A delegation of Ethiopian Members of Parliament is in the country to acquaint themselves with how Rwanda managed to recover from the 1994 Tutsi Genocide and stabilising its economy as well as position itself at the forefront in upholding gender equality and women empowerment.
The Rwandan Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Aloisea Inyumba (see Photo in suit standing) has received the visiting delegation including Senior Political Leaders of women MPs of the Leadership Parliamentary Caucus from Ethiopia.
The delegation is on a working visit in Rwanda to share experiences with their Rwandan Parliamentarians’ counterparts.
At the meeting which was held at Primature on March 29th 2012, the head of the delegation, Hon. Roman Gselessi explained that Rwanda was chosen for this visit because of its good record in women empowerment and gender equality, equity and gender mainstreaming.
In addition, Rwanda has similar parliamentary structures – bicameral type of parliament and economic structure – as Ethiopia and both countries are found in the same region and have a similar cultural set up.
Hon. Inyumba explained to the MPs that good leadership and a sustainable political will have led Rwanda in taking these humble strides.
“As you recall, this nation was completely destroyed in 1994. The reconstruction of every aspect of life started almost from scratch. The challenges of rebuilding and restoring the State were enormous.
But as a society that was once characterised by unequal social, economic, and political relations between men and women, we struggled to ensure that men and women, boys and girls enjoy equal opportunities in order to realize their full human and productive potential for the sustainable development of the country”, the Minister said.
The visiting MPs were also briefed on the ongoing women and girls’ month which brings all stakeholders to tackle issues like fighting malnutrition especially for women and children, economic empowerment of women, girls’ education and fighting violence against women and girls.
The delegation is due to visit the National Women’s Council, the Gender Monitoring Office, Profemmes Twese Hamwe, Rwanda Women Parliamentarians, COOPEDU and Isange One Stop Center.
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