In a vibrant and culturally rich event held in Stockholm on the 16th of March 2024, over 400
Rwandans and their friends came together to celebrate remarkable achievements in women's
equality and empowerment in Rwanda and Sweden. The event, organized by the Rwandan
Women's Association in Sweden (RWAS) and the Embassy of Rwanda in Sweden, titled
"Women in Action" showcased the progress both nations have made in bridging gender gaps
and promoting female leadership across various sectors.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Ambassador Dr. Diane Gashumba and
Francine Mukashema, President of the Rwanda Women's Association in Sweden (RWAS).  In
their opening remarks, they highlighted the strong leadership of H.E Paul Kagame and the
importance placed on the role of women in developing Rwanda as a prosperous nation.

Sweden's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Director, and Head of Section for Southern Africa,
Anna-Maria Olsson, delivered remarks, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared
experiences in advancing gender equality.

Panel discussions, including "Bridging Gender Gaps: Insights from Sweden & Africa", "Elevating
Girls in Leadership: From STEM to Business" and "Healthcare Equity: Pathways to Accessible
and Quality Care for All"sparked engaging conversations and highlighted strategies for
progress. The panel discussions included the International Vaccine Institute, Elekta Foundation,
University of Rwanda, students from Kungsholmen High School, Bank of Kigali, and the
Rwanda Stock Exchange.

Sweden and Rwanda consistently rank high on gender equality indexes, and these panels
provided valuable insights, shared experiences, and strategies for ensuring continued success
in achieving equality for all.

Financial institutions from Rwanda, such as the Bank of Kigali, Rwanda Stock Exchange, and
Mo Capital, joined the day, highlighting the nation's commitment to gender equality through
financial inclusion and using this event to sensitize the diaspora to various services at their
disposal. Attendees were able to interact with the different institutions at the adjacent exhibition
space that was set up.

The cultural richness of Rwanda was showcased through captivating musical performances by
the RWAS youth traditional dance troupe Amasimbi and Itorero Umucyo, as well as the soulful
melodies of Rwandan artists Teta Diana and Jules Sentore.

Renowned Swedish musician Caroline af Ugglas, known for annually hosting concerts where
the profits are donated to a recreation center for children in Kigali, Rwanda, joined the evening,
gracing the audience with a few of her hit songs.

The event also featured Rwandan coffee cupping and a fashion showcase highlighting
multicultural styles.

In her closing remarks, Ambassador Gashumba expressed gratitude for the fruitful collaboration
between Rwanda and Sweden, underscoring the importance of continued efforts in promoting
gender equality and cultural exchange.

The Women in Action Event concluded with a networking and social evening, providing
attendees with an opportunity to forge new connections and celebrate the achievements of the
day.

As Rwanda and Sweden join hands to celebrate their achievements and foster greater
collaboration, the Women in Action Event serves as a shining example of the power of
partnership in advancing gender equality and cultural understanding on a global scale.