The Girls Leaders Forum (GLF) at the National University of Rwanda (NUR) was launched on this 01st June 2012. This Forum which aims at developing cultural values and leadership among female students is the first in the history of Rwanda higher learning institutions.

Rosette Nkundimfura, one of the initiators of GLF stated that this initiative was established following the realization that some university girls behave inappropriately and that girls are not sensitized to participate in leadership. She said: “As girls who are leaders we gathered and evaluated day to day life of a girl at university. We noticed that there are some girls who are misbehaving and engaging in such things as prostitution, indolence, drug consumption, etc. We tackled also gender issues regarding leadership and found that girls are not sensitized in leadership. As a solution to these problems we decided to establish a forum which has aims of fighting against misbehavior among girls and which will mobilize girls to feel free to participate in leadership in the same way like our brothers”.

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, NUR Rector Prof. Silas Lwakabamba acclaimed this initiative as he believes it can make an improvement in the behavior among female students. He suggested that the leadership of GLF extend this initiative to other higher learning institutions and to the secondary school level so that young girls who join university can be informed of what they should do to build their future, the future of their families and future of the country.

Madam Jeanne Izabiriza, the Executive Secretary of the Southern Province, requested female leaders to work harder in order to change the image of university girls as it was tarnished by some previous students who conducted themselves indecently. “I commend members of GLF for their initiative as it has a reason to be in place since there are many people who believe university girls have engaged in inappropriate behavior including prostitution. This Forum should be committed to make a difference and build a new image of university girls to restore trust towards university girls”.

The GLF is made up of female students who are leaders in their classes, faculties, students union and associations. It has also an advisory board made of mothers and women religious pastors. It was established on 02nd April 2012.

NUR Rector addressing the public

Students following GLF Launch Event

NUR beauty queens came to support GLF,from left,First runner up,second runner up and miss campus(without handbag)

Inyamibwa cultural dance troup entertaining

By Jean Baptiste Micomyiza