Kigali — A Representative of Inter-Parliamentary Union; Zeina Hilal, has commended the government's commitment and respect to treaties that advance women's rights and protect them from several forms of discrimination.

This was during the official opening of a two-day seminar on the role of parliament in the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Hilal told Members of Parliament and those from the civil society that the world was aware and impressed by Rwandan women and men who are working hand-in-hand to develop their nation.

Rwanda ratified the Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1981.

"For a country to develop socially, politically or economically, it is important that women be given a chance to participate actively and it is good that Rwanda has embraced that idea," she said.

She called for participants to provide more options so that CEDAW is achieved.

The Secretary General of the Forum For Women Parliamentarians (FFWP), Alphonsine Mukarugema, who officially opened the seminar, pointed out that though the government is determined to advance human and women's rights as stipulated in international conventions and the Rwandan constitution, there was still a long way to go before dividends are realised.

"Rwanda has different problems, but among them is the inequality of men and women in areas of education,investment, and others. Its obvious that a woman still has a long way to go," she said

Mukarugema appealed to participants to identify positive aspects, main concerns and to come up with recommendations in how the Parliament can play a role in monitoring and addressing the CEDAW observations.