First Lady Jeannette Kagame has emphasised the crucial role of families and the central role of women in nurturing values and guiding children, saying that national development begins at home.

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She said this on Saturday, March 21, during the sixth Congress of the Women’s League of the ruling party, RPF-Inkotanyi, held at the party headquarters in Rusororo, Gasabo District.

The meeting coincided with the celebration of Women’s Month in March, which carries the theme: ‘Empower Her: Shape the Future Generation.’

The women’s congress was last held in 2021, following the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

The First Lady emphasised that the congress comes at a critical and timely moment, reminding participants that the world is rapidly changing. Shifts in international relations, evolving collaborations, rising security challenges in some regions, and new ways of thinking are all affecting families and the values that shape them.

"At the same time, Rwanda continues to progress and make its voice heard on the international stage. This calls on us to rethink our role as the ‘heart of the home’ in building strong families, because national development begins at home, and women remain a key pillar in establishing and sustaining those families,” the First Lady said.

"The times we live in, especially with rapid technological development, have created families that struggle to maintain connections between parents and children.”

She added that this dynamic has caused some children to view their parents as adversaries, while some parents perceive their children as incapable.

"This should not be the case. Families are the first school, and education surpasses birth. National development cannot happen without strong families.”

The First Lady urged parents to teach children essential values such as love for the nation, unity, respect, cooperation, integrity, self-respect, and adherence to cultural traditions.

"Rwandan identity is not just a word; it represents a connection of ideas, thoughts, and relationships based on the values of our culture and language. Rwandan identity is inherited, but more importantly, it is taught,” she added.

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While it is good to learn from other cultures, the First Lady said, families should guide children to accept what is valuable and reject what is harmful. She credited women with playing a key role during the struggle for liberation and said their contribution continues to shape the nation today.

"To the members of the Women’s League, continue to be a catalyst for change in mindset, attitudes, and actions, aimed at accelerating the country’s development and well-being.”

The Vice Chairperson of RPF-Inkotanyi, Consolée Uwimana, said that while Rwanda has made visible progress in its development, there is still much work to be done.

"Let us continue working together on our journey, trusting that it will bring meaningful change to our country’s development.”

"We must always remember that RPF gave us a valued country, which we must preserve, and strive to work with transformative actions that bring sustainable change,” she added.