On March 14, 2026, the Embassy of Rwanda in Kenya, located in Nairobi, hosted a ceremony to mark International Women’s Day. The event brought together members of the Rwandan community living in Kenya, friends of Rwanda, and various invited leaders.
The celebration was held under the theme “Women Are Valuable,” highlighting the important role women play in the development of families, communities, and the nation as a whole.
The event gathered Rwandan women living in Kenya along with other members of the Rwandan diaspora. Participants discussed ways to further empower women, strengthen their role in development, and ensure that Rwandan cultural values and traditions are preserved among children growing up abroad.
In his remarks, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Kenya, Ernest Rwamucyo, emphasized that the Government of Rwanda attaches great importance to the contribution of women to national development. He noted that women play a central role in building families and advancing society, stressing that supporting women and providing them with opportunities leads to positive and sustainable development for the entire country.
Ambassador Rwamucyo explained that when women are given the opportunity to grow and participate in development activities, positive transformation occurs within families and across society. He added that empowering women helps create more stable families, strengthens communities, and accelerates national progress.
He also thanked those who attended the event and encouraged them to continue supporting initiatives that promote women’s empowerment and gender equality within the Rwandan community wherever they live.
During the discussions, Martha Nshutiwayesu, who represents the community’s gender commission, highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day in recognizing and appreciating the role women play in family life and national development.
She commended the Embassy of Rwanda in Kenya for organizing the gathering, which brought together both women and men from the Rwandan community in Kenya to discuss issues affecting them and explore ways to strengthen their families and community.
Martha reminded women that they have the capacity to transform their lives and contribute to the well-being of their families. She emphasized that a confident and empowered woman becomes a pillar of development within both the family and the wider society.
She also noted that Rwandan women living in Nairobi come from different backgrounds. Some are professionals working in various sectors, others accompanied their spouses for work or family life, while some moved to Kenya in search of better opportunities.
Despite the progress made by women in the diaspora, participants also discussed several challenges that still exist. Among these challenges is domestic violence, which continues to affect some families. In certain cases, the embassy intervenes to assist women facing serious difficulties, including helping them access support services or return to Rwanda when necessary.
Another concern raised during the discussions involved young girls who travel to Kenya after being promised jobs, only to find themselves stranded in Nairobi after the individuals who invited them switch off their phones and disappear. Such situations often leave them facing serious social and economic difficulties. Participants discussed the importance of raising awareness to prevent such incidents and supporting those who may encounter similar problems.
Martha also commended women who formed a group called “Itororo Utunyoni,” an initiative aimed at helping Rwandan children growing up abroad learn and understand their cultural heritage. The group focuses on ensuring that children in the diaspora grow up speaking Kinyarwanda, understanding Rwanda’s history, and embracing the country’s cultural values.
During the discussions, Leonie noted that women’s empowerment should not be viewed only as an individual benefit but as an essential driver of national development. She recalled remarks by President Paul Kagame, who has emphasized that sustainable development can only be achieved when there is equality and cooperation between women and men.
Leonie explained that when women are given access to education, employment opportunities, and participation in decision-making, the entire nation benefits through faster and more sustainable development.
The event also included discussions focused on promoting women’s development and educating young people and children in the diaspora about Rwandan cultural values. Participants shared ideas on how to continue building strong Rwandan families abroad based on unity, mutual respect, and solidarity.
Attendees were also informed about Rwanda’s national goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2027. Participants were encouraged to take part in awareness campaigns by promoting early screening and educating women about prevention.
The gathering concluded with a strong message encouraging continued recognition of the value of women, greater support for their empowerment, and stronger efforts to ensure that women play an active role in the development of families and societies both in Rwanda and within the Rwandan diaspora.
