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By Annonciata Byukusenge
Rwanda’s literary community gathered in Kigali to celebrate women shaping the country’s book industry during the 2026 Women Book Awards, an event that also drew the support of international diplomats who highlighted the role of literature in empowering women and strengthening cultural exchange.
The ceremony, held as part of Women’s Month activities, brought together writers, publishers, literacy advocates and cultural leaders. Among the notable guests were Irene Vida Gala, Ambassador of Brazil to Rwanda, and Heike Uta Dettmann, Ambassador of Germany to Rwanda, whose presence underscored the growing importance of cultural diplomacy in promoting women’s voices in literature.
The Women Book Awards have become a key platform for recognising women contributing to Rwanda’s literary ecosystem. The initiative honours achievements across the book value chain, including authorship, publishing, literacy promotion and cultural leadership, while encouraging a stronger reading culture and creative economy.
One of the evening’s most celebrated moments was the recognition of renowned Rwandan author and genocide survivor Yolande Mukagasana, who received the Outstanding Woman Author Award. Mukagasana is widely known for her powerful testimonies about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, particularly in her acclaimed book La mort ne veut pas de moi.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mukagasana encouraged emerging writers to document their experiences and stories for future generations, noting that storytelling plays a vital role in preserving memory and identity.
Ambassador Gala, who delivered the keynote address, emphasized the transformative power of literature and its role in connecting societies.
“Stories carry the power to transform societies,” she said, praising Rwandan women authors for their creativity and courage in sharing stories that inspire communities.
Ambassador Dettmann attended the ceremony in support of the initiative, highlighting the importance of promoting women through education, cultural initiatives and creative industries.
Organisers said the Women Book Awards are designed to go beyond recognition by creating a movement that amplifies women’s voices in the literary sector. The initiative was founded by Rwandan literacy advocate Mutesi Gasana through the Book Academy under Arise Education.
They noted that the awards aim to recognise women working across Rwanda’s book industry, including those who often operate behind the scenes, while inspiring young girls to see literature as a pathway to leadership and creative expression.
With the support of international partners and cultural leaders, organisers say the awards continue to position Rwanda’s literary sector as a platform for empowerment, collaboration and global exchange.
As the ceremony concluded, participants echoed a shared message: women in Rwanda’s literary space are not only telling stories but also shaping the country’s cultural future.
