Women in Southern Province have been encouraged to take a leading role in environmental conservation, as officials and community leaders emphasize their vital contribution to sustainable development and family welfare.
The call was made during a provincial-level congress organized by the Green Party of Rwanda, where women members were urged to strengthen initiatives aimed at protecting natural resources. Participants highlighted that environmental degradation disproportionately affects women, particularly in rural communities.
Kankwanzi Claudine, a resident of Muhanga District, said environmental protection plays a key role in improving household incomes and livelihoods.
she said:“Protecting the environment benefits us directly, when I grow avocado and other fruit trees, I earn income that helps me support my family and meet basic needs.”
She added that environmental conservation empowers women to become more self-reliant and achieve long-term economic stability.
Uwihanganye Jeannine, from Gisagara District, stressed the importance of providing women with adequate training in sustainable farming practices.
“Women make up the majority of the agricultural workforce, yet farming is sometimes done without proper techniques,” she said. “Training would help us protect our soil and forests while increasing productivity.”
She noted that improved knowledge enables women to contribute more effectively to climate protection and community development.
Dr. Frank Habineza, President of the Green Party and a Senator in Rwanda’s Parliament, emphasized that empowering women is essential for environmental sustainability.
He said:“Women are the backbone of families,when the environment is damaged, they are the first to feel the impact. They collect firewood, fetch water, and care for children.”
He added that climate-related disasters and extreme weather often place additional burdens on women, who are typically responsible for household stability.
Dr. Habineza also pointed out that women play a crucial role in passing environmental values to future generations.
“Because they spend more time with children, women are well positioned to instill a culture of environmental responsibility,” He added.
Globally, climate change, rising temperatures, and environmental pollution remain major concerns. In Rwanda, soil erosion and deforestation continue to threaten agricultural productivity and water systems, with fertile land frequently washed into the Nile River basin. Illegal logging and unsustainable land use practices have contributed to the worsening situation, according to environmental experts.
To address these challenges, stakeholders called for stronger measures, including expanding environmental training programs for women,promoting sustainable and climate-smart agriculture,increasing tree planting initiatives,strengthening soil conservation efforts,integrating environmental education into schools.
Officials stressed that empowering women in environmental protection is a cornerstone of Rwanda’s long-term development strategy.
Through targeted training, financial support, and partnerships with public and private institutions, women are expected to play an increasingly influential role in safeguarding natural resources and building climate-resilient communities. Environmental protection remains a shared responsibility, but women in Rwanda continue to emerge as key drivers of sustainable development and climate action.
