The Head of State delivered the message via Twitter handle on 8th March 2023.

The International Women’s Day is a global day observed on 8th March to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, while also making a call to action for strengthening gender equality and accelerating women’s empowerment.

President Kagame took advantage of the day to send best wishes to women in Rwanda and across the world.

“Salute to all women in Rwanda and Globally on this important day. We are with you in this Gender equality struggle in its real sense!!” he tweeted.

Figures from the latest Population and Housing Census in 2022 indicated that Rwanda registered 13,246,394 population of whom 48.5% are men while 51.5% are women.

Rwanda is globally reputed for efforts to promote gender equality and women empowerment.

The country has instituted policies aimed driving women’s inclusion in the areas of education, economy and leadership among others.

Rwanda’s Constitution of 2003 revised in 2015 provides for the minimum 30% quota for women in all decision-making organs.

Promoting gender equality was among Rwanda’s priorities following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Today, women have representation at different leadership levels and have ushered their way into prosperity in the private sector.

In 2008, Rwanda’s Lower Chamber of Parliament became the first globally with the highest proportion of women representation at 61.25% today, a way above the current global average of 26.4%.

Rwanda has maintained the leading position in Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Ranking of Women in Parliament for the past ten years.

Among others, women account for 50% in the cabinet. The law also provides for 30% women representation among local leaders.

President Paul Kagame sent best wishes to women as the world marked the International Women's Day 2023.