs.
“The gathering is a reminder of Rwanda’s uniqueness in enthroning gender equality from Senate to the village level. Various topics of national interest were discussed, emphasising the role of women in transformational governance, building strong families, strategies to address human security issues, and mentoring young girls to join the Local Government workforce, among others.” Habimana added
The network was created in 2018 to serve as an internal mechanism for peer exchange and learning among women in Local Government intended to empower them and enable them to further contribute to the country’s development.
The network is expected to help women in local government to come together and seek solutions to the challenges that are still holding them back.
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