BY Tope Ajayi
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda says he will prefer to be succeeded by a woman.
In his opening remark at the ongoing annual National Dialogue tagged: “Umushyikirano 2019”, he said there is the possibility of having a female successor.
Kagame, who is the fourth president of Rwanda, emerged in 2000 following the resignation of his predecessor.
The event, which held at the Kigali Convention Centre, had ministers, influential business people, parliamentarians, community and religious leaders in attendance.
The president told his audience that Rwanda has made progress in all areas of development since the country launched “Vision 2020″ early in year 2000.
Kagame said Rwanda is rated among the best countries in the world with higher percentage of women in political leadership and representation in government, a record he said the country will continue to improve on by providing more opportunities for girls’ education and supporting women enterprises.
He said the government recognises that women are very important agents of socio-economic development.
“Rwanda is one of the top 10 countries in the world by global ranking on gender equality. We still have a lot of work to do. Let us work to be among the top five countries,” he said.
“We have a female speaker of parliament already and we can have the next president as a female. I will like a female successor.
“I know the men want to be president too. I know our men will want to see a female president. Let’s continue to encourage our women. Women should continue to work as partners with in business, in justice and security sectors and other areas. Women must also continue to work with men to develop our country. We are the ones to work for the greatness of our country.”
After the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has pursued a deliberate policy of women’s participation in politics and the economy to promote inclusive development.
In 2017, Rwanda broke record with the election of 49 women into the lower house of parliament.
In November, Kagame reshuffled his cabinet and appointed a female minister, which increased the percentage of women in his cabinet to 52% from initial 50%.
The 27-member cabinet now has 14 women and 13 men.
Rwanda has one of the most progressive constitutions in Africa in respect of female representation; the country’s constitution clearly included minimum of 30% slot for women in government positions.
At both the executive and legislative arms, the government has gone beyond the minimum constitutional requirement for women representation.
In 2015, Rwanda’s constitution was amended, following a referendum, enabling Kagame to run for a third term.
Beyond this, he could run again, potentially staying in power until 2034.
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