Four in five Rwandan families are affected by alcoholism and lack time for family dialogue, according to the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF). This was highlighted during a national dialogue on family wellbeing convened by the Ministry in Kigali on Friday, May 15. ALSO READ: Alcoholism, absence of family time threaten stability of Rwandan families The dialogue brought together government officials, researchers, faith leaders, development partners, civil society, psychologists, and grassroots leaders to examine growing pressures facing families and possible solutions. Held under the theme “Ibiganiro byiza, Ireme ry’umuryango” loosely translated as “Constructive dialogue for family cohesion,” the discussions focused on strengthening family unity, preventing conflict, and addressing deep-rooted causes of instability in households. According to findings presented during the meeting, alcoholism remains the leading challenge affecting families at 85.8 per cent, followed by lack of time for family dialogue at 83.2 per cent, infidelity at 79.2 per cent, mismanagement of resources at 78.7 per cent, misunderstanding of gender equality at 75.9 per cent, parental irresponsibility at 69.2 per cent, drug abuse at 54.5 per cent, and misuse of technology at 30.1 per cent. Officials warned that these issues are contributing to wider social problems including domestic violence and abuse, child neglect, street children, school dropouts, child labour, teenage pregnancies malnutrition, and family separation and divorces, among others. ALSO READ: New law for family and persons gazetted: What you should know Beyond the statistics, participants sought to examine why families are struggling and how institutions and communities can intervene before issues are irreparable. “When you hear what is said about families, you might think everything has fallen apart,” Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Consolee Uwimana said. “But Rwanda still has many strong families that are the foundation of the country’s development.” Uwimana also raised concern over the growing tendency of people exposing family disputes on social media platforms, saying it worsens family conflicts and negatively affects society. “It is not good to keep taking family problems to social media because it destroys families and hurts those connected to them,” she said, urging families to prioritise dialogue and seek solutions within households and communities. ALSO READ: First Lady urges women to be the heart of the family, country During the discussions, participants proposed several measures to strengthen families, including establishing family advisors at the village level, counselling services, creating dedicated time for family dialogue, strengthening parenting education, improving marriage preparation programmes, and speeding up child abuse and defilement cases in courts. Jean Eric Niyitegeka, analyst of family, issues suggested creating community-based “family coaches” similar to community health workers and agricultural advisors. “At village level, we have community health workers and agricultural advisors, but we do not have family advisors who can guide and train families before problems arise,” he said. Niyitegeka also urged authorities to go beyond statistics and investigate the deeper causes behind issues such as alcoholism and family instability. Ninette Umurerwa, an advocate affiliated with women and children's rights group HAGURUKA, said family issues require long-term commitment and follow-up at community level, particularly among vulnerable households. “Family issues require passion,” she said. “You talk to couples, challenge them, give examples, and continue following up on them even after community discussions.” Mental health experts warned that unresolved psychological challenges within households often destabilise entire families and contribute to alcoholism and violence. Participants called for stronger collaboration between MIGEPROF and the Ministry of Health to expand family counselling and mental health support at village level. ALSO READ: Poor parenting root of family challenges, says gender ministry Concerns were also raised about the low number of child abuse cases reaching courts despite widespread reports of violence against children. Immaculee Mukandayambaje of the nonprofit Humanity and Inclusion (HI) urged authorities to prioritise child abuse cases to ensure perpetrators are punished and encourage victims and families to report incidents on time. Participants also proposed family dialogue sessions at workplaces and in community meetings. Jeanne Umutoni, the Vice Mayor of Rwamagana District suggested that, just as Fridays are reserved for sports activities in public institutions, dedicated time should also be set aside for family discussions across the country. “A person with a healthy family also performs better at work,” Umutoni said. ALSO READ: Kagame talks parenting, quality time with family Responding to the proposals, Minister Uwimana said several suggestions raised during the dialogue are already being considered by government institutions and some are in the pipeline, while assuring participants that other recommendations would also be considered. The minister reiterated that strengthening families requires collective responsibility from government institutions, communities, parents, faith organisations and individuals themselves.
