It was a joyous occasion for all Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Plan (NELSAP) staff, with female staff dressed in the graceful ‘Mishanana’ attire (the Rwandan traditional dress). The female staff received flowers and cards from male staff marking the International Women’s Day celebrations. The Regional Coordinator, who was also the guest of honor opened with congratulatory remarks, and wished everybody a happy day. “Today is a day of celebration for women, on behalf of the whole team; I would like to wish you all a Happy Women’s Day!” he said. He proudly revealed that currently NELSAP has more than 30% female staff fulfilling the desire that was long held by both the NELCOM and NELSAP management.
NELSAP decided to celebrate the IWD 2011 on Friday 11th March as many of its staff was on mission abroad on March 8. The day started on a wonderful note, with the sun shine and sense of calm filling the boardroom. The NELSAP SDO, Ms. Mwikali Wambua challenged everybody to celebrate their achievements. She said the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration was 'Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women'.
Ms. Francoise recommended a continual recognition of gender equality and equal opportunities once NELSAP is institutionalized. During the event Margo Mukandinda who is the Kagera project Support staff, recognized and applauded women of Africa for the great role they play in the society. Mr. Charles Sabiiti, NELSAP Finance and Administration Manager speaking on behalf of male staff, appreciated the existing cooperation between male and female staff in the organization.
The NELSAP female staff representative, Ms. Francoise Kayigamba appreciated the hardworking spirit of the NBI/NELSAP female staff. She emphasized that it is because of gender equality initiatives that the board room was filled with staff of different gender. She applauded the NBI/ NELSAP for the efforts made so far in creating a favorable working environment that made it possible for the female staff to join the NBI team.
By Elimasia Mngumi, NELSAP DCO