Burundian national Marie Goreth Nizigama has officially taken up her role as UN Women’s representative in Rwanda, where she will oversee programmes focused on advancing gender equality and expanding opportunities for women and girls.
Nizigama formally presented her credentials to Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, during a meeting in Kigali.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Rwanda and UN Women and advancing joint priorities on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
In her new role, Nizigama will lead UN Women’s engagement in Rwanda, including initiatives aimed at increasing women’s economic participation, empowering women and girls and improving their social wellbeing.
UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment, works with governments and other partners around the world to advance women’s rights and opportunities.
In Rwanda, the organization supports programmes focused on women’s economic empowerment, preventing gender-based violence and increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.
Nizigama’s appointment comes as Rwanda continues to work with UN Women and other partners to advance gender equality and strengthen the participation of women in the country’s social, economic and political development.
