In Uwinkingi Sector, Nyamagabe District, women such as Kwitonda Annonciata and Uwizeyimana Josephine are challenging the outdated belief that some jobs are meant for men only. They say this mindset should be completely abandoned because women are equally capable of doing any kind of work when given the right opportunities and knowledge.
Kwitonda Annonciata, a resident of Bicaca village in Mudasomwa cell, says her perspective changed after attending training sessions organized by Alight Rwanda in collaboration with local authorities, aimed at promoting gender equality and complementarity within families.
“I’m very grateful to Alight Rwanda for the awareness they provided about gender equality and complementarity. I realized there is no job a woman cannot do. I once owned a cow but didn’t know how to milk it. I always had to find someone to help me, and when that person wasn’t available, I’d end up losing milk, which really hurt me.”She shared.
Kwitonda explained that after receiving advice from a neighbor who used to help her, she decided to learn how to milk the cow herself.
“At first, I was scared, but I tried and succeeded. Now I milk my cow without any problem, and my husband realized that what he thought was impossible is actually possible. It made me feel confident that a woman is capable and should not be underestimated in any kind of work.” She said.
Uwizeyimana Josephine, another resident of the same sector, recalls being belittled by a neighbor when she went to plant eucalyptus trees.
“An old woman told me, ‘Do girls from your home cut down trees?’ But I didn’t give up. I did the work, and it taught me that women can do any kind of job. I now understand that for a family to develop, both husband and wife must work together. No one should wait for the other.” She said.
From the district’s perspective, Habimana Ephraim, the Gender and Equality Officer in Nyamagabe District, emphasized that women have great potential and should be given space to showcase their abilities.
“When women are given opportunities, they prove themselves capable. We urge men to continue working hand in hand with women for the development of their families because gender equality and complementarity are the foundation of sustainable development.” He said.
These examples show that initiatives by Alight Rwanda and local authorities to promote mindset change are yielding results helping to eliminate the belief that certain jobs are for men only, and instead fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusive development.
Alight Rwanda is a humanitarian organization that provides education and support on gender equality, complementarity, and the fight against gender-based violence.
