She was speaking on Friday 18th March 2022 during discussions hosted by the European Union delegation Rwanda in the context of International Women’s Day celebrated every year on 8th March .
The discussions centered around gender equality and climate change, recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world in climate change response.
Also present at the event is Nicola Bellomo, the EU Ambassador to Rwanda who observed that women have largely contributed to the management of climate change and reiterated EU commitment to continue supporting them.
“A goal without a plan is worthless, which is why we have set in motion the gender action plan that pledges to ensure freedom from gender based violence, promoting equality in all sectors and addressing gender related issues,” he said.
One of the initiatives include the Regreening Africa project by Word Vision which has set an ambitious target to restore ecosystems in Bugesera, Kayonza, Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts in Rwanda.
One of the beneficiaries of the project, Jane Batamuliza who is a farmer in Nyagatare District revealed that the project has changed their lives.
“Nyagatare was usually like a desert, there was no rain at all. Since the project started, we have received occasional rainfall. As the project is ending, most people are currently warming up to the idea of fighting climate change collectively,” she noted.
Batamuliza said that most women have been actively and consistently engaged in the project, that the opportunities and gains are evident.
“Through planting trees and collecting wood, women have been able to feed their families and most people working in the project are women,” she revealed.
The Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya said that women like Jane are the ones mostly affected by climate change.
She explained that climate change is intertwined with gender equality where all sectors should work together to establish initiatives and solutions to the problem.
“Women are on the frontline when it comes to dealing with the consequences of climate change, in times like famine and flood women suffer the most,” Dr. Mujawamariya said.
The minister underscored that seeking solutions to address these problems should be done through collective efforts.
“It all starts with education, these young girls and boys should be taught together on how to deal with climate change but also how to deal with gender inequalities,” she noted.
The EU ambassador to Rwanda Nicola Bellomo said that the EU is ready to continue working closely with partners such as the Ministry of Environment and other relevant organizations.
“We look forward to working closely with the ministry and also other sectors to set gender indicators and implement our set strategies,” he said
Amb. Bellomo thanked the Government of Rwanda for its continuous role in promoting gender equality and also the steps taken to deal with climate change.
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