Her Excellency the First Lady of Rwanda, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, has arrived in the capital city of Bujumbura, marking her presence ahead of a high-level Women Leaders Forum.
Mrs. Kagame arrived in the early hours of Monday as she joined other high-ranking women leaders at the invitation of Burundi’s First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye.
Jeannette Kagame is expected to address the forum on Monday, according to her office.
Established in 2020, the high-level meeting aims to, among others, discuss efforts towards good health and nutrition for women, children, and adolescents through resilient and sustainable actions.
The forum aims to foster gender equality, empower women, and facilitate discussions on strategies to advance women’s rights in the region.
Being organised in collaboration with neighbouring countries, the Women Leaders Forum will bring together influential female leaders from various sectors, including politics, business, academia, and civil society. The event seeks to provide a platform for sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and devising collective solutions to address the challenges faced by women in the region.
During her visit, the Rwandan First Lady is slated to deliver a keynote speech underscoring the importance of women’s empowerment and their invaluable contributions to society. Her participation in the forum signifies Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and bolstering women’s involvement in decision-making processes.
The Women Leaders Forum arrives at a critical juncture when concerted efforts are being made worldwide to bridge gender gaps and create an environment conducive for women to thrive. Rwanda and Burundi, like other countries, recognise the urgency of dismantling prevailing obstacles that impede progress and harnessing the potential of women for sustainable development.
Commenting on her visit, Mrs. Kagame expressed her enthusiasm for the forthcoming event and emphasised the significance of fostering an inclusive society where both men and women can contribute equitably. She reiterated Rwanda’s dedication to enacting policies that facilitate women’s empowerment and encourage their active engagement in all spheres of society.
The Women Leaders Forum will encompass panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions centering around crucial topics such as women’s political representation, economic empowerment, education, healthcare, and the eradication of gender-based violence. The objective is to generate actionable recommendations that can be integrated into policies and programmes, propelling substantial change for women in the region.
As the Rwandan First Lady continues her engagements in Bujumbura, there is palpable anticipation surrounding the outcomes of the Women Leaders Forum. The event serves as a vital opportunity to foster regional collaboration among women leaders, raise awareness about the importance of gender equality, and inspire collective action towards attaining a more equitable society.
