Through the initiative of the walk which they called ‘Walk in her Shoes’, Care International Rwanda, National Women Council and Pro-Femmes/Twese Hamwe have risen the voice advocating for vulnerable women and girls in the frame work of helping them tackle poverty related problems.
The initiative was in line with the celebration of women’s day where thousands of Rwandans have participated in this walk which took place the first time in Rwanda.
According to Geoffrey Munyaneza in charge of youth development in Care International Rwanda, the walk which had almost three kilometers was aiming at recognizing difficulties facing women living in developing countries.
“Walk in her shoes does not simply mean to wear women’s shoes, it means to understand and recognize all the difficulties they face and dedicate everything possible to support the organization so that women and girls move from difficult poverty,” said Munyaneza.
The ‘Walk in her Shoes’-campaign also aimed at fundraising the support which Care international will use to change lives of women living in poor countries especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Some of women gave out their testimonies about their journey of empowerment with the support of care international Rwanda.
Pro-Femmes/Twese hamwe, a local non- governmental organization was among the participants. The organization showcased the works they do to support women in development including legal support.
Speaking to panorama.rw, Anicet Nizeyimana, an official from Pro-Femmes Twese hamwe said that their works contribute a lot to support women and girls towards the journey of development.
“We have joined this initiative to help Rwandans know the laws governing the family so that they can change the mindset in regard with gender equity and gender equality,” said Nizeyimana when giving books to the women and girls.
He further stressed that Rwandans should know that gender equity and gender equality is the equity of men and women that makes the cornerstone towards achieving the 2020 vision.
Jacky Kamanzi, the Executive Secretary of National Women Council (NWC) said that women and girls change their mindset as they come together for such a campaign.
“I think it a good occasion when these people come here and share testimonies of how the equity between women and men has changed the life of the family; we will continue to partner all together to support such initiatives that target the welfare of vulnerable women and girls.
She advised women to remember and implement the meaning of gender equity and gender equality in their families emphasizing those men should not treat their wives as slaves because gender equality means the equity of each other.
Care International Rwanda has various works contributing to the promotion of rights of vulnerable women and girls by giving them possible supports that increase their welfare.
The organization is currently working with 600 women from 24 districts who are supported in various programmes including skills on doing small projects and linkage with microfinance institutions.
Elias Hakizimana
Jacky Kamanzi, the Executive Secretary of National Women Council (Photo/Elias H.)
