Rwandans urged to give girls equal opportunities on Int'l Women's Day

KIGALI, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's First Lady Jeannette Kagame Friday called on Rwandans to give girl child equal opportunities like boys during national celebrations to mark the International Women's Day.

The celebrations, which took place in Kagano Sector, Nyamasheke district in western Rwanda, featured celebration of success gained in protecting and promoting women and girls in Rwanda as well as awarding best female students who excelled in last year's Rwanda national primary and secondary school examinations.

Families should give boys and girls equal opportunities, said Kagame, calling on parents to address challenges that impend children especially girls from going to school.

The girl child forms what will make the foundation of a safe family together with a male partner, she said.

There should be peaceful co-existence in families and family members should be well aware that they are the foundation of the nation, she added.

Over 200 best performing female students were awarded scholastic materials and cash incentives by Imbuto Foundation chaired by Kagame. A social mobilization campaign that seeks to motivate the girl child in Rwanda to excel in education was also launched at the event.