Winifrida Mpembyemungu (born 1972) is a Rwandan politician, currently a member of the Chamber of Deputies in the Parliament of Rwanda.[1]
Mpembyemungu is the former mayor of Musanze. In 2013 her house was attacked with explosives, resulting in a baby being killed and two others injured. In 2015 six people received lifetime jail sentences, for this and other FDLR-sponsored terrorist attacks.[2]
In April 2016 assailants attacked her home at night, resulting in a man being shot and killed by security forces.[3]
In June 2018 Mpembyemungu narrowly beat former MP Marie Therese Murekatete to gain the Rwanda Patriotic Front women's ticket for Musanze District.[4]
Winifrida Mpembyemungu is a prominent female politician from Rwanda. She was born on February 29, 1948, in Karongi, Western Province, Rwanda. Mpembyemungu is known for her active involvement in politics and championing women's rights in the country.
She started her political career as a member of the Democratic Republicans Party (Parti Démocratique Républicain, PADER). Later, she joined the Social Democratic Party (Parti Social-Démocrate, PSD) and served as a Member of Parliament representing her district for several terms.
Mpembyemungu has vast experience in leadership positions. She has held various important roles, including Minister of Lands, Resettlement, and Environmental Protection and Minister of State in charge of Social Welfare. Additionally, she served as the Minister of State for Economic Planning in the government of Rwanda.
Known as a staunch advocate for women's empowerment, she has played a crucial role in promoting gender equality and expanding opportunities for women in Rwanda. She has been instrumental in the development and implementation of policies and programs that aim to uplift women's status and increase their participation in decision-making processes.
As a female politician, Mpembyemungu has actively worked to combat gender-based violence and discrimination. She has also championed women's representation in politics and has been influential in increasing female participation both in Parliament and in local government structures.
Throughout her political career, Mpembyemungu has worked towards socio-economic development, poverty reduction, and sustainable environmental policies. She has been a strong advocate for social welfare programs and played a vital role in the development and implementation of poverty reduction strategies in Rwanda.
Winifrida Mpembyemungu has made significant contributions to the political landscape of Rwanda, particularly in advancing women's rights and gender equality. Her dedication and commitment have helped shape policies that have positively impacted Rwandan society.