Kigali — Women parliamentarians under their umbrella organisation, Rwanda Parliamentarian Women Forum (FFRP), in partnership with White Ribbon Alliance (WRA), have called on all Rwandans to protect the lives of expectant mothers and fight all forms of violence against women.

While addressing a gathering that had turned up to celebrate this year's International women's Day at Cyumba sector, Gicumbi district, the vice President of the Senate, Marie Mukantabana said "Pregnant women as mothers of the nation should be protected from death during delivery."

Mukantabana further called upon women at all levels to adhere to family planning programs.

The representative of the United Nations Population Fund at the function, Daphrose Nyirasafari, called upon parents to protect children against all forms of injustice, such as subjection to hard labour and denying them their right to education.

"Children as future leaders should be accorded all rights to raise them up as responsible citizens", said Nyirasafari.

Mayor Bonane Nyangezi hailed women for their contribution towards the development of the District.

"Women contribute 85 percent to the district's economic development, as they are always on the forefront to actively participate in agriculture and livestock farming," Nyangezi said.