Kigali, Rwanda | Rwanda’s First Lady, Jeannette Kagame, has called on women across the country to recognize and embrace their critical role as the foundation of both family stability and national development.
Speaking at the Sixth General Assembly of the Women’s League of the FPR-Inkotanyi, Mrs. Kagame emphasized that the progress Rwanda continues to achieve must be matched by strengthened family structures, where women play a central role as nurturers, leaders, and custodians of values.
The high-level gathering brought together more than 2,000 participants from across Rwanda, reflecting the growing importance of women’s leadership in shaping the country’s future.
Family as the First School of the Nation
In her address, Mrs. Kagame underscored that national development begins within the home, describing the family as the “first school” where values, discipline, and identity are formed.
“As Rwanda continues to advance and gain influence on the global stage, we must reflect on our role as women—the heart of the home—in building strong and resilient families,” she said. “A nation’s development starts in the family, and women are the pillar that sustains it.”
She stressed that while Rwandan identity is inherent, it must also be actively taught and nurtured within households. According to her, mothers and caregivers carry a profound responsibility in shaping future generations.
Navigating Modern Challenges
Mrs. Kagame also highlighted emerging challenges facing families in an era of rapid technological and social change. She warned that some families are struggling to maintain meaningful connections between parents and children.
“These changes can create misunderstandings, where children feel unheard and parents perceive their children as difficult or disconnected,” she noted.
She urged women to take a leading role in restoring strong family bonds and fostering environments built on communication, trust, and shared values.
Women as Agents of Transformation
Calling members of the Women’s League to action, Mrs. Kagame encouraged them to become drivers of transformation in society.
“Let us continue to be agents of change in our thinking, our attitudes, and our actions,” she said. “Promoting social well-being and economic progress starts with us. Loving and protecting our country must be part of our daily lives.”
She also emphasized that development should not weaken families but instead create opportunities to strengthen them.
Honoring Women’s Historical Contributions
Reflecting on Rwanda’s liberation struggle, Mrs. Kagame paid tribute to women who played vital roles during the country’s most challenging periods. She acknowledged mothers who raised children during times of conflict, women who supported liberation efforts, and families who endured immense hardship.
“That spirit of resilience and sacrifice is what helped bring Rwanda to where it is today,” she said.
Call for Responsible Parenting
Mrs. Kagame urged parents to evaluate the values being instilled in their children, stressing the importance of teaching patriotism, respect, discipline, and integrity.
“A child who grows without strong values may easily adopt harmful influences without the ability to distinguish right from wrong,” she warned.
She also called on young people to make wise choices and take advantage of the opportunities available to them.
Leaders Reinforce Message of Gender Equality
Other leaders echoed the First Lady’s message during the event.
Consolée Uwimana, Vice Chairperson of FPR-Inkotanyi, acknowledged Rwanda’s development progress but emphasized that more work remains.
“The Women’s League must continue working alongside men to build strong families and a stronger nation,” she said.
Senate Vice President Solina Nyirahabimana highlighted the importance of gender equality, noting that empowering women is essential to building both stable families and a resilient nation.
“Just as a strong house requires a solid foundation, a strong country depends on strong families, and that begins with empowering women,” she stated.
Experts Highlight Family Well-Being
Experts at the event, including psychologist Dr. Chaste Uwihoreye, emphasized that healthy families are characterized by trust, communication, and emotional well-being. She noted that families facing challenges can recover with the right support and interventions.
Community representative Anatholie Niyonambaje added that harmony within families depends on mutual respect, humility, and the willingness to forgive.
A Continuing National Priority
Closing the discussions, FPR-Inkotanyi Secretary General Christophe Bazivamo praised the essential role women continue to play in Rwanda’s transformation.
The assembly reinforced a central message: as Rwanda advances on the global stage, the strength of its families—and the leadership of its women—will remain fundamental to sustaining that progress.
