Gender equality is not about women alone-MIGEPROF PS to Miss Rwanda 2022 Finalists
Everyone has the duty to promote gender equality and dismantle gender norms for the good of society as a whole, not just for women.
The observation was made by Mireille Batamuliza the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) while speaking to Miss Rwanda 2022 finalists on Saturday at La Palisse Hotel Nyamata.
Batamuliza, who was addressing the 20 finalists on March 5, 2022 on the importance of gender equality and women empowerment, telling them that very often gender equality is misunderstood as something that concerns only women.
The MIGEPROF PS said that among other stereotypes, the Ministry she served is often referred to as ‘the ministry of women’, which puts a negative connotation on the institution and the purpose it was established for.
“When we say gender equality, we don’t mean women alone, we mean all people having the same status, same opportunities and same rights. Equality applies to all,”
She pointed out that there is a general misconception that gender equality means women or girls challenging men or boys for their positions but rather putting in place the right laws and policies that do not exclude women or girls.
The official told the finalists that to address some of the key challenges that still affect gender equality goes back to issues that affect families where it all starts -any change to be made begins at the grassroots.
“When we talk about family development, we do not mean development of individuals but rather entire households. If one family is left behind, the we all still have a problem,” Batamuliza told the contestants
Batamuliza said that, the family, the smallest unit that makes a nation, continues to face many threats and challenges including gender-based violence, sexual violence that leads to early or teenage pregnancies, which are issues that must be addressed.
Batamuliza gave a historical background of how the woman was treated in Rwanda, pointing out that in the Rwandan tradition, the King had to consult the Queen before taking any action.
However, the colonial period altered the tradition, introducing differences that were based on ethnicity, religion or even gender. The post-independence years were also characterised by violence which mainly targeted women.
During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, women became easy targets for violence, where they were not just killed in their numbers but also raped, violated and abused, to the extent that today some still live with the trauma and after effects such as HIV/AIDS.
As a result, the family still suffers immense effects from this difficult past and the impact is still being felt today.
The MIGEPROF PS challenged Miss Rwanda participants to use their platform to advocate against some of the issues the country is still grappling with including GBV, sexual violence and abuse, teenage pregnancies that affect young girls, unemployment among the youth and many more.
“This is not the work of the government or leaders alone. Even as girls who have earned a place in this bootcamp, you already have what it takes to go down to your communities and make a difference,” she said.
She promised them support and cooperation from institutions as long as they can prove that what they are doing will truly transform the Rwandan society.
PS Batamuliza reiterated the commitment of the Government of Rwanda to ensure that girls and boys have equal opportunities and equal rights and means to explore their full potential.
