UNABU empowers girls with disabilities as Nyabihu marks international day of persons with disabilities

By Elias Hakizimana.

Nyabihu District, Rwanda, December 3, 2025— The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was marked in Nyabihu District with powerful testimonies from girls and women whose lives have been transformed through support from the Rwanda Organization of Women with Disabilities (UNABU).

The celebration, attended by district leaders, partners, and community members, highlighted progress toward building an inclusive society and reaffirmed commitments to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.

At the center of the celebration were schoolgirls who returned to class after years of isolation and interrupted education.

Niyoyampaye Florence, a Senior Two student at G.S. Kabatwa, is one of them. Born in 2008, she dropped out of school after being promoted to Senior Two but later returned with support from UNABU.

“They bought me scholastic materials and paid my school fees,” she said. “Going to school helps you overcome fear and familiarize yourself with other children regardless of disability. Staying home brings stigma and loneliness.”

She dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and is grateful she did not lose her future to early dropout.

Another student, Manizabayo Odette, in Senior Two B at G.S Gitebe, shared how she spent four years out of school after falling ill. Returning to school was difficult, but she now feels supported and hopeful.

“I feel comfortable because I familiarized myself again with other children after a long time in loneliness,” she said. “UNABU supported me with scholastic materials, clothes, and school fees. I expect a bright future and hope to become an entrepreneur or an important person in society.”

Her message to other children with disabilities: return to school and live in harmony.

UNABU Executive Director Gaudence Mushimiyimana said the organization’s mission is to remove barriers that prevent women and girls with disabilities from exercising their rights and achieving their potential.

“We are celebrating a day that reminds us that persons with disabilities are human beings deserving of rights and respect,” she said. “We also celebrate achievements at national and global levels — laws, policies, and development programs that protect and promote disability rights.”

She explained that ahead of the event, UNABU visited families and beneficiaries across Nyabihu to hear testimonies and encourage parents to support their children’s return to school.

The organization also took its advocacy to Inteko z’Abaturage (citizens’ assemblies), promoting inclusive mindsets within households.

“A person with a disability has rights, and families have responsibilities to support them,” she said.

UNABU works with advocacy groups across all cells of Nyabihu, empowering women and girls to engage in economic activities and contribute to community development.

During the celebration, various women’s groups showcased their income-generating projects, proving that disability does not limit capability.

TWUZUZANYE Association, based in Kareba Cell, produces seedlings for sale.

“We buy seedlings at RWF 500 and sell them at RWF 1000 after two months,” said group president Esperance Nambajimana. “Today, UNABU supported us with RWF 800,000 to expand our work. I call upon women and girls with disabilities who are still isolated to join associations and strive for development.”

In Rugera Sector, Twitezimbere Association runs a beauty salon offering hairdressing, pedicure, and manicure services.

“We are 13 members including trainees, and we received RWF 1,200,000 from UNABU,” said member Valentine Iradukunda, 26. “We will expand our salon and continue working as a team. In the next two to three years, I want to open my own salon and employ women with and without disabilities.”

Antoinette Mukandayisenga, Mayor of Nyabihu District praised the efforts of UNABU and partners, noting that this year’s theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress” calls for bold action.

“Today we celebrate achievements, but the journey is still ahead,” he said. “Everyone must help remove barriers persons with disabilities face in education, skills, infrastructure, and mindsets.”

A representative of the United Nations in Rwanda reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting disability-inclusive policies, education, healthcare, digital access, and social protection.

“We will continue amplifying the voices of people with disabilities,” she said. “They are not just recipients of support, but agents of change. Together, we must end stigma and discrimination.”

As the event concluded, the message from Nyabihu was clear: empowered through education, economic support, and strong advocacy, women and girls with disabilities are shaping Rwanda’s inclusive and dignified future.
                               

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