Rwanda’s First Lady, Her Excellency Jeannette Kagame, has been honoured with the prestigious FIGO Distinguished Recognition Award in Women’s Health, in recognition of her lifelong commitment to advancing the health, rights, and empowerment of women and girls.
The award was presented during the opening ceremony of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2025 World Congress in Cape Town, which celebrates global leaders who have made outstanding contributions to women’s health and well-being.
Mrs. Kagame was recognized alongside Prof. Linda-Gail Bekker of South Africa and Dr. Sima Samar of Afghanistan, joining a distinguished group of international leaders celebrated for their dedication to improving women’s lives worldwide.
The award was received on behalf of Her Excellency by High Commissioner Emmanuel Hategeka, who highlighted her transformative legacy.
In her message of gratitude, the First Lady expressed deep humility and appreciation, stating that she was deeply honoured to receive the FIGO Distinguished Recognition Award in Women’s Health.
She noted that through the work of the Imbuto Foundation and its partners, they have seen how empowering women and girls uplifts entire communities. She dedicated the recognition to the women, girls, and youth who inspire them every day.
Through the Imbuto Foundation, which she founded over two decades ago, Mrs. Kagame has championed numerous initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of women and girls.
Her work has had a measurable impact on maternal and child health, girls’ education, and youth empowerment, contributing to improved access to healthcare services, reduced maternal mortality, and a culture of dignity, opportunity, and inclusion.
Key achievements under her leadership include promoting academic excellence, celebrating approximately 8,000 girls who have excelled in their studies; advancing gender parity in school enrolment, ensuring equal educational opportunities for boys and girls; implementing adolescent sexual and reproductive health innovations, supporting youth to make informed health choices; facilitating youth-led solutions to teenage pregnancy and social vulnerabilities, empowering young people to drive change in their communities; and leading HPV vaccination campaigns for young girls, protecting future generations from cervical cancer.
The FIGO Distinguished Recognition Award in Women’s Health is one of the highest honours bestowed by the global federation, recognizing leaders who demonstrate exceptional vision and dedication to advancing women’s health and reproductive rights.
Since its establishment in 1997, FIGO’s Women’s Awards have celebrated 178 remarkable women worldwide.
This latest recognition reaffirms Rwanda’s growing global reputation as a leader in gender equality, social transformation, and inclusive health policy, highlighting the enduring influence of the First Lady in shaping compassionate initiatives that place women and girls at the heart of development.
