{"id":121029,"date":"2026-03-23T12:47:48","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T12:47:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/girls-conference-at-ur-sparks-young-womens-stem-leadership"},"modified":"2026-03-23T12:59:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T12:59:07","slug":"girls-conference-at-ur-sparks-young-womens-stem-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/girls-conference-at-ur-sparks-young-womens-stem-leadership","title":{"rendered":"Girls Conference at UR Sparks Young Women’s STEM Leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>As Rwanda deepens its focus on building an inclusive, knowledge-driven economy, young women are being urged to take up space in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and leadership.<\/p>\n

At Girls Conference 2026 at the University of Rwanda, leaders and students emphasised that empowering girls is no longer optional, but essential to national transformation.<\/p>\n

Participants follow a panel discussion. The meeting brought together more than 500 participants under the theme \u201cEmpowered Girls for Future Readiness Skills, Innovation, Impact.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two-day conference, held from March 21 to 22 at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV), brought together more than 500 participants under the theme \u201cEmpowered Girls for Future Readiness: Skills, Innovation, Impact,\u201d and was organized through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Rwanda.<\/p>\n

Participants are students from the University of Rwanda and other partner universities from Rwanda and across Africa, including Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program which supports academically talented young people facing socio-economic challenges across Rwanda and Africa, 70 per cent of whom are girls and young women.<\/p>\n

The two day event brought together more than 500 participants under the theme \u201cEmpowered Girls for Future Readiness Skills, Innovation, Impact,\u201d<\/p>\n

Through panel discussions and interactive sessions, participants explored topics including women\u2019s participation in STEM, entrepreneurship, leadership, strategies for closing persistent gender gaps, and the values needed for females to realize their full potential.<\/p>\n

The conference also highlighted how national policies and partnerships are opening pathways for girls to build skills, innovate, and take on leadership roles in shaping a more inclusive, knowledge-based economy.<\/p>\n

Participants during a two-day conference dubbed Girls Conference 2026 at the University of Rwanda.<\/p>\n

Research presentations by postgraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars and alumni also showcased innovative solutions in health, education, energy, and digital technology, demonstrating how young women are contributing to solving real-world challenges.<\/p>\n

Empowerment and leadership beyond academics<\/b><\/p>\n

While opening the conference, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Associate Professor Didas Kayihura Muganga, said empowering women has a multiplier effect that extends far beyond individuals.<\/p>\n

Through panel discussions and interactive sessions, participants explored topics including women\u2019s participation in STEM, entrepreneurship, leadership, strategies for closing persistent gender gaps.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen women are empowered, the product is always multiplied,\u201d he said. \u201cIt impacts families, communities, and entire nations.\u201d<\/p>\n

He urged participants to look beyond academic success and embrace a broader vision of impact, noting that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program goes beyond financial support to build full-rounded leaders.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda moves far beyond the scholarship. It is about a 360-degree transformation, equipping young people with knowledge, skills, mindset, and the ability to influence change,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

Vice Chancellor Prof Kayihura visits an exhibitions of Innovative projects carried out by UR students<\/p>\n

Policy perspective on women\u2019s empowerment<\/b><\/p>\n

Silas Ngayaboshya, Director General of Gender Promotion and Women Empowerment at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, underscored the central role of girls and women in Rwanda\u2019s development agenda.<\/p>\n

\u201cSustainable development will not be achieved by including girls at the margins,\u201d he said. \u201cIt will be achieved by placing them at the centre as leaders, innovators, and decision-makers.\u201d<\/p>\n

He highlighted Rwanda\u2019s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2, 2024\/25\u20132028\/2029) and the Gender Policy (2021) as key frameworks guiding the country\u2019s vision of an inclusive, resilient, knowledge-based economy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen and girls are not beneficiaries of development but drivers of transformation,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

He emphasised that empowerment requires not only expanding opportunities but also shifting mindsets and dismantling structural and cultural barriers.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmpowering girls is not only about expanding opportunities. Rather, transforming the norms, systems, and mindsets that hold them back as well,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He also called for collective responsibility in advancing gender equality, noting that institutions, communities, and individuals, including men and boys must work together to create an environment where every girl can thrive.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue transformation requires all of us,\u201d he said. \u201cWe must actively build a society where every girl can lead without limitation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Students share inspiration and personal impact<\/b><\/p>\n

For many students, the conference was more than a learning platform; it was a source of inspiration and a turning point.<\/p>\n

Nadia Umulisa, a third-year Social Work student at the University of Rwanda, said the experience broadened her perspective and strengthened her confidence to take bold steps.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am now in a position to lend a hand to others as well. I will use this opportunity to pave the way and bridge existing gaps at both the national and individual levels. I will add more bricks, just like others did,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Emerance Uwera, a Master\u2019s student in Data Science specialising in Data Mining, said progress is already visible, even in fields traditionally dominated by men.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe now have more examples of achievers. My area of specialisation is new, and we expected more men, but I also joined. My younger sister will admire my path and may join the movement as well. If I did it, she can too. My future will depend on what I am doing now,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda, Associate Professor Anne Marie Kagwesage, reminded participants of the opportunities available to them and encouraged them to make the most of their time at the University.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce you are at the university, you already have the opportunity to lead. Start where you are and contribute in every way you can,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Strategic Planning and Administration at the University of Rwanda, Dr. Raymond Ndikumana speaks during the closing ceremony.<\/p>\n

While officially closing, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Strategic Planning and Administration at the University of Rwanda, Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, thanked all participants for attending the conference and requested the girls to always strive to grow.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t always try to fit into existing spaces; also create new spaces for yourself and for others,\u201d the Deputy Vice Chancellor said.<\/p>\n

Regional collaboration and shared learning<\/b><\/p>\n

The conference also served as a hub for regional collaboration, bringing together participants from partner universities across Africa, including South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, and Kenya, fostering cross-cultural exchange of ideas and experiences.<\/p>\n

Organisers said the goal is to develop a new generation of transformative leaders, young people who are academically capable, service-oriented, and committed to driving social and economic change.<\/p>\n\r\n