EMPOWERED TO INSPIRE
August - October 2014
Cultivating An Enriching Reading Culture MAITEX 2014
Challenging convention around work
Human fertilization process Issue No. 12
FREE COPY
Talking Colours
Gender & Law Rape Definition COVER STORY
Esther
Mbabazi
editor’s note Recently, while flying with Rwandair, the cabin was pleasantly filled with a female voice whose owner announced that she was the captain of the day and at what altitude we would be flying, among other things. I held back the desire to barge into the cockpit and interview her. Mercifully, The DIVA Magazine would request for an interview which she would graciously consent to.
Being the only female in Rwanda occupying a prestigious male-dominated field is no mean task. The story of Esther Mbabazi is as inspiring as it is touching. She is indeed a personality worth emulating. The DIVA Magazine therefore salutes Esther Mbabazi for a job well executed. Business is good. Especially when an enabling environment is created to assist individuals do business. Inside this magazine are two avenues that have opened up to Rwanda. The clever ones are those who will take advantage of the Special Economic Zones and MAITEX 2014 to further their businesses. We at The DIVA Magazine are here to link you up with the outside world, and to find every opportunity that opens up for your good. Our topical feature in this issue focuses on the reading culture. When was the last time you read anything? What are you currently reading? How often do you read? All those sampled concur that reading is nonnegotiable. They are people who began reading when they were very young and have never abandoned the habit. I hope you will be inspired to either step up your reading or begin a habit we at The DIVA Magazine consider absolutely healthy and rewarding. In our continued and concerted effort to improve this magazine, we have included a section for children. These are folk stories, riddles, and tongue twisters which we believe will stimulate your child’s intellect. We have also included a crossword puzzle to pick your brain. Of course our usual columns are here to inspire, educate, challenge, entertain and advise you. Enjoy experimenting with our interior décor. Enjoy reading about the journey that begins with fertilization to the evidence of a bouncing baby. Enjoy reading about our awesome God. Please don’t forget to send us feedback. We appreciate and are humbled when you take time to talk to us.
Lillian Ps . Remember to drop us a line or two on thediva@gmail.com 4
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Aug - Oct 2014
CONTENTS PUBLISHER FALCON G. NDIRIMA EDITOR Lillian M. Ndrima
CONTRIBUTORS ANN ANJAO CLAIRE ADUVUKA EFUA HAGAN FRED NKUSI JESSE KIMANI JUDITH ACHIENG KUSTOM DR. CONNIE MUREITHI MARTHA AYUMA Leandre Rwemera Ngabo John Karanja William Kariaga
06
How great thou art
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Cultivating An Enriching Reading Culture
12
Cover Story: My feet are still on the ground
16
Registering your business
21
MAITEX 2014
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The key to unlocking the fear of starting
26
Transforming Rwanda’s Economy
32
Challenging convention around work
34
Under the knife
38
Gender & Law
40
Human fertilization process
44
Talking colours
46
Teen Corner
48
Chapati Wrap
49
Talk to aunty umulisa
All rights reserved. Production is whole
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Your feedback
strictly prohibited. The name The DIVA
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or in part without written permission is is a registered trademark of Glance Media Ltd. Liberty; while every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information herein or any consequences arising from it.
devotion
How Great Thou
Art By Anne Anjao
When I consider the works of Your Fingers The sun and the stars, the land and the sea I stop to wonder Almighty Creator Why You would ever take thought of me Goes one age old song of worship. How we take life for granted! How we carelessly go about our lives as if God does not exist. The worst is not acknowledging His very existence. As I meditate on His greatness, I wish to share with you some of His handiwork and tell me whether He is not the great I AM. Sample this:
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devotion
1. Milford Sound, New Zealand Milford Sound, the most famous tourist site of New Zealand is situated within the Fiordland National Park which is in turn part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. Milford Sound runs 15 kilometres inland from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise 1200 metres or more on either side. Among the peaks are The Elephant at 1517 m (4977 ft), said to resemble an elephant’s head, and Lion Mountain, 1302 m (4271 ft), in the shape of a crouching lion.
2. The Amazon Rainforest South America The Amazon Rainforest is a moist broadleaf forest in the Amazon Basin of South America. The area is also known as Amazonia or the Amazon Basin, and encompasses seven million square kilometers (1.2 billion acres), though the forest itself occupies some 5.5 million square kilometers, located within nine nations: Brazil (with 60 percent of the
rainforest), Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. The Amazon represents over half of the planet’s remaining tropical rainforest in the world.
3. The Great Barrier Reef Australia The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. It is composed of roughly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 kilometers (1,616 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers (132,974 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in Northeast Australia. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from orbit and is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms.
4. Lake Turkana National Park Kenya Lake Turkana is the most saline of Africa’s large lakes and an outstanding laboratory for the study of plant and animal communities. The lake’s three national parks are a stopover point for
migrant waterbirds and are important breeding grounds for Nile crocodile, hippopotamus and a range of venomous snakes. The Koobi Fora deposits, rich in mammalian, molluscan and other fossil remains, have contributed more to understanding paleoenvironments than any other site on the continent.
5. Yellowstone Wyoming, Montana, Idaho (USA) Yellowstone National Park spans an area of 3,472 square miles (8,987 km²), comprising lakes, canyons, rivers and mountain ranges. Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America and is centered over the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest supervolcano on the continent. Half of the world’s geothermal features are in Yellowstone, fueled by this ongoing volcanism. The park is the centerpiece of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest remaining, nearly-intact ecosystem in the Earth’s northern temperate zone. Hundreds of species of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles have been documented, including several that are either endangered or threatened. The vast forests and grasslands also include unique species of plants. Grizzlies, wolves, and free-
ranging herds of bison and elk live in the park.
6. The Grand Canyon Arizona (USA) The canyon, created by the Colorado River over a period of 6 million years, is 277 miles (446 km) long, ranges in width from 4 to 18 miles (6.4 to 29 km) and attains a depth of more than a mile (1.6 km). Nearly two billion years of the Earth’s history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted.
7. Marble caves of Chile The Chilean marble caves are a magnificent scene. A five billion ton block of glistening marble was carved out through 6,200 years of flowing waves. The results of this natural process were the marvelous caves, tunnels, and caverns, all engraved through the large marble feature in Patagonia, Chile. The sight is amazing to the onlooker as the marble structure glitters under the bright sun rays. Yes dear people, only God created all these. He also created us. Who are we to question His existence? Courtesy of listverse.com and aitemedia.net
Aug - Oct 2014
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topical feature
CULTIVATING
AN ENRICHING
READING CULTURE
By Anne Anjao
Reading excites. Oh it does! Delving into book after book, and stretching far into the night because I simply cannot put a book down, be it one with a light touch or one that contains serious undertones. For as long as I can remember, I have always read a book. Who will forget the exciting times of Enid Blyton? Of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys? Of Chinua Achebe and Alan Paton? Francis Imbuga, Alex La Guma, Wole Soyinka, Ngugi wa Thiongo? How about pure fiction of James Hardly Chase, John Grisham, Jackie Collins, Mills and Boon? And the greatest book ever written, the Bible, to cap it all? I believe my life and thinking have been shaped by the books I have read. Currently, am lost in The Obamas, a book that details the intricate history of the the US President’s family and loving the vast knowledge it has to offer. The following beautiful people have purposely been sampled to share with you their experiences in reading through the given questions. They are not your ordinary people as you will discover from their answers. Not because they are rich and important with money, but because they are rich and important in the things that matter, one of which is reading.
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topical feature
a) What are you currently reading? b) How did you develop a reading culture/who or what motivated you to start reading? c) The book you read that inspired you the most. Why? d) Comment on the fact that a regular reader is better off than an ‘unread’ one. e) What can be done to cultivate a culture of reading? f) Why does the West beat us in reading? g) Any other comment.
with a book.
Acleo Mugisha, KFM Radio a) The Gathering Storm – from war to war - by Winston Churchill. b) As a little boy, I strove to be like my late auntie Octavia. She looked like she knew everything to me and always had a book with her. Later after my secondary school, I was inspired by two of my oldest teachers, Bro. Aloysius Lutaya and Bro. Bonaventura (both now deceased) who even in their late 80s, never parted
c) The Bible is my super book. I never read it for faith but history and wisdom. Having had a chance to study theology, I find it awesome to relate the events of B.C. to those of today and realize that actually there is nothing new on the face of the earth. On a secular point, for some strange reason, I read and re-read The Animal Farm by George Orwell. I guess it’s because it highlights the essence of selfishness and its effects. When I compare the rebellions today and the people who start them and how they end
up disintegrating because of tribalism and nepotism and hidden egocentrism, I realize how insightful George Orwell was. d) I love the saying that “the mind is like a TV set. When the sound is off its better to turn off the light”. Reading does not only keep the brain active but I believe helps one solve so many of life’s puzzles with ease. e) They say old habits die hard. If a kid can be taught to love reading from age 3, there is a great likelihood that they will grow with that habit. For primary, secondary school and university students, competitions and rewards can go a long way to motivate reading. f) In the West I guess people plan their time on the clock and so if it’s library time, it’s library time. In Africa, we count moments and so think we can always find time and in the end we miss most of the activities that require concentration like reading. I also think we always get comfortable very fast and stop thirsting for more knowledge. g) As we look to reading, we also ought to consider writing. He or she who writes will definitely read as part of their routine.
Usher Komugisha
a) Biko by Donald Woods. It is a great book that narrates the ordeal of Stephen Biko in his fight against apartheid in South Africa. b) Myparents bought
newspapers everyday and it was mandatory for me to read them. My parents also love reading and we had a home library that exposed and challenged me to read. My aunt who still teaches English and Literature who coached us during the weekends. The dictionary was an integral part of me. An uncle of mine once received a gift of encyclopedias from a friend abroad and together with my cousins, we were given assignments everyday on a topic of his choice, to read, summarize, type and print. c) Rick Warren’s A Purpose Driven Life. It inspired me to understand very many of life’s situations like the importance of forgiveness, my purpose on earth and what it means to trust God. d) Reading helps to develop the mind and enables the discovery of new things. It gives the reader self-confidence Aug - Oct 2014
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because you can back up an argument and you always feel good about yourself. It inculcates
g) Reading is a good hobby that can build one’s character.
Lorraine Ingabire
and nurtures creativity because unlike television, when reading a book, you imagine the scenes being described in the book. e) First of all, I think that it starts with parents. They need to encourage their children to read by identifying and explaining the role of reading in their personal development. We should also take advantage of technology like the internet and smart phones which has made life a lot easier. f) It is already a culture for the West. It is something families have done for generations and so it comes easily to them. Africans tend to be lazy when it comes to reading, therefore rarely maintain the discipline of constant reading. You know the saying, “If you want to hide something from an African, write it in a book.” 10
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a) A perfect Life by Danielle Steel. It’s about three people who face the truth about themselves; about what we do when pretense falls away and we can no longer run from the truth. As old ideas fail, everything changes, and life is suddenly brand-new. b) Hmmm….I grew up in a country where people read so much…So I got used to reading and the fact that I did literature helped me a lot. I also have a mum who reads a lot of things pertaining to spirituality. c) The long walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela that details the brutality that Mandela and South Africa faced due to apartheid and how they overcame it. d) The regular reader is more conversant with what is happening than an unread one. He has almost all the facts at his fingertips. e) There should be more libraries that are easily accessible to the public, then the public be sensitized about the
value of reading lest these libraries become white elephants. Another thing is creation of book clubs according to different age groups. It will be more interesting to discuss a book thus encourage reading. f) In the West, parents read bedtime stories to their children, thus perpetuating a reading culture.
Bill Nyirimihigo
a) I have been reading The 48 Laws of Power for the past 6 months or so. I don’t see it as a book to read from front to back in one go, but rather as something to read and try to apply on a daily basis. b) I do not quite remember exactly where my love for reading came from but I know I have always been interested in it since a young age. I guess it started with comics like most kids but I quickly started being interested in books that were not for my age such as Marry Higgings Clark and Stephen King. I would say my
motivation was just pure curiosity. c) The book that inspired me most is my favourite book of all time and that’s The Giver by Lois Lowry. It is a very captivating story about a young lad in a futuristic world who faces adversities but remains naively optimistic to overcome them eventually and save himself. I think I see a bit of myself in him. It’s a great read! d) A person who doesn’t read is a person who doesn’t know the world he/she lives in. Reading allows you to travel without leaving your room; it fuels your imagination, makes one curious about things and ultimately teaches. e) What we need is access to books for all ages, starting as young as possible. It would be very helpful to fit reading time in the schools’ curriculum. Also having events like the spelling bee or a shortstory writing competition would be a great way to develop a love for reading. f) It is said we Africans are a culture that prefers to tell stories as opposed to writing them down and there is some truth in that. Through our music, story-telling and chants, we have always chosen to speak before reading or writing. So for the most part, our history has been an oral one and that
would explain why they are ahead in reading. But I also don’t really believe in saying they “beat us” in it because it would imply they are better than us. We are simply different and unique in our own way!
Flora Kaitesi, News Anchor & Reporter with RBA a) Toward a Global Civilisation of Love and Tolerance by Fethullah Gulen b) I developed a culture of reading at a very young age. I studied in Kenya and I remember the school I was enrolled provided a booklist of text books that had to be bought before I could join class one and part of the book list was a story book or picture book. I was really fascinated by the story books and by the time I was in class three, I would flip through English textbooks for classes
above mine just to read the stories, which means by the time I joined the next class, I already knew what we were going to read and in no time I was hooked. When the school opened a library, I was one of the most frequent visitors. By class four, I was already reading novels and my favorite were Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys and Sweet Valley Twins. My school bags never lasted long because they were always heavy with text books, exercise books and story books. c) It’s hard to choose which one inspired me the most but aside from the “Love and Tolerance” that I’m currently reading, the last book I read not only inspired me but was also an eye opener. It’s called The Speed of Trust. Trust is the one thing that changes everything. It is common to everyone, families, relationships, governments, teams, economies but if eliminated or removed it will destroy successful businesses, governments, organizations and basically civilization. d) A regular reader is able to open their mind to the diverse world out there, to understand different cultures and gain a wealth of knowledge on a wide range of issues especially if one is a wide reader and not focused on one kind of literature.
e) It’s simple. Put books directly in the hands of young children. Parents have a critical role to play in this endeavor. You start by buying picture books for your children and helping them understand the illustrations because the pictures tell a story. Gradually this child will be able to connect the pictures by themselves and tell the stories themselves. I believe that it’s also very very important for parents to read to their children. Simply encourage kids to fall in love with books at a tender age. f) You see the problem with we Africans is that we tend to think that the culture of bed time stories is for westerners. But this is how they beat us. By reading to their children just before bed, they actually make them like books and like to read at an early age. They keep these books in their children’s bedrooms and even when the parent is not around to read to them, the child will pick up the book and read it. g) Not only is reading enlightening, it’s so much fun and it’s never too late to start. Reading connects directly to the brain. Anyone who is reading this, just buy or borrow a small book and start reading.
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cover story
My Feet
are still on the ground By Our correspondent
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cover story But the fame and publicity haven’t changed the 25 year old a bit; she is still the friendly girl who blushes when you congratulate her for her success; still uses motorbikes to get around town while being courteous to the riders. Indeed she still has her feet firmly placed on the ground. And more young people would be highly advised to do the same and learn to keep their feet on the ground. The Diva magazine caught up with her to get insights to her little known side of life. Below is the full interview:
Rwanda’s first female pilot speaks out on life, career, marriage and relationship When the history of the Rwandan Aviation Industry is written, Esther Mbabazi’s name will probably constitute the first words. Mbabazi has set the pace for Rwandan women proving that they too can be at the helm in the cockpit, a place that has long been thought to be a man’s place as ladies serve as cabin crew. In recent times, she has been featured by national and international media outlets among them the Guardian and CNN.
Lately , you have a lot of people looking up to you as role model with members of the press asking you the same questions over and over. Do you in any way feel like you are under pressure?
places I used to before I got my job. It is strange how people feel that they have to change their lives and the people around them when they have jobs and money. Do you ever feel that to get to where you are, you had to miss out on a normal childhood? If by missing out you mean sneaking out of school, drinking and drugs, I missed that. I generally do not like wasting time. If something has no end, I see no point of getting involved in it. That said I wasn’t a bookworm. When it came to studying, I gave it all my attention but I took part in sports actively and I had
Sometimes I do, but I try to be as normal as I can. I haven’t changed my life one bit because of my job. The pressure may be there but I see no need to change things or hide what I do. It is hard to think that people around you are watching you, so I avoid that thought and get on normally. I still have the same friends I had back in the days; I still use motos to get around town; I still hang out in the same Aug - Oct 2014
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cover story friends whom I spent time with. But for anyone who looks up to me I wouldn’t ask them to necessarily do everything I did. Be who you are. Looking back, I can’t trade my efforts and the pain that took me to get where I am for anything. Did you have a particular person you looked up to? I do not necessarily try to copy any one. I grew up knowing I am different and I did not want to compromise that. But I learn and draw lessons from people from all walks of life and all ages. If I see qualities in people irrespective of who they are, I will learn from them. I have a lot of old friends, (60 to 80 year olds) because I like to listen to people’s life experiences. I find it a good way to learn from other people’s mistakes. Considering that you are always travelling, do you have a hard time keeping up with friends and family? Because of my job, my social life has suffered a little; I have less time to meet friends. But it has also made me conscious of time. I now have to make the most of my free time. In the airline you don’t have much time to make friends or see around the
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places you travel to. Despite being away from family and friends, I am never lonely. I work in a very dynamic environment; you are always engaged talking to people around you. In your view, why are there few women in your line of work? Generally there are not many women in the world who are cockpit crew, probably because most people view it as a male job. Growing up, I didn’t see any job as a man’s job. My mum was an electrician which proved that women could do anything men did. It was easier for me to get past that mentality because I was and still am a hands on person. I like being able to do practical things. It is probably because of how society trains women to think that some things are beyond them. A lot of girls grow up with a mentality that some careers are only meant for men whereas they are as capable as men. But the tide is turning; more and more women are having top positions in leadership, politics, business and other careers they had not ventured into. Girls growing up today have more women and success stories to inspire them.
Few 21st century ladies would consider going out with a man who earns less than they do, what’s your take on this? No offence, but that is a silly line of thought. At the end of the day, God blesses whom he chooses and you can never be sure of someone’s future. If you are attracted to rich people, you are only attracted to money and have no interest in people for who they are. People have a hard time respecting those who are a financial class lower than them. It is time people of our generation learnt to love and treat people for who they are, not how much they are worth. It is then that you can be truly happy. Speaking of men, are you dating? Yes I am. Do you think that your intimidate men around you? Back in school (high school) I used to think so, but in college, I dropped the thought. In school however, I intimidated boys because I was tall and big and most of the boys in my class were small (laughs).
cover story I do not belong to any social class, and I wouldn’t treat anybody as a lesser person just because I think I have more than they do. I think intimidation depends on the guys who have a low self-esteem; it is a creation of our minds. All of us are made from dirt and we will go back to it. Material possessions should not blind us. You are always traveling. At some point you may want to get married and settle. Are you afraid that work will get in the way of your marriage? That’s a big question; I have seen a lot of my friends in aviation get married and have successful marriages. In marriage, you can’t blame your career for your short comings. You have to make time for your spouse and kids regardless of your schedule.
I believe if you really like someone you will find time for them. Career is mostly used as a polite excuse for people who are reluctant to give their all in their commitments. Do you have a hard time introducing yourself to strangers? Most times I prefer telling people I am in the transport business when I meet them for the first time. I do not like introducing myself as a pilot; it can be a little difficult to have a normal conversation because it tends to focus more on the technical part of what I do leaving me a small chance to know them. Best advice you have received? It was from my mum; always keep you feet on the ground. Learn to live a normal life. I wish more people would do the same.
Had you not been a pilot what would you have been? Anything that involves practicals from a farmer to a construction worker. How do you spend you free time? Watching TV and movies. I have a hard time remembering movie scripts though. One thing few people know about you? That I dance, only at home though, in front of the mirror.
Favorite music genre I am Pan-African, so if it is good African music I will definitely listen to it. Are you a feminist? Yes I am but not an extremist. Dream car I do not have plans to own a car soon, maybe a motor bike to beat the traffic. What are you afraid of? Snakes freak me out!
business
Registering your business, Special Feature
August 06 - 12, 2014
Vol. 1 Issue No. 253
The Rwanda Focus
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Registering your business, now online and now online and free of charge free of charge STEVENSON MUGISHA
Business registration is now done in a few hours and for free.
S
tarting a business is a dream of many individuals on the African continent and everywhere in the world, as it can be something that helps people to reach their financial and social goals.
RDB used to cost Frw 15,000 and took six hours to be processed, but now with the introduction of online registration, members of the business community can register their businesses at free of charge and in one simple procedure.
Business Report, and Rwanda has continued to gradually improve on this indicator every year the report is released. This gain factored in the country’s impressive performance in the 2014 report, not only in Africa but on an international level.
since 2005, beating Georgia to this record and other 173 economies. This is an indication of massive improvements over time.
Out of the 189 countries assessed by the World Bank on ease of Doing Business, Starting a business is a government through the to be pro-cessed, but Rwandan government In order to make starting a busi- Starting a business requires Rwanda has been very active Rwanda was ranked in the easier and cheaper, the Development courage, and the Rwandannow gov- with sincethe 2008/9. It has been a topthrough 32nd. the RDB and other dream of manyness individuals Rwanda introduction Rwandan government through ernment through the RDB and global reformer twice before in on the African the continent Board in February this year of online has Rwanda Development other concerned institutions 2010registration, and 2011. Rwanda was concerned With eight institutions reforms in startBoard in February this year has made it easier for people again a top reformer in the ing a business: dealing with and everywhere in introduced members of the business it easierpermits, for people introduced mandatory online tomandatory take that leap. recently released 2014 Doing made construction regisBusiness report. Rwanda was totering getting credit, the world, as itregistration can be of businesses online registration of community can register takeproperty, that leap. around the city of Kigali. Starting a business is the first recorded as the first country legal rights, protecting invessomething that helps businessesindicator around the the cityten listed their at free among in businesses that has advanced the of furthest tors, paying taxes, trading Registering a business at the Word Bank’s annual Doing in the ease of doing business across borders, and resolving
people to reach their financial and social goals. In order to make starting a business easier and cheaper, the Rwandan 16
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of Kigali.
Registering a business at RDB used to cost Frw 15,000 and took six hours
charge and in one simple procedure.
Starting a business is the first indicator among the ten listed in theItsWord for the record. The Rwanda Focus Starting a business Bank’s annual Doing requires courage, and the Business Report, and
424 2 business
August 06 - 12, 2014
Vol. 1 Issue No. 253
The Rwanda Focus
Special Feature
i n s o l v e n c y, R w a n d a gained 20 ranks moving from 52nd to 32nd globally. The impact comes mainly from the reforms Out of the in registering property (gain of 55 ranks), and in 189 countries resolving insolvency (gain of 30 ranks).
Rwanda has continued to gradually improve on this indicator every year the report is released. assessed by T h e s e s tWorld rides have This gain factored in the been the made possible by concerted of all country’s impressive Bankefforts on ease stakeholders in the DB August 06in - 12, 2014 Vol.Project. 1 Issue No.government 253 performance the 2014 ofThe Doing been consistently 424 2 Focus has report,The notRwanda only in Africa Business, reforming and has continued to show its combut on an international mitment Rwanda towards was removi n s o l v e n c y, R w a ning d a regulatory burdens level. ranked in the gained 20 ranks moving to business by moving from 52nd to 32nd globbeyond the DB indica32nd. ally. The impact comes tors to overall investment climate issues. mainly fromvery the reforms Rwanda has been in registering property active since 2008/9. It has eight to Asin aWith commitment (gain of 55 ranks), and broader reforms like public insolvency (gain been a topresolving global reformer reforms in sector reform, decentralof 30 ranks). In the past, most entrepreneurs, such as the reform, planning ones pictures, opted for physical registration. twice before in 2010 and ization starting a and accountability as well These strides have as good governance, one 2011. Rwanda was again business: been made possible by can easily say Rwanda concerted efforts ofisalla private sector-minded government with conducive and doing business in general RDB in partnership with the As a commitment to method rather than a top reformer in thein the DB dealing with construction stakeholders business environment is concerned, online registra- Ministry of Trade and Industry Project. The government permits, registering broader reforms toway come and register recently released 2014 at the heart of governtion oflike companies is the (MINICOM) and the Private has been consistently ment priorities. to go because it’s reliable and Sector Federation (PSF), conpublic sector consumer-friendly reform, their companies at RDB Doing Business report. reforming and has con- property, getting credit, compared to ducted a nationwide training of tinued to show its comthe physical registration where staff at Business Development decentralization headquarters. Rwanda was recorded as legal rights, protecting mitment towards removpeople come and register their Centers, owners and operastarting companies ing regulatory burdens investors, paying taxes, Registering/ of private cyber-cafes, as reform, planning andat RDB,” Kanyonga tors the first country that has well as PSF staff in the disa business said. to business by moving tricts online registration the DB in indica- trading across borders, accountability as well as “If we are on tothe achieve our advancedbeyond the furthest Registrar General and She added that for people who of businesses. tors to overall investment head ofgovernance, invest- currentlyone need to register their and goal of being vision the ease of doing business and resolving insolvency,currentgood climate issues. ment promotion and companies online, they can “The training was successcan easily Rwanda amongfulthe performers since 2005, beating Rwanda gained 20 ranks implementation, with top an impressive turn-out Louisesay easily access RDB’s website, As a commitment to Kanyonga, noted that in which has all information and and we hope that this will be a broader reforms like public a private in the turning worldpoint in as far Georgia to this record and moving from 52nd to 32nd that willas result in a bid toismake starting sectoran online registration manual. sector reform, decentralbusiness in Rwanda Easy access to RDB’s website more people using the online In the past, most entrepreneurs,a such as the minded government registration of companies other 173 ization economies. reform, This planning globally. The impact comes easier, her office is paramount, she says, as it services,” Kanyonga said. ones pictures, opted for physicaleven registration. and accountability as well is nowwith consolidating enables many people toand regis-doing business in conducive business is an indication of massive mainly from the reforms as good governance, one more strategies aimed ter their companies online and The objective behind the traincan easily say Rwanda in registering property that with skilled and at putting in place more toat make inquiries withoutgeneral going ingisisconcerned, environment the heart improvements over time. is a private sector-minded government with conducive andon doing business in general with thepeople at BDCs knowledgeable emphasis people to to the offices. RDB in partnership business environment concerned, registra- Ministryonline of Trade andprivate Industry and Internet compa-online priorities. government registration of cafes, (gain of 55 ranks),registerisoftheir at the heart of governtion of companies is theregistration way (MINICOM) the Private access and usability of the nies online. Online of compa-and andment in resolving companies is the way to It online service increase. started in 2012. Currently, priorities. to go because it’snies reliable and Sector Federation (PSF), con-will will also help to She noted that putting 30% of thetoRwandan consumer-friendly compared ducted apopunationwide training of tackle another Registering/ starting a insolvency (gain of go because it’s reliable for online registrac o m p athe n y physical r e g i s t rregistration a - lation registering their busi- challenge where staff at Business Development the operalow level of computer tion online is meant to nesses doesCenters, so online, owners but tion:and people come and registernow their business 30 ranks). and consumer-friendly literacy in the country. encourage more people her institution has set a target Registering/ starting companies at RDB,” Kanyonga tors of private cyber-cafes, as to use said. the online regis- of increasing thiswell percentage to staff into ascompared PSF thethe dis-physical a business She registration added that the trainings will tration method rather 52% by the 2015 World tricts on Bank the online even create business opportuthan toRegistrar come and regDoing Business report survey General These strides registration where people Registrar General and She added that for people who of businesses. nities for cyber-café owners ister their companies at phase. current head of investcurrently need tohead register their and current of have been made come and register their to either organize computer RDB headquarters. “Thethistraining was successment promotion and companies online, they tocan or offer assistance in In order achieve ambi- trainings ful with companies an impressive turn-out implementation, Louise investment promotion and possible by at RDB,”for a fee for “If we easily are to access achieveRDB’s tiouswebsite, goal, RDB continues to online registration and we hope that this will be aa computer or Kanyonga, noted that in which has all information and our vision and goal work with private sector struc- those without implementation, Louise concerted efforts of being turning Kanyonga point willsaid. result in a bid to make starting an online internet. of amongregistration the tures manual. to create awareness on that people using the online a business in Rwanda Easy access to RDB’s website and performers in the the availability Kanyonga, noted that in morereliability all stakeholders intop Kanyonga even easier, her office is as paramount, as it services,” As forsaid. prospective business world in far as reg-she of says, the e-registration service. owners, especially those istration companies Instarting the previous months, now consolidating enables many people to regisa ofbid to make theisDB Project. The She added that for people more strategies aimed ter their companies online and The objective behind the traina business in Rwanda government has who currently need to at putting in place more to make inquiries without going ing is that with skilled and knowledgeable people at BDCs emphasis on people to to the offices. been consistently register theircafes, companies www.focus.rw Internet register their compa- even easier, her office is and private and usability of the nies online. Online registration of companow consolidating more accessonline, reforming and has they can easily nies started in 2012. Currently, online service will increase. It will alsoaccess help to tackle She notedto that putting 30% of the Rwandan strategies aimed atpopuputting continued show RDB’sanother website, c o m p a n y r e g i s t r a - lation registering their busi- challenge for online registrain place its commitment has all information low level of computer tion online is meant to nesses nowmore does soemphasis online, but tion: thewhich literacy in the country. encourage more people her institution has set a target on people to register their towards removing and an online registration to use the online regis- of increasing this percentage to that the Easy trainings will tration method rather 52% by the 2015 World Bank She added companies online. regulatory burdens manual. access than to come and reg- Doing Business report survey even create business opportuto business by to cyber-café RDB’s website nities for ownersis ister their companies at phase. to either organize computer RDB headquarters. She noted that this putting moving beyond paramount, she in says, as it or offer assistance In order to achieve ambi- trainings online registration for a fee for “If we are to achieve tious goal, RDB continues to the DB indicators to company registration enables many people to our vision and goal work with private sector struc- those without a computer or online is meant to on internet.register their companies overall investment of being among the tures to create awareness top performers in the the availability and reliability encourage moreservice. people As to for online climate issues. andbusiness to make prospective world in as far as reg- of the e-registration especially thosegoing to istration of companies In months, owners, usethetheprevious online registration inquiries without
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Aug - Oct 2014
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business
Special Feature
the offices. Online registration of companies started in 2012. Currently, 30% of the Rwandan population registering their businesses now does so online, but her institution has set a target of increasing this percentage to 52% by the 2015 World Bank Doing Business report survey phase. In order to achieve this ambitious goal, RDB continues to work with private sector structures to create awareness on the availability and reliability of the e-registration service. In the previous months, RDB in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) and the Private Sector Federation (PSF), conducted a nationwide training of staff at Business Development Centers, owners and operators of private cyber-cafes, as well as PSF staff in the districts on the online registration of businesses. “The training was successful with an impressive turn-out and we hope that this will be a turning point that will result in more people using the online services,” Kanyonga said. The objective behind the training is that with skilled and knowledgeable people at BDCs and private Internet cafes, access and usability of the online 18
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August 06 - 12, 2014
Vol. 1 Issue No. 253
The Rwanda Focus
25 25
upcountry, Kanyonga pointed
service will that will no increase. longer have toIt make long trips to Kigali will anymore also help to tackle to incorporate their enterprises, as they will be doing it challenge at their nearby cyber another for cafes or in the comfort of their homes. online registration: “Valuable timeofis lost in the low level queues of clients coming to register their companiesin here computer literacy at RDB,” Kanyonga said. the She country. added that online registration of companies reduces human errors that may occur during the registration process. RDB has two online help desk administrators who assist people to register their companies online free of charge.
She added that the trainings will even create business opportunities for cyber-café Easy accessowners to loans to either organize According to the Registrar General, some of the major computer challengestrainings that still hamper the online registration of comor offer panies assistance include internet illiteracy and lack of technical know-how among the busiin online registration ness community. RDB will to carry out several for acontinue fee for those trainings among the population across the country on how without a computer or to use the internet she said would help more people to internet. easily use online registration. “I encourage every citizen of
An official helps people to register their business online.
Registrar general Louise Kanyonga: “Online registration of companies is the way to go because it’s reliable and consumerfriendly compared to physical registration.”
this nation to register his or As for prospective her company because operating a business without regbusiness owners, istration is a violation of the law, and on the other hand registering a company helps the owner to easily access loans tax base through an increased institutions,” Kanyonga especially those upcountry, in the banks and other micro formalization of businesses in finance institutions,” Kanyonga the country. Registering compasaid. nies also helps small companies According to thesaid. Registrar Kanyonga pointed that to get investors who can finance General, some of will no longer have to Shethe pointed out that registering them, which in the end enables a company is also very impor- them to financially grow bigger out Rwanda’s that GDP. major challenges make long trips to Kigali tantthat as it helps to have She a sepa-pointed and to increase ration between a company and registering a company is still hamper theitsonline anymore to incorporate proprietor. Statistics from RDB indicate that by May 21st, 2013, 1,895 also important as it registration of companies their enterprises, as they Kanyonga noted that thevery companies had been registered Registrar General’s office col- through the online process, rephavea 125% a separation include internetlaborates illiteracy will be doing it at their with differenthelps public to resenting increase from institutions, especially the the 842 companies registered Ministry of Trade and Industry the year before. Since June 1st, between a company and and lack of technical nearby cyber cafes or (MINICOM) and the Private 2012 to May 21st, 2013, the Sectorthe Federation (PSF), in total number of companies regits proprietor. know-how among in the comfort of their sensitizing the population about istered is now at 9,956 including the importance business community. RDBof registering a both online and basic systems. homes. company. There has been also Kanyonga noted thatreduction will continue toAccording carry out to her, registration of of pages for company incorhas played a the key role poration from 10 to 5 and this Registrar General’s several trainingscompanies among “Valuable time is lost in towards increasing the country’s represents a 50% reduction in office collaborates with the population across the queues of clients coming to register their companies country on how to use the different public institutions, Its for the record. The Rwanda Focus especially the Ministry internet she said would here at RDB,” Kanyonga help more people to easily of Trade and Industry said. (MINICOM) and the Private use online registration. Sector Federation (PSF), in She added that online sensitizing the population “I encourage every citizen registration of companies of this nation to register his about the importance of reduces human errors registering a company. or her company because that may occur during the operating a business registration process. RDB According to her, without registration is has two online help desk registration of companies a violation of the law, administrators who assist has played a key role and on the other hand people to register their towards increasing registering a company companies online free of the country’s tax base helps the owner to easily charge. through an increased access loans in the banks formalization of businesses and other micro finance Easy access to loans
business in the country. Registering companies also helps small companies to get investors who can finance them, which in the end enables them to financially grow bigger and to increase Rwanda’s GDP. August 06 - 12, 2014 626 2
Statistics from RDB indicate that by May 21st, 2013, 1,895 companies had been registered through the online process, representing a 125% increase from Vol. 1 Issue No. 253 the 842
The Rwanda Focus
companies registered the year before. Since June 1st, 2012 to May 21st, 2013, the total number of companies registered is now at 9,956 including both online and basic systems.
There has been also reduction of pages for company incorporation from 10 to 5 and this represents a 50% reduction in
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MAITEX 2014 MAURITIUS TO HOST THE RWANDAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY By Leandre Rwemera Ngabo
Rwandan companies will for the second time participate in the Mauritius International Trade Exhibition (MAITEX 2014). The first Buyers Sellers Meeting was held in March 2013 in Kigali, followed by the second meeting held in Kigali as well, from 24th to 25th March 2014. On both occasions, the event was successfully attended by various local firms which included both government agencies and the business community. The second meeting served as an opportunity for Mauritius exporters to renew their past business contacts and establish new contacts with more potential buyers. MOUs were signed in the 2013 event between Enterprise Mauritius and the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF) on one hand and with the Rwanda Development Board on the other hand. This event was a platform
to enhance bilateral trade between the two countries and encourage them to maximize the opportunities presented by the signed trade agreements to facilitate business activities. In the MAITEX event held last year, the Rwandan delegation, led by Glance Media Ltd, a local marketing and events management firm, and 12 participating companies, made fruitful contacts resulting in purchases being made specifically in textile and agribusiness. Following Enterprise Mauritius activities, exports to Rwanda increased by 35% in 2013. Likewise, investment from Mauritius has increased in different business fields such as agribusiness and textile. Enterprise Mauritius in its endeavors to promote export of Mauritian products has again extended an invitation to the Rwandan Business Community to attend the MAITEX which will take place from August 21st to 24th, 2014 at Swami
Vivekananda International Conference Centre in Port Louis, Mauritius. The first two days will be exclusively reserved for B2B meetings while the last two days will be opened to the general public. This year MAITEX is expecting over 200 international buyers and has incorporated the following new dimensions: - Trade exhibition for goods manufactured in Mauritius - The 4th Edition of the Mauritian Jewelry Trade Exhibition - The 3rd Edition of the Mauritian Rum Fest - Selected exhibitions from India and Seychelles The Rwandan Business community led by Glance Media will attend the 3rd MAITEX. 15 companies have registered to participate. Participation in MAITEX 2014 will enable the Rwandan and Mauritian business communities to strengthen bilateral trade and encourage Rwandan
companies to source for business from Mauritius. It is envisaged to increase trade and investment confidence between the two countries with the expectation of promoting intra-Africa trade as well as economic integration of the continent. Various sectors of businesses among participants such as importers, distributors, manufacturers, and wholesalers of different products such as construction, hardware, agribusiness, chemicals and fertilizers are expected there. Others include garments, textile and accessories, printing and publishing, furniture & interior dĂŠcor, foot ware, spare parts and liquor/ spirits among others. The Rwandan Business community is therefore encouraged to seize opportunities offered by this renewed commitment by Mauritius to do business with Rwanda for the benefit of all.
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THE KEY TO UNLOCKING THE FEAR OF STARTING
By John Karanja
You have heard a person tell you, ‘Before the end of the year I will have started my own business.’ Another one will tell you about this business idea they have been thinking about .While yet another will tell you they have the capital and the idea, but they still have not made that important step: starting .
Research carried out in Africa has shown that only a third of all people who have the capability and entrepreneurial ambitions actually end up starting .Further reports say that even though some of the startups don’t live to see 22
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their 2nd and 3rd birthdays, the individuals end up succeeding in subsequent trials. Here are some of the very applicable ways to overcoming your fear to enable you make that all important step:
1. Accept the entrepreneurship call Stop saying my type are not meant for this. Just recognize that urge by writing `YES I WILL DO IT’ on a sheet of paper and
sticking it on the wall in every part of your house that you normally spend more than ten minutes. This may sound normal and meaningless but it will act as a reminder.
business 2. Put down your goals in writing Research has shown that people who actually write down their goals are more than five times likely to achieve them. Important issues like the type of business to start, the amount of capital needed, when to quit your current job among others will help you execute them one after the other.
3. Let your idea be linked with what you love to do One of the biggest reasons two thirds of all startups don’t live to see their 3rd birthday is because people run to start businesses in areas that do not marry well with who they are. Doing what you love gives you an extra dose of energy to succeed. This is normally that particular thing you wanted to be when you were a kid. Paulo Coelho in his book The Alchemist says, ‘It’s what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is.”
4. Seek more knowledge on your idea Success comes to those who come up with workable solutions to minimize the risks involved in any particular business venture. Don’t assume you know everything as this will only land you in a deep ditch. Enroll yourself for short courses, get fast hand experience by volunteering in those big organizations related to your idea or just engage the experts without endangering your idea.
5. Start disowning a `Normal and Comfortable’ life or you will be stuck forever The belief that business is unpredictable must be nipped in the bud. Many people are not able to leave their jobs because they don’t want to surrender their comfort zones. Nobody plans to fail. As an entrepreneur, proper planning will give you more chances of success.
6. There is no `right’ business Many people fail to start a business because they can’t see the right idea. The opposite is actually true as opportunities are all around us. Sir Richard Branson says, ‘Opportunities are like busses, you miss one and another one is coming. All you need is to be active and observant”.
7. The right time is NOW The right time to start your business is actually as soon as possible because the longer you sleep on an idea, the higher the chances that someone else will see it before you start.
8. Start small Studies show that businesses that start with lean and organized budgets have a greater chance of success. Pumping too much capital on a new venture is too risky and a plan for failure. Cut down on the amount you spend on items like furniture, opening stock, number of staff among
others. This will give you a chance to watch your business grow.
9. Have a vision of success Think about your business in the next five years. Paint a picture of where you would like your business to be in a certain period and then work towards that.
10. Evaluate all your feelings and worries Starting a new business will come with confusion and mixed feelings. It is very important to accept and recognize that the uncertainties, doubts, fears and insecurities are normal in this situation. Tackle them one by one either by engaging more experienced business individuals within your locality or talking to friends and family about them.
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Moving from 4Ps to 4Cs may save your business By Judith Achieng
Entrepreneurs are often so passionate about their ideas, they can lose objectivity. Rather than taking the time to thoroughly plan and research, they sometimes plow ahead with execution, only to spend valuable money on unfocused or untargeted activities.
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Market research, then, can prove invaluable in determining your idea’s potential. You can gather information from industry associations, web searches, periodicals, and even the census bureau. A few hours online can set you on your way to really understanding your market. Your aim is to gain a general sense of the type of customer your product or service will serve-or at least to being willing to find out through the research process. The traditional 4Ps, that is Product, Price, Place and Promotion may still be very important. But we need to think beyond them. The type of information you’ll be gathering depends on the type of product or service you want to sell as well as your overall research goals. You can use your research to determine a potential market, to size up the competition, or to test the usefulness and positioning of your product or service. If, for example, the product is a tangible item, letting the target audience sample a prototype could be extremely valuable. For intangible products, exposing prospective customers to descriptive copy or a draft website could aid in developing clear communications. When working on an idea, there are four perspectives to consider: Let’s call them the 4Cs
1. Company Think of your idea in terms of its product/service features, the solution it will provide to customers, the personality of your company, what key messages you’ll be relaying and the core promises you’ll be making to customers (never make a promise you cannot keep!).
4. Collaborators Think of organizations and people who may have an interest in your success but aren’t directly paid or rewarded for any success your business might realize, such as associations, the media and other organizations that sell to your customers. Conducting a SWOT analysis can also be very helpful – the analysis of the strengths of your industry, your product or service; the weaknesses of your product (such as design flaws) or service (such as high prices); and potential threats (such as the economy and competition) and opportunities (such as potential markets). SWOT enables you to understand the strengths and flaws, everything from internal information such as bureaucracy, product development and cost to external factors such as foreign exchange rates, politics, culture, etc. It will enable the entrepreneur to quickly understand whether their product or service will make it in the current environment. Whatever your approach to evaluating your idea, just be sure you’re meeting the research objectives you’ve outlined for your product or service. With those goals always at the top of your mind, your analysis will help you discover whether your idea has any loopholes that need filling. Go ye forth and be fruitful.
2. Customer There are three different customers you’ll need to think about in relation to your idea: purchasers (those who make the decision or write the check), influencers (the individual, organization or group of people who influence the purchasing decision), and the end users (the person or group of people who will directly interact with your product or service).
3. Competitor Again, there are three different groups of competitors you’ll need to keep in mind: primary, secondary and tertiary. Their placement within each level is based on how often your business would compete with them and how you would tailor your messages when competing with each of these groups. Aug - Oct 2014
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business
TransforminG Rwanda’s Economy
Through Investment Facilitation
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business
The Government of Rwanda initiated the Special Economic Zones (SEZ), a program designed to deal with private sector constraints such as availability of industrial and commercial land, the cost of energy, limited transport linkages, market access and reduced bureaucracy as well as availability of skills and skills transfer.
By initiating the SEZ program, the Government would make available the land for small and large scale industrial development, as well as reliable, value infrastructure, competitive fiscal and non-fiscal regulations and streamlined administrative procedures. SEZs are also intended to provide the opportunity to cluster anchor tenants with suppliers and other service providers, eventually creating jobs in skilled sectors and encouraging knowledge transfer and acceleration of Rwanda’s economic activities in general thus improving the standards of living for the population. Currently in Rwanda as elsewhere, the Special Economic Zones are being implemented to meet fiscal, social, and infrastructure policy rationales.
The idea The idea of establishing the Special Economic Zones in Rwanda was essentially to streamline business regulations and provide the most relevant incentives to investors and businesses as a way of transforming the country’s economy and in line with Rwanda’s development plans and the EDPRS II. SEZs have the ability to promote private investment, industry and export growth as they offer quality infrastructure, which is a huge challenge to investors. The SEZ then operates in such a way that it simplifies procedures for new investments to be developed in the country and to ensure that the available package for investors destined for Rwanda is more attractive compared to elsewehere in the region hence influencing the decision for site selection in Rwanda for prospective investors.
Mandate of the Special Economic Zones Authority of Rwanda (SEZAR) Special Economic Zones Authority of Rwanda (SEZAR) was established to regulate, coordinate, administer, and provide strategic planning and monitoring for Special Economic Zones in Rwanda in accordance with the Special Economic Zones Law and other Regulations.
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Powers and responsibilities of SEZAR: Advisory and Policy
• To determine the type of licenses applicable in the Zones and the fees through the regulations;
To advise in the formulation of the national strategic policy for Special Economic Zones subject to the approval of the Cabinet, and to provide continuous advice to the Government of Rwanda concerning the establishment, development, operation, and maintenance of Special Economic Zones in the country.
• To determine additional criteria for the selection of eligible Zone users where applicable through the regulations;
Special Economic Zones Operations
The SEZ Regulatory Framework
• To examine and process applications for licenses for developers, operators and users of a Special Economic Zone in accordance with the procedures and requirements of the regulations, and to issue, reject, suspend, and revoke all such licenses as and when necessary; • To provide administrative services to the developers, operators and users of Special Economic Zones as determined by the regulations; • To prohibit or restrict activities in the Special Economic Zones according to the SEZ; • To regulate, supervise, and monitor all Special Economic Zones and to ensure that the provision of infrastructure to the Special Economic Zones is in conformity with the regulations;
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• To impose penalties, or sanctions for any violations or infractions according to the regulations
The Special Economic Zones Authority of Rwanda (SEZAR) was established pursuant to the Prime Minister’s Order as provided for by Law No 05/2011 of 21/3/2011 Regulating Special Economic Zones in Rwanda. This Authority is tasked to regulate, coordinate, administer, and provide strategic planning and monitoring for Special Economic Zones in Rwanda in accordance with the Zones Law and Regulations.
SEZAR as a SEZ regulatory organ has got different guiding regulatory tools, including; POLICY and LAW The Special Economic Zones Policy - Enacted in July 2010, this policy covers strategic components of the SEZ program in Rwanda that are critical to its success.
business SEZ Law N°05/2011 of 21/03/2011 ;This law regulates the establishment, development, operation and maintenance of Special Economic Zones in Rwanda.
the designation of Special Economic Zones.
MINISTERIAL ORDERS
Application for Zone User License
The Prime Minister`s Order N°21/03 of 05/03/2012. This Order determines the structure, the powers and the functioning of the Special Economic Zones Authority of Rwanda, herein after referred to as the “SEZAR. The Ministerial Order No 12/2012 of 20/02/2012.This Order determines the negative list for Special Economic Zones in Rwanda including activities already prohibited by Rwandan laws and other international legal instruments recognized by the Republic of Rwanda. The Ministerial Order No. 13/2012 of 20/02/2012 ; This order determines licence fees payable for special economic Zones developers/ operators in Rwanda.
SEZAR REGULATIONS Regulation No. 01/2012/SEZAR of 20/12/2012 on the Development and Operation of Special Economic Zones ; The purpose of this regulation is to regulate Zone developers’ and operators’ licenses of the Rwanda Special Economic Zones. Regulation No. 02/2012/SEZAR of 20/12/2012 on the Zones One-Stop-Shops ; Services to be rendered by the One-Stop-Shop include all services which might be required by Zone Developer, Operator, Zone Users, and Zone Residents including those required for entry, stay and residence, startup, operation and closing of business.
HOW TO ACQUIRE DIFFERENT SEZ LICENSES
THERE ARE TWO STEPS TO ACQUIRE SEZ user LICENSES Application submission Corporate documents • Application form filled and signed by an authorized legal signatory • Copy of Certificate of Incorporation • Memorandum of Association • Instrument of appointment of current board members, chairman and CEO • Legal instrument setting the signatory rights • List of shareholders with respective shareholding • Corporate instrument authorizing investment in the Zone (i.e. shareholder or board resolution)
Zone related documents • Detailed description of the planned economic activities • Valid business license or proof of filing a request for such license Action plan including proposed timeframe to commence activities
Regulation No. 03/2012/ SEZAR of 20/12/2012 on the Special Economic Zones Users ; This regulation regulates Special Economic Zones Users licenses, rights and obligations. Regulation No. 04/2012/ SEZAR of 20/12/2012 on the Designation of Special Economic Zones in Rwanda ; This regulation regulates the procedure for Aug - Oct 2014
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business Obtain license The following must be fulfilled (Art. 6: Regulation for SEZ users) • Compliance with all legal obligations • Taking possession of Zone real estate within 2 months of issuing the Zone User License • Co-operation and transparency with SEZAR • Submission of Annual Report on investment, employment, sales, exports and imports • Undertake activities consistent with their Zone User License • Obtain Licenses where required • Obtain SEZAR approval for any changes to the Zone User License • Maintain records for tax and customs purposes on inventories and goods subject to Rwanda Customs’ control, inspection and verification • Process waste to allow discharge to general waste treatment system of Zone • Maintain separate accounts and books of the registered SEZ legal entity • Activities not on the Rwanda Negative List
Application for SEZ Zone Developer STEPS TO ACQUIRE SEZ Developer LICENSE Application submission Corporate Documents • Copy of Certificate of Incorporation (Certified) • Articles of Incorporation / By-laws / Memorandum of Association • Instrument of appointment of current board members, chairman and CEO • Legal instrument setting the signatory rights. (Certified) • List of shareholders with respective shareholding • Corporate instrument authorizing investment in the zone (certified shareholder or board resolution)
Zone Related Documents • Financial statements for the last 3 years if applicant operating • Proof of financial resources and funding plans • Proof of technical capacity and previous experience with zones or other large scale industrial property or infrastructure projects • Business plan, market demand analysis, cost-benefit analysis, preliminary feasibility study detailing the development, operation and maintenance of the specific Zone, including the design, construction and 30
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provision of infrastructure and other real properties, a forecast or projected demand in terms of sectors and numbers of companies from each sector projected to invest in the Zone, an environmental and social impact assessment for the provision of low carbon energy • A concept master development plan for the proposed Zone, including land use, zoning and any urban plans • Quality and size of the infrastructure facilities applicant intends to construct, including on-site and off-site infrastructure, cost estimates and environmental mitigation measures to be taken • Statement and certification that land, planning and construction comply with all applicable laws • Action plan including timeframe to commence and complete as well as details on phased development and minimum works in each phase • Proposed amenities • Government participation • Appropriate site for use proposed • Current activities of the applicant in and outside Rwanda Any other documents & information SEZAR deems to be required & requested from all bidders
business
Additional information • Within 15 days of any submission, SEZAR must seek expressions of interest from interested de¬velopers / operators via 2 local and 2 regional newspapers • Expressions to be submitted within 45 days of pub¬lication • SEZAR requests qualification required from bid¬ders – legal, technical & financial criteria – using same publications • Qualification submissions to be lodged within 60 days of publication • Selection committee to present recommendation on preferred bidders to SEZAR Board within 30 days of qualification deadline • Board takes 10 days to decide and SEZAR’s Head has 5 days to notify bidders • SEZAR prepares RFP and information memorandum for pre-qualified bidders including developer and operator draft agreements. Application for SEZ Site Designation
STEPS TO ACQUIRE SEZ Site Designation LICENSE Application submission Corporate Documents • Copy of Certificate of Incorporation • Articles of Incorporation / By-laws / Memorandum of Association • Instrument of appointment of current board members, chairman and CEO • Legal instrument setting the signatory rights • List of shareholders with respective shareholding • Corporate instrument authorizing investment in the zone (i.e. shareholder or board resolution)
Zone Related Documents • Business Plan • Market demand analysis of end use investment and
rental of zone plots • Socio-economic, welfare and cost-benefit analysis • Pre-feasibility study detailing approach to project and including land use plans, master plan and engineering / architectural drawings • Projected international trade impact on exports, processing, investment and technology transfer • Effect on domestic manufacturing and processing • Job creation and technical training potential • Potential integration and linkages with the domestic economy • Proximity to Enterprise clusters including data, maps and sources • Business plan compliance with Zones Law requirements • Site implications for existing and proposed infrastructure utilization & development • Access to and need for off-site infrastructure • Extent and cost of population displacement and relocation. • Expansion potential of the site • Physical to separate zone from domestic customs territory to prevent tax evasion • Consistency with local economic development and poverty reduction goals • Views on persons affected • Assessment of potential problems in relation to disputed titles and legal claims • Potential flexibility for multi-purpose utilization of the proposed zone • Conformity with the minimum 5 hectare requirement of a zone • Compliance with applicable land use plans • Support of competent agencies for the zone • Internationally competitive in attracting investment • Aligned to the public interest • Compliance statement relating to all relevant laws • Government participation Any other information deemed relevant and published
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career
Challenging
Convention Around Work
By Claire Aduvuka
If I had to describe what the future of work is all about in two words, I’d say, “challenge convention.” What do I mean? Challenging convention is the practice of going against and challenging the common assumptions that our organizations have been built on. Employees commute an hour each day to get to their cubicles while feeling disengaged at work, managers act like stoic creatures that delegate tasks and control information, and our organizations are rigid hierarchies which stagnate communication and collaboration. This is no way to operate a company in today’s dynamic and rapidly changing world. It is no wonder that synonyms for employee, manager, and work include words like cog, slave driver, and drudgery. We have literally built our organizations from ground up with the notion that work has By our the correspondent to be unpleasant. That is, until now…Today there are five trends shaping the future of work which are forcing organizations to challenge convention around
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how employees work, how managers lead, and how organizations are structured. These five trends are: • New behaviors: Easy-to-find information online, build communities, connect with people and information, live a more public life, and share.
career • Mobility: Most people in the world have a mobile phone and the majority of those people have smart phones. This means that I can get access to the same information living in Kigali as someone who works in a remote rice field in China. • Millennials: Those creatures that are bringing with them new expectations, values, and ways of working into our organizations. • Technology: Collaboration platforms, big data, wearables, the internet of things, the cloud, robots, and a host of other things that are all impacting how we work. • Globalization: The ability for organizations to work in a world without any boundaries regardless of where they are located.
emotion or vulnerability in the workplace? What about relying on collective intelligence? What can managers at your organization be doing to serve employees instead of assuming that employees should serve the managers? Why do managers still give annual employee reviews?
How organizations are structured Does a rigid hierarchy really make the most sense for an organization that is assumingly trying to become more innovative, collaborative, open, and nimble?
Why is there an assumption that employees need to work at your organization when the reality is that organizations should be constructed so that employees want to work there? This is why so many
Considering these five trends it’s hard to imagine how many organizations have still not adapted. How can companies companies around Is it realistic to assume that your operate the same way they did the world are trying organization is going to stick with twenty years ago as they are today? to figure out what the This is why so many companies future of work is going on-premise technologies instead of around the world are trying to figure to look and what they deploying in the cloud? How long do you think that will last? Another out what the future of work is going to need to do to adapt. three years? Five years? look and what they need to do to adapt. The idea of challenging convention must be applied to three areas in the workplace:
How we work Does it still make sense for employees to commute an hour or more each way to get to work? Why is it that employees, many of whom have kids, mortgages, and car payments (in other words, are responsible people) have to get approval to buy a new 65,000 Rwf office chair? Why can’t employees customize how they work by being able to select the projects they want to be a part of, the hours they work, where they work, or who they work with? Why don’t employees have more of a say in the decision making or strategy process?
How we lead How come managers are scared to show any amount of
Many organizations around the world are starting to rethink how employees are getting work done. Whirlpool for example doesn’t refer to employees as managers anymore, instead every single employee is a type of leader. Unilever developed the concept of “agile” working to empower employees to work anytime, anywhere, and on any device as long as they are able to get their jobs done. The goal is to double the size of the company while cutting the carbon footprint in half. Adobe recently got rid of their annual review process in favor of more regularly check-ins. Sun Hydraulics has only one manager at their company called the “plant manager,” this is the person who literally comes in to water the plants. Tangerine Bank in Canada has perhaps the most open and vulnerable CEO (Peter Aceto) who regularly encourages open dialogue employees which includes sharing what they don’t like about working there and what can be done to improve. The list of these companies goes on and on but they all have one thing in common. They challenge convention around work. What can your organization be doing to challenge convention and why isn’t it doing it? Aug - Oct 2014
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health
By Kustom
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health I didn’t see it coming but my biggest surprise that night was how calm and composed I was. I was about to undergo surgery but didn’t seem the least bit bothered. The pain was agonizing so all I could focus on was that I would feel better once it was done. Doctors tell you every surgery is life threatening whether major or minor, emergency or routine; if anything or everything that’s supposed to go wrong does, it could kill you. At the same time they were saying that if I wasn’t rushed into surgery my condition would become deadly. So I said my prayers.
to count down from 10 but before I could even make it to six I was dead asleep. After what felt like seconds later I was awake. I thought the surgery hadn’t begun yet and assumed the drugs hadn’t worked as expected but the pain soon brought me to the realization that it was over. The first thing I asked for was pain killers and how rewarding this request was. I experienced something I had never felt before; these drugs just fill you up with pleasure and leave you in a hazy state that you never want to leave. When I woke up I grew quite disappointed. You see, one of my favorite TV shows is Grey’s Anatomy and I guess you could say it may have instilled the wrong expectations in me about being a medical patient.
I listened to a song by This is Emeli Sande as they the wheeled me to the she asked tale operating room. I why I, the bedof was oblivious to ridden patient, the possibility that hadn’t informed her my I might not come earlier. I thought out of there a she was joking but living being. I guess there was no you could say I did smile on her what I always do which face. is look to the best in every unmemorable 3 day post situation. The nurse was operative recovery. A few amazed at how I looked hours after the surgery, calm listening to music. the pain killers that had Apparently most patients are terrified before surgery. been administered started to wear off so I forced myself to fall asleep. When I was then prepared for I woke it was morning and surgery as the doctor my drip was finished. As scrubbed in. Before being soon as a nurse came in, put to sleep I was asked
I looked up and informed her that it was finished and to my surprise, she asked why I, the bed-ridden patient, hadn’t informed her earlier. I thought she was joking but there was no smile on her face. Shortly after came nurse number two whom I asked to give me something for the pain but once again to my surprise, she seemed more concerned with my sleeping arrangements than the massive pain I was experiencing.
would you be grateful even though you feared for your life the entire journey?
Service providers in this country need to realize that provision of services goes beyond the service itself and that the form of delivery is as crucial. When later on I asked nurse number 3 to remove the tube for my drip, she claimed she must first read my file but to this day, I am curious as to how it reached her Facebook I immediately understood profile since updating her why my sister and status is what she mother had opted opted to do. to spend Service thousands of What’s providers in this dollars and most country need to have their realize that provision surgeries of services goes beyond carried out the service itself abroad. and that the form Maybe amazing of delivery is as there they is that crucial. weren’t treated they like just another wouldn’t case. They must have allow someone to received that extra human be there and take care touch of care, a sincere of me as I recovered. (It smile that lifted your spirits was somehow expected or that reassuring “you of a patient who couldn’t will get better” coming move to take care of from someone who truly themselves.) Ladies believes in the medicine and gentlemen, I ask of they practice. you to speak up about your medical grievances Unfortunately this wasn’t because it’s the only way an option for me since my to ensure we are served case was an emergency. better and if we don’t say You might say that I anything no one will speak should be grateful since for us. It’s shameful for us my surgery was a success to have to cross borders to and I am still breathing but seek proper health care. allow me to ask;if a driver drove recklessly and got you to your destination, Aug - Oct 2014
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family law
f o s i s y l a n A Rape Definition
in Rwandan Legal Context Should rape be construed in legal tradition? According to the Rwandan Penal Code, there are two types of rape: one committed against an adult and the second one committed against a minor known as child defilement. Article 196 of the Rwandan Penal Code describes rape as “any means causing another person to engage in a non-consensual sexual intercourse by using force, threat or trickery.�
By Fred Nkusi
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family law Should rape be construed in legal tradition? According to the Rwandan Penal Code, there are two types of rape: one committed against an adult and the second one committed against a minor known as child defilement. Article 196 of the Rwandan Penal Code describes rape as “any means causing another person to engage in a non-consensual sexual intercourse by using force, threat or trickery.” Article 190 of the same Penal Code prescribes rape committed against a child as ‘child defilement’, which ‘means any sexual intercourse or any sexual act with a child regardless of the form or means used’. Because of the age, any sexual act performed to a child irrespective of the means applied constitutes defilement. In this regard, the child’s consent is completely immaterial and unacceptable. Defilement is now a strict offence with no defence to it. Indeed, consent on the part of the victim is irrelevant to the charge of defilement. The Penal Code presumes that a child who is below age 18 has no capacity to make a valid or mature consent to an act of sex. Due to immaturity, a child is unable to understand the unwanted consequences of the act or to decline the participation or to communicate
unwillingness to engage in a sexual act. Generally speaking, child defilement is viewed as an offence committed against a female child. But a male child can likewise be defiled. Sexual acts performed on boys fall under indecent assaults or sodomy depending on the sex of perpetrators. With regard to rape committed against the adult, today, however, there is no commonly accepted definition of rape in international law. However, in the Akayesu Case, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) adopted a progressive definition of rape, stating that: “the central element of the crime of rape cannot be captured in a mechanical description of objects and body parts……. The Chamber defines rape as a physical invasion of a sexual nature committed on a person under circumstances which are coercive. Sexual violence which includes rape, is considered to be any act of sexual nature which is committed on a person under circumstances which are coercive”. Hence, there are two common elements of rape recognized by the statute and jurisprudence of international criminal tribunals: (i) sexual invasion; and (ii) coercive circumstances. The
fundamental question has been a divide in the case law (decided case) as to whether the absence of the victim’s consent is an element of rape. The Trial Chamber in the Akayesu Case stated that a showing of the coercive circumstance would suffice. The ICTR, however, elaborated that in addition to coercive circumstances the following elements should have been met: The perpetrator invaded the body of a person by penetration, however, of any part of the body of victim or of the perpetrator with a sexual organ, or of the anal or genital opening of the victim with any object or any other part of the body. The invasion was committed by force, or by threat of force or coercive, such as that caused by fear of violence, duress detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power, against such person or another person, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment, or the invasion was committed against a person incapable of giving genuine consent. The broad definition represented a significant departure from a traditional, or mechanical, description which identified the crime of rape in terms of the victim’s non-consent to sexual intercourse and in terms
of parts of the body of the perpetrator and the victim. The ICTR Trial Chamber further expressed the view that rape is not limited to non-consensual sexual intercourse but “may include acts which involve the insertion of objects and/or the use of bodily orifices not considered to be intrinsically sexual,” such as a piece of wood thrust into the sexual organs of a woman/girl as she lay dying. In view of the above, the definitions employed by Ad hoc tribunals are significant in making it explicit that a threat of force against a woman or girl is sufficient for consent-vitiating. Turning to prescription of rape under the Penal Code, it is quite imperative to redefine the crime of rape in order to accommodate the contemporary definition invented by Ad hoc tribunals. Analytically, there is an unequivocal nuance by the definition adopted by Ad hoc tribunals which focuses both on a sexually coercive environment and lack of a victim’s sexual consent, whereas the Penal Code focuses squarely on traditional perception of a non-consensual sexual act.
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family law
Gender & Law
Gender is defined as those characteristics of women and men that are socially determined and based on social, cultural, legal, economic, and political relations. Gender defines what behaviors are expected from men and women and which behaviors are considered out of bounds. In other words, gender is not biological but socially constructed. By William Karaiga 38
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family law The construction of society, language, religion and of the family all rests on the assumption that the world is male (for example, have you noticed that words like “woman” ends with “man”, “female” ends with “male”, so do women). It is men who control the meaning given to the society; man is the standard against which all is judged. (the reasonable man, is a good example) By assuming genderneutral language, law masks the extent to which the law is permeated by male constructs and standards. The “reasonable man” so adored by the Common Law does not include women (Why not “reasonable woman”??). If women are to be reasonable, within the legal meaning of the term, they may adopt the male standard of reasonableness. This phenomenon is reflected in relation to law. Traditionally, law has been a male construct and that the subject of law is male. Women have been for long at worst oppressed, and best ignored by the law. In most African societies, unlike Rwanda, women are generally marginalized and denied opportunities outside the home. Women in conjugal circles were defined by their role to procreate (give
birth). In ancient Rwanda, a woman was valued and respected compared to other women across the region. That value kept her within the confinement of her home as Umutima w’urugo, meaning that she is the central figure or “heart” in the family. On the other hand, a man is traditionally the boss in the home and the community (this is also reflected in the Rwandan civil code where the husband is the “head” of the family under article 206 of the law Nº 42/1988 relating to family law). The position of each of the two in the society is portrayed by Rwandan proverbs like Nta nkokokazi ibika isake ihari, Uruvuze umugore ruvuga umuhoroq ,etc The gendered cultural acts have become customary norms that guide the Rwandan community and when the era of civil legislation was ushered in, customary norms became an important source of legislation. Thus, the gendered expectations and imbalances became the law of the country. Most abuses of women’s rights have been the result of culture rather than a deliberate, predetermined policy of discrimination and opposition to equality. As a result of customary perceptions and behavior around gender roles, genderbased discrimination was normalized by men and women embraced it as socially accepted norms.
How can women be included as subject of law then? • Their voices have to be listened to, heard and acted on. • Governments and the entire community should understand the reasons for women’s oppression and overturn the male dominated social order. • The state must refrain from all discriminatory acts (like not to adopt/ repeal discriminatory laws, policies, administrative measures, programs). • Particularly, states must take steps aimed directly at the elimination of prejudices, customary and all other practices that perpetuate the notion of inferiority or superiority of either of the sexes, and stereotyped roles for men and women. • To monitor and regulate the conduct of non-State actors to ensure that they do not violate the equal rights of men and women to enjoy economic, social and cultural rights. • To conduct human rights education and training programs for judges and public officials Aug - Oct 2014
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health
THE HUMAN
FERTILIZATION PROCESS
By Dr Connie Mureithi
The process of fertilization goes through a long journey and can be as interesting and breathtaking as courting culminating into marriage in which “Mr. Sperm” and “Miss Ovum” are fused together forever. Several stages of fertilization are shown and explained below.
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health filamentous core with many mitochondria spiraled around it, used for energy production for the journey through the female cervix, uterus and uterine tubes. The tail or “flagellum” executes the lashing movements that propel the spermatocyte. The sperm cells are externally active and use their tails to swim against stream of fluid in the oviduct (fallopian tube).
The first stage of fertilization: Capacitation The term “sperm capacitation” refers to the process a male sperm goes through after being ejaculated into the female reproductive tract. Chemical processes take place that enable the sperm to penetrate and fertilize an egg.
Figure 1: Anatomical structures of an ovum The nucleus inside the ovum is active and internally mobile. Ovum mainly consists of cell fluids. Ovum also has an active metabolism as substances are absorbed and released. On the other hand, sperm or male egg is different from the ovum.
It is believed that this process happens in intervals. Not all sperm that are ejaculated in a single act mature at the same rate, which allows for a more steady supply for mature sperm when ovulation does occur. Some sperm may undergo the process first, and if no egg is released soon enough, these first mature sperm will die off. Another group goes through capacitation afterward, and this cycle may continue for several days. Sperm may live in the female genital tract for up to five or more days under ideal conditions. When sperm capacitation takes place, changes in the
Figure 2: Anatomical structure of a sperm The sperm is one of the smallest cells in the male body. It is made up of a small nucleus with a small amount of cytoplasm, some mitochondria and a long tail. It has a straight shape, compared to the round one of the egg cell .A sperm cell consists of a head, a mid-piece and a tail. The head contains the nucleus with densely coiled chromatin fibers, surrounded anteriorly by an acrosome, which contains enzymes used for penetrating the female egg. The mid-piece has a central
sperm behavior also occur. Their tails begin to move more vigorously and their heads may move quickly back and forth. This helps to propel them faster into the fallopian tubes, making fertilization more likely.
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health Other factors may also play a role in how well sperm function inside of the female body. The pH balance of the vagina and fallopian tubes may have a big impact on cervical mucus and seminal fluid. The fluid should also be the right consistency to surround the sperm and should contain adequate levels of fructose in order to feed and energize them.
Second stage of process of fertilization: Acrosomal reaction During fertilization, a sperm must first fuse with the plasma membrane and then penetrate the female egg in order to fertilize it. Fusing to the egg usually causes little problem, whereas penetrating through the egg’s hard shell can present more of a problem to the sperm. Therefore, sperm cells go through a process known as the acrosome reaction which is the reaction that occurs in the acrosome of the sperm as it approaches the egg. The acrosome is a cap-like structure over the anterior half of the sperm’s head. As the sperm approaches the zona pellucida of the egg, which is necessary for initiating the acrosome reaction, the membrane surrounding the acrosome fuses with the plasma membrane of the ovum, exposing the contents of the acrosome. The contents include surface antigens and numerous enzymes which are responsible for breaking through the egg’s tough coating and allowing fertilization to occur.
Figure 3: Sperms swimming towards the ovum The sperm cell acquires a “hyperactive motility pattern” by which its flagellum produces vigorous whip-like movements that propel the sperm through the cervical canal and uterine cavity, until it reaches the isthmus of the fallopian tube. The sperm approaches the ovum in the ampulla of the fallopian tube with the help of various mechanisms, including chemotaxis. Glycoproteins on the outer surface of the sperm then bind with glycoproteins on the zona pellucida of the ovum. The first stage is the penetration of corona radiata, by releasing hyaluronidase from the acrosome to digest cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte and exposing acrosin attached to the inner membrane of the sperm. The cumulus cells are embedded in a gel-like substance made primarily of hyaluronic acid, and developed in the ovary with the egg and support it as it grows. 42
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After reaching the zona pellucida, the actual acrosome reaction begins. Acrosin digests the zona pellucida and membrane of the ovum. Part of the sperm’s cell membrane then fuses with the egg cell’s membrane, and the contents of the head sink into the egg.
Figure 4: Acrosome reaction Upon penetration, if all is occurring normally, the process of egg-activation occurs and the ovum is said to have become activated. In order to prevent feotal abnormality such as polyspermy and minimise the possibility of producing a triploid zygote, several changes to the egg’s cell membranes render them impenetrable shortly after the first sperm enters the egg.
Third stage: Fusion of the egg and sperm Fertilization has now taken place as can be seen below; fusion of the sperms and egg within the wider portion of the fallopian tube referred to as ampulla.
health Figure 5: Fertilization Fourth Stage: Journey to the uterus The journey to the uterus begins. The zygote or fertilized egg journeys to the destination where it will rest for the next 40 weeks. After reaching there, it digs through the uterus and implants itself in a comfortable position.
Figure 6: Journey to the uterus Various stages of development are shown as the zygote travels down the fallopian tube from first cleavage (rapid cell growth) to implantation of the blastocyst (embryo). Foetal development begins as indicated in figure 7
Figure 7: Stages of foetal development All that starts well ends well Figure 8: The product of the fertilization The product of fertilization as evidenced by a well looked after baby who appears to say,� I am as happy in this world just like the previous one�. The story ends with a pleasant smile!! Aug - Oct 2014
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interior design
Talking
Colours By Efua Hagan
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interior design Room colours influence our mood and thoughts, therefore the best way to make your home beautiful is by choosing colours that create your desired mood and reflect your personality. When deciding on a colour, think about how different colours make you feel; ask yourself what mood you want to create, and finally which colors will help you achieve that mood. If you are struggling with a starting point, identify a painting, fabric, carpet, or furniture item that brings you comfort and let it be your guide to deciding on paint colours. Once you find something you like, limit the number of colors in a room to no more than three or four. Too many colors can make a room look busy or cluttered.
or large? Is it dark during the day or does a good amount of natural light find its way in? Colour has the power to change the shape and size of a room. For example, light colours are good options for small rooms because they are expansive and make rooms seem larger and brighter. Dark colours on the other hand are sophisticated and warm; they give large rooms a more intimate appearance.
calming, relaxing and serene, and it is often recommended for bedrooms and bathrooms. Blue is known to have a calming effect when used as the main colour of a room. Go for softer shades of blue. Dark blue has the opposite effect, evoking feelings of sadness. So refrain from using darker blues in your main colour scheme. Stay with the lighter shades of blue for a calm effect.
Now let’s find out more about colours - what they can do to a room and the influence they have on our emotions and thoughts.
Green is considered the most restful color for the eye. Green is suited for almost any room in the house. In the kitchen, green cools things down; in a family room or living room, it encourages unwinding but has enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness. Green also has a calming effect when used as a main colour for decorating. It is believed to relieve stress by helping people relax.
Red raises a room’s energy level. It is a good choice when you want to stir up excitement. In the living room or dining room, red draws people together and stimulates conversation. Red has been shown to raise blood pressure, and heart rate. For this reason it is usually considered too stimulating for bedrooms.
What is the room’s function? A very important factor to consider is the function the room to be painted will serve. For example is it for resting, receiving visitors or eating? If it’s a business space, what services are you offering, and how would you like your clients to feels when they walk into the place? These will be helpful questions to ask yourself before you decide on paint colours.
Yellow captures the joy of sunshine and communicates happiness. It is perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, and bathrooms, where happy colors are energizing and uplifting. In halls, entries, and small spaces, yellow can feel expansive and welcoming. However in large amounts, this colour tends to create feelings of frustration in some people.
Room size light and colour Another determining factor to bear in mind is the original state of the room. Is it small
Blue is said to bring down blood pressure and slow down respiration and heart rate. That is why it is considered
White reflects light and is considered a pure and serene colour. White is popular in decorating because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything. This colour has the ability to calm the mind and open it up. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to choose paint colours, the above guidelines would be a good starting point, although there are so many more colours and hues to consider! Remember that colour choice is a very personal matter; after all you are the one who has to live with it, so choose paint colours that suit you, your family and your lifestyle.
Orange is a stimulating colour that is associated with physical comfort, food, warmth, security, passion and fun- although too much of it can be overwhelming. This colour is ideal in colour schemes where cooking and socializing takes place such as kitchens and restaurants. Brown brings to mind a feeling of warmth, coziness, comfort, and security. It is often described as downto-earth, and conventional. Brown is a natural colour that evokes a sense of strength and reliability. When used in interiors, it is a softer and more inviting alternative to black. Aug - Oct 2014
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children corner The African culture is rich in literature which we hardly take time to consume and appreciate in today’s busy world. Here are some amazing samples of African folklore for you to solve, practice or simply read and enjoy. By Anne Anjao
TONGUE TWISTERS Kato ya yi koto
Kwado ya yi koto Kato zai kwace koton kwado koko Kwado zai kwace koton kato (Hausa of Nigeria)
It means: The strong man has pillaged The toad has pillaged Will the toad grab what the strong man has pillaged Or will the big man grab what the toad has pillaged.
RIDDLES 1. Mother! Carry me on your back. 2. Who has a house too small for guests? 3. What things always chase each other but never overtake one another? 4. Wherever I go, it closely follows me. 5. Three people stand near a river they have to ford. The first one, after a closer look around, crosses it. The second one looks at the riverbank and at the water, but does not cross it. The third one does not see the river and does not cross it. Who are the three?
Nyaamo nyaanya nano Nano nyaanya nyaamo It means: The right scratches the left The left scratches the right. (Fulani of Nigeria) Le chasseur sachant chasser sans son chien est un bon chasseur. (French)
She sells sea shells by the sea shore. (English) 46
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1. A bed. 2. A turtle. 3. The wheels of a vehicle. 4. My shadow. 5. The one who saw the river and crossed it was a woman. The one who saw the riverbank and the water but did not cross it is the child the mother carries on her shoulders. The one who has seen nothing is the baby the woman carries in her womb.
Blaukraut bleibt Blaukraut und Brautkleid bleibt Brautkleid. (German)
children corner
FOLK TALE Nigerian Folktale
Why the Bat flies by Night
A bush rat called Oyot was a great friend of Emiong, the bat; they always fed together, but the bat was jealous of the bush rat. When the bat cooked the food it was always very good, and the bush rat said, “How is it that when you make the soup it is so tasty?” The bat replied, “I always boil myself in the water, and my flesh is so sweet, that the soup is good.” He then told the bush rat that he would show him how it was done; so he got a pot of warm water, which he told the bush rat was boiling water, and jumped into it, and very shortly afterwards came out again. When the soup was brought it was as strong and good as usual, as the bat had prepared it beforehand. The bush rat then went home and told his wife that he was going to make good soup like the bat’s. He therefore told her to boil some water, which she did. Then, when his wife was not looking, he jumped into the pot, and was very soon dead. When his wife looked into the pot and saw the dead body of her husband boiling she was very angry, and reported the matter to the king, who gave orders that the bat should be made a prisoner. Every one turned out to catch the bat, but as he expected trouble he flew away into the bush and hid himself. All day long the people tried to catch him, so he had to change his habits, and only came out to feed when it was dark, and that is why you never see a bat in the daytime.
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food
CHAPATI WRAP
By Judith Achieng Here is a wholesome treat that your whole family will enjoy on those days you feel like having something simple but different.
Ingredients for chapati • • •
1 cup whole meal wheat (Atta) flour 1 tsp oil ½ tsp salt
Method For the chapatis 1. Mix the flour, oil and salt and make a dough by adding enough warm water. 2. Knead the dough well and keep for ½ an hour to allow it to rest. Knead again. 3. into 6 equal portions and roll out each portion into 10” diameter thin rounds with the help of a little whole wheat flour. 4. Cook lightly on both sides on a pan and keep aside.
Wrap Filling Ingredients • • • • 48
8 slices bacon 2 breasts from a grilled/cooked chicken, skin discarded Salt and pepper 2/3 cup finely chopped mango THE DIVA
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• • • • •
6 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 avocado 6 large (10-inch) whole wheat wraps/ chapati 1 large tomato, cored(insides removed) and sliced
Directions 1. Cook the bacon in a large frying pan over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess oil; set aside. 2. Shred the chicken steak on a cutting board, using 2 forks. Transfer to a small bowl; season with salt and pepper. Stir in the mango, 3 tbsp. mayo and the lime juice. 3. Halve and pit the avocado then scoop the avocado into another small bowl. Mash coarsely with a fork. Stir in the remaining 3 tbsp. mayo; season with salt and pepper. 4. Put a chapati on a work surface. Spread one-quarter of the avocado mixture on the wrap, leaving a 2-inch border. 5. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup lettuce. Arrange a couple slices of tomato in a row in the center of the lettuce. Lay 1 strip of bacon on either side of the tomato. Mound one-quarter of the chicken mixture on top of the tomato. 6. Fold one end of the wrap so it covers half of the filling, and then bend in the two sides. 7. Roll the folded end toward the open end, like a parcel. Repeat with the remaining wraps and fillings. Cut each wrap in half before serving.
Talk to
Aunt Umulisa Dear Aunt Umulisa,
Dear Distressed Terry,
I am currently very stressed.
I wish I can offer my
I have always wanted
sympathies and give you
marriage and I thought
this rosy picture of ‘it will
wedding bells would soon be
be well,’ but I can’t. My
tolling. How wrong I was!
take? End this relationship
My ‘fiance’ is married! I did
immediately! Reasons?
not know he was married when we started dating four
• A man who promised to
years ago. I only stumbled
divorce his wife two years
on this fact two years ago
ago and hasn’t done so is
when I bumped into him at a
going nowhere with you.
wedding in Kimironko where
It’s a hard fact but you
he was accompanied by his
need to face the reality that
wife. When I confronted him
this man is a player. If you
later, he said he had been
are that ‘wow’ why hasn’t
afraid to tell me because I
he rushed his divorce to be
would leave him, but that he
with you forever?
was making arrangements to divorce his wife to marry
• A man who conceals his
me. Two years later, they are
marriage for two years
still married. Recently, I saw
until you catch him in the
his wife in a compromising
act is dishonest and no
situation with another man
good for you. What makes
and I took a photo of them.
you think once you are
It is obvious she is cheating
married he will not keep
on him. Should I share this
secrets from you? Like
information with him to
another mistress?
after that is irresponsible. You have done your son a disservice by depriving him of a father by having him in the first place in the
discover they have been
midst of a shaky union.
playing each other?
• That you are considering
Unfortunately, like many
bursting his wife so that
mistresses, you have
you firmly ensconce
underestimated the power of
yourself in this man’s home
a union, especially one made
also betrays your morality,
before God. The normal
and reveals you as an evil,
position in Africa is that
conniving person. What
marriages are made to last
makes you think the man
no matter the difficulties.
may not be aware his wife
There are worse cases that
is also cheating on him?
have bounced back. That’s
Better still, why not leave
why you need to run and get
them alone to probably see
yourself a fresh start. There
a counselor and mend their
are still good men out there
marriage?
who will take you in even with your child as long as
• Has it occurred to you that these two are perfectly
you also qualify to be called a good person.
suited to each other? Husband cheats
Do you have queries? Send
on wife,
them to auntumulisa@gmail.
wife
com
speed up his divorce now that I have a 1 year old son
• You are not absolved from
with him? My son needs the
blame either. The moment
foundation of a marriage.
you discovered he had lied
Distressed Terry
to you, you should have ended the relationship then. But to even go ahead and have a child with him
cheats on husband. Don’t you think they won’t be that hurt when they both
Aug - Oct 2014
THE DIVA
49
Your Feedback!
The day I looked at the magazine’s cover for the first time, I thought to myself “The DIVA, here is a magazine that is going to talk only about women’s achievements”. When I opened it, I actually found interesting articles and actually appreciated the quality of work. Most Rwandan magazines and newspapers are full of typos (spelling errors), which end up frustrating someone and making a reader not care enough to ever read another issue. As a young entrepreneur, business articles interest me the most. I also enjoy reading articles on health. I believe I am happy with the magazine. What you could do though is move from only a magazine to a radio or TV show.Keep up the good work. - Fred R,Remera.
It’s the best magazine, packed with enriching articles about women who are causing a positive change through what they do in different sectors in the Rwandan society. The design of the magazine is amazing. Keep up The Diva, the sky is the limit. - Monica Rowena, Marketing Administrator, BritishAmerican Tobacco. I like your articles on relationships. It is a wonderful toolkit for personal relationships. Having read that article, I am glad to pursue more of your success tips about relationships. I would be glad to subscribe to your magazine, too. Thanks and regards. - Kamau, Nairobi. We love your pithy, idea-packed articles. Your mix of articles exhibits extraordinarily high quality. – Umwali, Mount Kenya University. I got the chance to read The Diva as I was flying back to Canada. My sister gave me one of the issues she had so that I wouldn’t be bored while on the plane. I liked the page with an inspirational story because it showed how life can be surprising in a negative way and yet encouraging the readers as well. I liked it. Way to go! -Daisy B. I am a mother of two and I saw my 18 year- old niece reading The Diva. When I asked her what it was about, she said it was a magazine that empowers people especially women. I got to read the issue she had and what I liked the most was that the front page began with a devotion. That is a reminder that we should put God first in whatever we do, even our career. Iraba, France. The cover story is always amazing; it’s an inspiration to the readers. The Diva writes about everything; politics, relationships, customer care, health, life style, etc. That is entertaining for the readers because they don’t get bored of reading the same topics. But I would advise you to change the cover page and make it more catchy and attractive. - Eric Mukwano, Kampala.
50
THE DIVA
Aug - Oct 2014