The National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations (NFPO) has engaged the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion in a dialogue aimed at addressing issues that affect the Rwandan family.

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In a meeting, held on Thursday, March 19, political actors and government officials discussed persistent challenges affecting families, including teenage pregnancies, alcohol abuse, limited family time, and gaps in parenting.

While Rwanda continues to register progress across governance and development indicators, participants noted that the family widely regarded as the foundation of society remains vulnerable to these issues. Children, they warned, are the most affected.

According to the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) Citizen Report Card 2025, public satisfaction with services related to family welfare stands at 74.7 per cent, with men at 76.3 per cent and women at 73.3 per cent.

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Drawing on these findings, Milleire Batamuriza, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, highlighted a range of underlying issues weakening family cohesion.

She said these challenges stem partly from "misunderstanding of gender equality,” which fuels family conflicts and contributes to alcohol abuse, defilement, drug use, school dropout, malnutrition, poor parenting and divorce.

Batamuriza called on politicians to take a proactive role, beginning at the individual level.

"We urge political leaders to act,” she said. "Be present where you are needed, attend village meetings, share positive messages and follow up on issues.”

She emphasized the need for leaders to lead by example within their communities.

Batamuriza further stressed the importance of collective responsibility in raising children.

"Giving birth is one thing,” she said. "But nurturing a child requires time, energy, willingness and responsibility.”

She added that societal vigilance is critical in raising responsible citizens.

"We should be the eye and shoulder for one another,” she said. "Treat every family issue as our own.”

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Political actors propose reforms

Political party leaders, drawing from field engagements conducted during Women’s Month, echoed the ministry’s concerns and proposed practical interventions to strengthen family systems.

On marriage stability, the politicians underscored the need for structured mentorship for couples preparing for marriage.

MP Christine Mukabunani of PS Imberakuri said existing guidance mechanisms are insufficient.

"Not every official at the sector level can deliver marriage lessons,” she said. "We need selected, experienced individuals to guide couples on their responsibilities.”

She suggested a more formalized system that provides adequate preparation time and professional support.

Other participants also acknowledged the role of faith-based institutions, particularly those offering extended pre-marital programmes lasting up to six months.

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Concerns over misinterpretation of gender equality also featured prominently in the discussions.

Senator Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party pointed to emerging social tensions linked to the issue.

"We found cases where men abandon their families,” he said. "In some instances, conflicts escalate to the point where men leave rather than report their grievances.”

He attributed this trend to a distorted understanding of gender equality.

"Some misuse the concept,” he said. "Forcing situations that push men out of their homes.”

Habineza reaffirmed support for gender parity but stressed the need for clarity.

"True equality means shared responsibilities,” he said. "It requires everyone to understand their roles.”

Tougher stance on teenage pregnancy

On teenage pregnancy, the politicians called for stricter enforcement of penalties targeting perpetrators rather than victims.

Alphonse Nkubana of the Prosperity and Solidarity Party (PSP) emphasized accountability.

"We should focus more on those who impregnate teenagers,” he said. "Penalties must be serious.”

Leaders further urged implementation of existing laws, noting that many remain ineffective due to weak enforcement.

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Concerns about digital influence

The influence of technology and social media on family values also drew attention.

Participants warned of increasing exposure to foreign content misaligned with Rwandan culture and values.

They called for stricter regulations to curb misuse, citing concerns over inappropriate behavior and erosion of societal norms.

Habineza, who was elected the forum’s spokesperson on the same day, said political parties would play an active role in sustaining the dialogue.

"As political parties, we are rooted in families and communities,” he said. "We have platforms to engage our members from the grassroots to national level.”

He noted that the meeting concluded with clear assignments for politicians to integrate family-related discussions within their structures and outreach activities.

The engagement reflects a growing recognition among stakeholders that safeguarding the family unit requires coordinated, sustained efforts across all levels of society.