President Paul Kagame has paid tribute to women in Rwanda and around the world, praising their role in the country’s transformation as Rwanda joined the global community in marking International Women’s Day on March 8.

In a message shared to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, the President highlighted the importance of women’s contributions to national development and reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to equality and inclusion.

“Happy International Women’s Day! Today and every day, we celebrate the foundational role women continue to play in Rwanda’s transformation,” the President said.

He commended women for their resilience, ingenuity, and leadership, noting that their efforts continue to shape Rwanda’s social and economic progress.

“Your resilience, ingenuity and leadership continue to affirm a simple truth: a nation can only truly progress when inclusion and equality are upheld in every sphere,” Kagame added.

Rwanda is widely recognized globally for advancing women’s representation in leadership and governance. The country has consistently ranked among the top nations for women’s representation in parliament and has promoted gender equality across multiple sectors.

Each year, International Women’s Day is observed worldwide to recognize women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality. In Rwanda, the day is often marked by discussions on women’s empowerment, community initiatives, and reflections on progress made in advancing women’s rights.

The president’s message echoed the broader theme of this year’s celebration, emphasizing the continued importance of empowering women as a pillar of national development.

The message was shared on social media alongside the hashtag #IWD2026, joining global conversations honoring women’s contributions to society.