As Rwanda marked the 28th International Day of Rural Women on October 15, 2025, 178 residents of Nyagatare District, mostly women, were honored for their outstanding contribution to improving their livelihoods and that of their families—demonstrating citizens’ active role in the country’s development.
The celebration, held at the national level in Rwisirabo Cell, Karangazi Sector, Nyagatare District, brought together women and men recognized for their dedication, cooperation, and love in building strong families and working hard to achieve self-reliance.
Jacqueline Nyiransabimana, one of the awardees, shared a moving story of how forgiveness and unity can rebuild a broken family.
She said: “My husband abandoned me, saying I was worthless because we had only daughters. Instead of feeling ashamed, I decided to work hard and improve my life. After ten years, I forgave him, and when he returned, I welcomed him warmly and even gave him a cow as a symbol of love and reconciliation. Today, we live peacefully, our children are in school, and we are a good example to our neighbors.”
Nyiransabimana added that being recognized by the government has given her renewed confidence and motivation to continue being a role model in promoting family unity.
Another exemplary couple, Jean de Dieu Ntibihangana and Gaudance Kabushabe, were celebrated for showing the power of partnership and love in achieving progress. Kabushabe explained that she made a personal decision to teach her husband how to read and write so he could improve his skills and confidence.
She said: “My husband worked hard but couldn’t read or write. It was always a challenge when he had to sign documents or access information. So, every evening after work, I taught him. It didn’t take long—he learned quickly, and now he reads better than I do!”
Her husband, Ntibihangana, expressed deep gratitude, saying: “My wife became both my teacher and my greatest supporter. The knowledge she gave me opened new doors. I now have a driving license for motorcycles and earn a living. When a wife teaches her husband, she’s not taking away his authority—she’s helping him find direction.”
This family was recognized as a model of gender equality and partnership, demonstrating how mutual support strengthens households and drives development.
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Uwimana Consolée, commended rural women for their central role in Rwanda’s progress and urged them to continue forming cooperatives to ensure that no one is left behind.
She said: “Rural women are the heartbeat of Rwanda’s development. When a woman prospers, her family prospers, and so does the nation. Working together gives women a stronger voice and access to opportunities and information. No country can progress when some people are left behind.”
The Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, reaffirmed that women’s development is a top priority for the province and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower them.
The Mayor of Nyagatare District, Gasana Stephen, also congratulated the awardees, noting that their achievements reflect positive change led by citizens themselves.
He said: “We are proud to see 144 women’s cooperatives actively operating in Nyagatare. These cooperatives are the true schools of economic empowerment for rural women. Gender equality is not just talk—it’s action. When men and women work together, nothing is impossible.”
According to the 2022 National Population Census, women make up 51.5% of Rwanda’s population, with the majority living in rural areas. This celebration served as a reminder that supporting rural women means investing in sustainable development—founded on unity, partnership, and the collective strength of the people.
