This Friday, March 11, 2022, Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital CARAES Ndera staff members have celebrated the International Women’s Day, as Rwanda joined the world to celebrate the international day, with this year's national theme reflecting on "Gender Equality to address Climate Change.”

The staff members representing CARAES Ndera and Icyizere Psychotherapeutic Center gathered in the Hospital’s multipurpose hall, with the women well dressed for the special event. The masters of ceremony (MCs) started the event and gave welcome to all women and men who attended the ceremony started at 2:00p.m.

As the ceremony went on, the participants enjoyed the drinks, music and friendly discussions. And then followed a women group’s traditional dance; with the whole audience standing up to join the dance. The women also performed a play showing how women pray role to address climate change. Dr Bizoza Rutakayire then took the floor, reading a French poem he composed to praise women, the poem which some of the parts were adapted from Léopold Sédar Senghor’s famous poem "Femme Nue, Femme Noire.”

^{Dr. Bizoza Rutakayire reading his poem about women}

Mrs. Rosine Mukamusoni delivered the word of the day, on behalf of the women staff at the hospital. She thanked the hospital for their guidance and contribution in the preparation process of this ceremony. She gave a background of the celebration of the international day, which was annually celebrated in Rwanda on March 08 since 1975. International Women's Day (IWD) is a worldwide holiday celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. It is also a focal point in the women's rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

Talking about this year’s theme, Mrs. Mukamusoni said that the role of women in the fight against climate change is crucial. She said that the climate change has negative effects on the productivity and wellbeing of the population, therefore both men and women are urged to participate in activities to preserve the environment and address climate change. They could play their role wherever they live, by planting trees, protecting land, preventing soil erosion and use of objects harmful to environment, among others activities. “At our hospital, if we all of us, men and women, work together, we can preserve the environment,” she said. Mrs. Mukamusoni suggested that all the staff members participate in the activity to replace old trees with new trees, as one of ways to preserve the environment of the hospital.

^{Mrs. Rosine Mukamusoni (R) delivering remarks}

Mrs. Mukamusoni also declared that some women at CARAES Ndera have grouped together and started an informal saving group, which has now grown to about Rwf10 million of savings. She commended the support of the hospital management and unity of the group members. She also urged other women staff at the hospital to join the group and partner in transforming their lives.

Director General of Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital CARAES Ndera, Br. Charles Nkubili, congratulated women on their special day. He said that the world without women would not be a good place to live in. He called on their male counterparts to be there for them and empower them, because their development is the development of the family in particular and the country in general. Br. Charles noted that sometimes girls and women show low self-esteem in comparison to their male counterparts. “We, men, are the ones to boost women’s self esteem to have a better society,” he said.

The ceremony was closed at around 5:00p.m, with the women taking the group photo with the Director General of the Hospital. Meanwhile, at CARAES Butare, the staff also celebrated the international day.

^{The women performing a play}

^{The staff members also danced different songs together to celebrate International Women’s Day}

\

^{(L-R) Mr. Jean Michel Iyamuremye, Head of Icyizere Psychotherapeutic Center, Br. Charles Nkubili, Director General, and Mr. Jean Claude Musabyimana, Director of Finance and Administration}

^{The event was attended by men and women who work at the hospital}