KIGALI – First Lady Jeannette Kagame has placed families at the center of Rwanda’s development narrative, arguing that the country’s long-term progress depends not only on economic gains, but on the values nurtured within households.
Speaking at the 6th General Assembly of the Women’s League of RPF-Inkotanyi on March 21, she urged women to see themselves not just as participants in national development, but as its foundation.
“National development begins at home, and women remain a key pillar in establishing and sustaining strong families,” she said, emphasizing the enduring role of women as the “heart of the home.”
Her remarks come at a time of rapid global and social change, where technological advancement and shifting world dynamics are reshaping family structures. While Rwanda continues to strengthen its position internationally, the First Lady warned that these changes are also testing the bonds between parents and children.
“The times we live in, especially with rapid technological development, have created families that struggle to maintain connections,” she said, noting that some children increasingly view parents as adversaries, while some parents underestimate their children’s potential.
The family as the foundation
At the core of her message was the idea that families are the first and most important institutions of learning. “Families are the first school, and education surpasses birth. National development cannot happen without strong families,” she stressed.
She called on parents to take a more deliberate role in shaping their children’s character by instilling values such as patriotism, unity, respect, integrity, and self-worth. These, she argued, are not abstract ideals but practical tools for building a cohesive and resilient society.
“Rwandan identity is not just a word; it represents a connection of ideas and relationships rooted in our culture. It is inherited, but more importantly, it is taught,” she added.
Preserving values in a changing world
Reflecting on Rwanda’s history, the First Lady paid tribute to generations of women who preserved cultural identity during years of exile and conflict. Their role, she noted, went beyond survival, they sustained the moral foundation that continues to shape the country today.
However, she cautioned that the current challenge lies in navigating global influences without losing that foundation. “A child not raised with these values may adopt foreign customs indiscriminately, unable to distinguish what is right,” she warned.
Encouraging a balanced approach, she urged young people to embrace progress selectively. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Rugamba Sipiriyani, she said: “Take the best from others and discard what is inferior.”
She concluded by calling on women to continue shaping Rwanda’s future through their influence at home and in society. “Continue to be a catalyst for change in mindset, attitudes, and actions,” she said.
Echoing her remarks, RPF Vice Chairperson Consolée Uwimana noted that while Rwanda has made visible progress, sustained development will depend on collective responsibility.
