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The founder of Africa Soft Power project calls for women's inclusion in decision-making positions
Uwajeneza Donatha
May 30, 2024 - 20:32
Rwanda host the Africa Soft Power Summit, an African summit addressing various issues facing the continent and ways to solve them using Africa's own resources. Among the topics discussed was the continued support for women in decision-making positions, with Rwanda highlighted as an exemplary country in supporting women.
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The summit aims to explore how Africa's strengths can provide solutions to many of the continent's problems, the lack of women in decision-making positions was highlighted as one of the reasons why Africa might continue to struggle with development if nothing is done.
Mrs Nkiru Balonwu, the founder of the Africa Soft Power project, stated, "Women and youth are essential for Africa to achieve success. In our continent more than half of its population is women and over 70% is young people.
This shows us the importance of including women in discussions and decision-making positions. Without this, Africa has no future, and you can't win a game by only playing with half of your team. You must include women no matter what. This is what we mean when we talk about women in leadership. As women, we must find our way into decision-making positions, and men must support us. Without this support, our continent has no direction."
Mrs Michaella Rugwizangoga, the head of tourism at the Rwanda Development Board, stated that Rwanda is a good example of a country that has given women a platform to show what they can do, and emphasized that this effort will continue.
She said, "Women play a significant role in society, starting with education, which is a good indicator. For instance, in Rwanda, we have a strong example. We have a woman who became the first black female referee at the FIFA World Cup, and we have other women who have set world records. All of this requires supporting them and providing them with a safe environment, and we hope to see this for many more women."
The Africa Soft Power Summit, being held in Kigali for the third consecutive time, brings together participants from different African countries to find solutions to various challenges facing the continent.
Written by: Donatha UWAJENEZA / Author:Emilienne KAYITESI
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