More than 500 participants from Rwanda and across Africa gathered in Kigali on Saturday for the 2026 Girls Conference, an initiative aimed at equipping young women with skills, innovation capacity, and a leadership mindset.
Held under the theme “Empowered Girls for Future Readiness: Skills, Innovation, Impact,” the conference brings together students, policymakers, education leaders, and development partners to advance girls’ empowerment.
Participants include Mastercard Foundation scholars and alumni, university students from Rwanda, and representatives from institutions such as the University of Pretoria, Makerere University, and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. High school students from across the country are also taking part.
Speaking at the opening, University of Rwanda Vice-Chancellor Dr. Didace Kayihura Muganga said investing in girls is key to accelerating societal transformation.
“We have every reason to celebrate,” he said, pointing to innovations showcased by young women at the event. “When women are empowered, the product is always multiplied many times over.”
He noted that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program goes beyond financial support, describing it as a “360-degree knowledge acceleration” that prepares young people for employment and leadership.
“Leadership starts with ourselves,” he said. “Make the most of every opportunity, learn deeply, collaborate widely, and lead boldly.”
Kayihura also highlighted persistent gender gaps, particularly in leadership and STEM fields, urging deliberate efforts to address underlying barriers.
“Learning should not be for acquiring degrees only,” he said. “It should be for impacting society.”
Silas Ngayaboshya, Director General of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, said sustainable development depends on placing girls at the centre of decision-making and innovation.
“Sustainable development will not be achieved by including girls at the margins,” he said. “It will be achieved by placing them at the centre as leaders, innovators, and decision-makers.”
He called for a shift from symbolic inclusion to transformative change that tackles structural barriers, including harmful social norms and unequal access to opportunities.
“Do not wait for permission to lead. Even if you are not given space, conquer it,” he added.
Ngayaboshya also stressed the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in promoting gender equality.
The conference features panel discussions, exhibitions, and interactive sessions focused on increasing girls’ participation in STEM, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Innovation booths are showcasing student-led solutions to real-world challenges.
For many participants, the event is already shaping their confidence and ambitions.
Nadia Umulisa, a student leader at the University of Rwanda Huye campus, said the conference has helped her see new possibilities.
“As a girl who grew up in the village, I never imagined I could stand in front of people and speak,” she said. “Now I feel there is nowhere I cannot go.”
Merveille Muhawenayo, a 21-year-old secondary school student at Camp Kigali, said the experience has strengthened her self-belief.
“What I gained most is the courage to believe in myself,” she said. “Seeing women leaders has motivated me to also contribute to my country.”
The Girls Conference is part of a 10-year partnership (2021–2031) between the University of Rwanda and the Mastercard Foundation to develop young leaders across Africa, with at least 70 per cent of beneficiaries being female.The conference continues on Sunday.
Arsene Byiringiro/The kaminuza star