“The World Cannot Thrive Without Women,” Says OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo

Kigali, Rwanda - Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the Organization of French-Speaking Countries (OIF), emphasized the critical role of women in global development, stating that the world cannot progress without them. She made the remarks on November 19, 2025, while opening the 46th Meeting of Foreign Ministers of OIF member states in Kigali.

The meeting focused on the role of women in development over the past 30 years, with Mushikiwabo highlighting persistent gender inequalities in many member countries. She stressed that women, who make up half of the world’s population, are essential for uniting families, fostering social cohesion, and driving national progress.

“Have we ever considered the role that women should play in uniting the family so that people can live well together? Rwanda knows this. […] I wonder how we are unable to see far ahead, don’t we often hear in public that the world cannot thrive while ignoring half of its population?” Mushikiwabo said.

Globally, out of 8.06 billion people, more than 4.05 billion are women, and in Rwanda, women constitute over 51.5% of the population, according to the 2022 census.

Mushikiwabo urged ministers from OIF member countries to ensure women are fully integrated into all aspects of social, economic, and political life. She said, “I urge ministers to create a new system of family functioning that fully understands the capabilities of women, including in preventing and resolving conflicts, and in promoting well-being in the extended family and at home. Make no mistake! For women to succeed, they need the cooperation of men. Without this, achievements will remain incomplete.”

The President of the Supreme Court of Rwanda, Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, praised Rwanda’s progress in advancing women’s rights and inclusion, noting that post-genocide reconstruction prioritized empowering women. He highlighted programs promoting gender equality in government, justice, and other sectors, emphasizing the tangible impact of women in development.

“Thanks to these reforms, we have seen the benefits of women’s participation in every aspect of life. In politics, Rwanda leads the world with 63.7% of MPs being women, and in the justice sector, women make up nearly 50%,” Mukantaganzwa said.

He added that women have played a pivotal role in conflict resolution and reconciliation, particularly in post-genocide Rwanda, citing their contributions as mediators in communities across the country. Mukantaganzwa stressed that in many countries, initiatives for women exist only on paper and urged leaders to translate policies into tangible action.

The OIF Ministerial Meeting brought together participants from 65 countries and marks the first high-level OIF gathering hosted by Rwanda since the organization’s establishment.