{Rwanda joined yesterday all the African Union member states to celebrate the 2015 Africa Day of Decentralization and Local Development, which is provided for by the newly adopted African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, local governance and local development. All the African Union Member States are mandated to commemorate that day on August 10th every year. Its first three editions were successfully celebrated in 2012, 2013 and 2014. In Rwanda, it is the first time we celebrate this day within the AU framework.}
The theme of this year is “Deepening Decentralization and Local Development through Effective Participation of Women in Local Governance”
Rwanda is committed to women empowerment and participation in local governance. Today, 46% of all decision making positions at district level are held by women. Rwanda strives to achieve more and to increase awareness and ownership among all citizens.
“We believe that; for our country to achieve its development goals, there is need for deepening decentralization and inclusive governance, where all men and women recognize each other as mutually and equally responsible for the destiny of the country and sustainable development.”
For this objective to be achieved, the Government of the Republic of Rwanda, the Ministry of Local Government and all Local Governments in Rwanda have started the mobilization for HeForShe campaign with the aim of achieving at least 100,000 signatories in Rwanda. To register please visit www.heforshe.org website.
HeForShe campaign is an international initiative aiming at mobilizing everyone, especially men and youth, to create and increase awareness on gender equality, the fight against gender based violence and promotion of ICT for all.
The President of the Republic of Rwanda, HE KAGAME Paul, is among champions of this initiative. Rwanda is recognized for having set record in women empowerment and participation in its daily life and in decision making positions, especially the Parliament and the Executive at all levels.
The remaining challenge is about mindset change, and we encourage all Rwandans to play a significant role to follow our President in walking the talk as the Government strives to make a conducive environment for all Rwandans to compete and to participate equally.
Decentralization being a process, we are happy for what we have achieved and we are hopeful that; all the outstanding challenges shall be overcome.
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