Rwanda’s First Lady, Jeannette Kagame, on Saturday said the country’s history and progress cannot be told without recognizing the pivotal role women and their children played during the liberation struggle and in national development.
She spoke at the sixth national congress of the RPF Inkotanyi Women’s League, held at Intare Arena in Kigali, which brought together over 2,000 participants from across the country.
Mrs Kagame recalled that many Rwandans in exile raised children abroad but worked tirelessly to preserve Rwandan culture.
“Parents never abandoned the spirit of Rwanda. Where possible, they formed cultural groups to ensure their children did not lose Rwandan values,” she said.
Reflecting on the liberation struggle, she said women played a critical role in supporting fighters and sustaining morale.
“I cannot conclude without paying tribute to the parents who gave birth to the liberators, the women who supported the struggle, and the children who endured the consequences of a long war,” Kagame said.
She urged women to continue taking responsibility in raising children with strong values, warning against blaming the younger generation without self-reflection.
“Today’s discussions should be a moment of self-examination. We should ask whether we have given our children the right foundation,” she said.
The First Lady warned that children not grounded in values such as patriotism, unity, integrity, and respect risk adopting harmful behaviors without the ability to distinguish right from wrong. She also called on youth to make wise choices and reject negative influences.
“What is inappropriate should not be given space in your lives,” she said.
The First Lady emphasized that national development begins at the family level, describing the family as the “first school” where values are shaped.
“Rwandan identity is inherited, but it is also taught,” she said, calling on parents to strengthen families amid rapid social and technological change.
RPF Inkotanyi Vice Chairperson Uwimana Consolée urged women to continue contributing to family stability and national development, while Secretary-General Bazivamo Christophe commended their role as drivers of Rwanda’s progress.
