Women Urged to Lead Environmental Protection in Rwanda

Women in Rwanda’s Southern Province have been urged to take a leading role in environmental protection, as officials and community leaders emphasize their critical contribution to sustainable development, climate resilience, and family welfare.

The call was made during a provincial congress organized by the Green Party of Rwanda, which brought together women members to strengthen initiatives aimed at conserving natural resources and addressing climate-related challenges.

Women Bear the Brunt of Environmental Degradation

Participants at the congress highlighted that environmental degradation affects women more than any other group, particularly those living in rural areas. Soil erosion, deforestation, water shortages, and climate shocks directly impact women’s daily responsibilities, including farming, water collection, and household care.

Kankwanzi Claudine, a resident of Muhanga District, said environmental protection has a direct impact on household income and food security.

“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 said.

She added that environmental conservation enables women to become economically independent and more resilient to climate-related shocks.

Training Key to Sustainable Agriculture

Women leaders also stressed the need for increased training in sustainable and climate-smart agriculture. Uwihanganye Jeannine, from Gisagara District, noted that although women form the majority of the agricultural workforce, many lack access to modern farming techniques.

“Women make up the majority of farmers, yet agriculture is sometimes practiced without proper techniques,” she said. “Training would help us protect our soil and forests while increasing productivity.”

She explained that better knowledge would enable women to play a stronger role in environmental protection, climate adaptation, and community development.

Women Central to Climate Action, Says Green Party

Speaking at the event, Dr. Frank Habineza, President of the Green Party of Rwanda and a Senator in Rwanda’s Parliament, emphasized that empowering women is essential for environmental sustainability.

“Women are the backbone of families. When the environment is damaged, they are the first to feel the impact,” he said. “They collect firewood, fetch water, and care for children.”

Dr. Habineza added that climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts, and extreme weather conditions place additional burdens on women, who are often responsible for maintaining household stability.

Passing Environmental Values to Future Generations

He further noted that women play a crucial role in shaping the environmental values of future generations.

“Because women spend more time with children, they are well positioned to instill a culture of environmental responsibility from an early age,” he said.

According to Dr. Habineza, empowering women with environmental knowledge is one of the most effective ways to ensure long-term environmental protection.

Rwanda Faces Growing Environmental Challenges

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. Large amounts of fertile soil are frequently washed into the Nile River basin, reducing land fertility and increasing food insecurity.

Environmental experts warn that illegal logging, unsustainable land use, and poor farming practices have worsened the situation in many parts of the country.

Calls for Stronger Environmental Measures

To address these challenges, stakeholders at the congress called for stronger and more inclusive measures, including:

Expanding environmental training programs for women
Promoting sustainable and climate-smart agriculture
Increasing nationwide tree-planting initiatives
Strengthening soil conservation efforts
Integrating environmental education into school curricula

Officials emphasized that empowering women in environmental protection is a cornerstone of Rwanda’s long-term development strategy.

Through targeted training, access to finance, 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.

While environmental protection remains a shared responsibility, women in Rwanda continue to emerge as key drivers of sustainable development, climate action, and environmental conservation.