The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya has called upon girl children to take a lead in advancing their development since the country has created enabling environment for equal opportunities.

The call was made October 11, 2023 when the Minister was speaking at the national celebration of international day of the girl child, an event that took place at FAWE Girls’ School in Gasabo District.

The event was graced by different government officials including the Director General of National Child Development Agency (NCDA), Assumpta Ingabire, partners, parents and children.

The day was globally celebrated under the theme “Our time is now-our rights, our future”.

In her remarks, Minister Uwamariya said that this year’s global theme falls within Rwanda’s framework to create opportunities for female and male children in all sectors, the reason why the Government of Rwanda adopted it with emphasis on girls’ education.

The Minister said that currently, studies occupy much time in the lives of parents and children as children spend much of their time in schools than at home. Hence, she urged schools to play a critical role in the development of children.  

“A school should play an important role in protecting a child from any ills. It should help them to understand their responsibilities as a good citizen and learn to live mutually with others, have impact, know their rights and champion for its realization. This will facilitate you towards self-development journey, your families and the nation at large”.

As the government of Rwanda established laws and policies that promote women and girl child, and intend to end stereotypes about domestic chores that were deterring girl child from her development, Minister urged them to use such opportunity and learn much about their rights as they continue to champion for it.

The Minister said that celebrating international day of a girl child is not leaving their brothers behind, however, it is time to reflect on aspects that impose distinctiveness, be biological or in responsibilities that their families and society expect from them, which may result into heavy challenges for a girl than a boy child. 

Speaking at the event, the UN Women Rwanda Country Representative, Jennet Kem urged everyone to protect children against all ills and ensure that girls enjoy their rights equally. She stressed on a critical role of education in the realization of the bright future of the girl child.

Celebration of international day of the girl child was marked by dances and drama performances amplifying messages promoting a girl child.