International Day of Rural Women 2026: ActionAid Rwanda Strengthens Rural Women’s Rights, Leadership and Economic Empowerment

ActionAid Rwanda (AAR) joined rural women, community members, local authorities, partners and women’s rights organisations in celebrating the International Day of Rural Women 2026, honouring rural women’s contributions while renewing calls for gender equality, social justice and economic empowerment.

The celebrations took place ahead of Rwanda’s local government elections, scheduled to begin on 24 October 2026, as rural women increasingly seek opportunities to participate in decision-making and take up leadership positions.

Through community engagement, capacity-building initiatives and support for women’s economic empowerment, ActionAid Rwanda contributes to creating an environment in which women can strengthen their confidence, recognise their rights and participate more actively in community development and local governance.

Through its work with rural communities, ActionAid Rwanda supports women through training, livelihood initiatives and other forms of assistance aimed at strengthening their economic independence and resilience. This includes support for agricultural activities, agroecological practices and improved livelihoods, helping women build their capacities and contribute to the well-being of their families and communities.

These efforts complement broader initiatives to promote women’s rights, leadership and participation in public life, encouraging women to recognise their potential and take an active role in decisions that affect them.

The celebrations in Ngera Sector were organised by Nyaruguru District in partnership with ActionAid Rwanda. The event focused on the role of rural women in decision-making as a foundation for sustainable change.

Mukarugema Rose, a resident of Ruheru Sector, said women were increasingly confident in their ability to seek elected office and contribute to local governance.
“Women are ready for the upcoming local government elections. We have been given the opportunity to speak openly, and there is no reason for a woman to hesitate to stand for election and seek the support of voters,” she said.

Uwera Marie Jeanne, a resident of Ngera Sector, highlighted the progress women had made in overcoming historical barriers to participation in public life.
“In the past, women did not have a voice and were held back by history. We appreciate the progress Rwanda has made, and we are ready to contest these elections with confidence that we can be elected,” she said.

Another resident, Uwamariya Zawadi, also expressed women’s readiness to take up leadership positions, emphasising their determination to participate more actively in local governance.

Speaking at the event, Member of Parliament Hon. Odette Uwamariya, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts, encouraged rural women to recognise that leadership opportunities are open to everyone, regardless of where they live or their social background.

She urged women to exercise their rights by contesting elections and supporting other women candidates, stressing that greater female representation in decision-making is essential for sustainable development.

“Women have the same right as other Rwandans to stand for election, be nominated and be elected. We want more women in decision-making positions, supported by the country’s good governance and political commitment to ensuring that women participate alongside men,” Uwamariya said.

Nyaruguru District Mayor Dr Emmanuel Musabyimana also called on women to look beyond their traditional household responsibilities and participate in leadership at every level, from families and communities to national institutions.

He emphasised that recognising women’s contributions and creating opportunities for them to lead are important steps towards achieving lasting social change.

ActionAid Rwanda recognises that advancing rural women’s rights requires more than celebrating their achievements. It involves addressing the structural barriers that limit their opportunities, economic independence and participation in social life.

Through its work with communities, the organisation supports women smallholder farmers in improving their livelihoods, strengthening food security and building resilience to climate change through agroecological practices. It also promotes women’s access to entrepreneurship, financial literacy and business opportunities, helping them strengthen their economic independence and improve their families’ well-being.

These efforts reflect ActionAid Rwanda’s commitment to challenging gender inequality, promoting women’s leadership and recognising the value of women’s contributions to both paid and unpaid care work.

Following the celebrations across its areas of operation such as Nyaruguru, Gisagara, Nyanza, Musanze and Karongi districts, ActionAid Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside rural women, girls, communities, local authorities and partners to advance gender equality and social justice.

By supporting women’s rights, promoting sustainable livelihoods and strengthening women’s participation in decision-making, ActionAid Rwanda continues to contribute to building resilient communities where women and girls can live free from poverty, discrimination and violence.
International Rural Women’s Day is observed annually on October 15 to recognise the contribution of rural women to agriculture, household welfare and national development, while highlighting the barriers they face in accessing economic opportunities and participating in decision-making.

The United Nations General Assembly formally established the observance in 2007, following initiatives that emerged from the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing.