She made the remarks on March 21, 2026, during the Sixth General Assembly of the Women’s League affiliated with RPF Inkotanyi.
The meeting brought together over 2,000 members from across the country.
Jeannette Kagame explained that as Rwanda continues to develop, women must remain mindful of their responsibilities.
“As Rwanda continues to progress and gain a voice on the international stage, it requires us to rethink the role of women our role as the heart of the home in building stable families. National development begins within the family, and women are a strong pillar in building and sustaining it,” she said.
She emphasized that while Rwandan identity is inherited, it is also taught within families, and women have a key role in instilling it.
“Rwandan values are both inherited and taught. This is where we, as parents raising Rwanda’s future, have a great responsibility. How do we instill essential values in the younger generation, build truly strong families, and align this with our development?” she said.
She noted that national development cannot be discussed without considering the family, which she described as the primary school for all individuals and one that must be strengthened.
“We cannot talk about national development without talking about the family, as it is the first school we all pass through and continue to learn from. In this era of rapid development, especially in technology, some families seem to be losing the capacity to build strong relationships between parents and children. This leads to situations where children see parents as adversaries who do not understand them, while parents view children as difficult or beyond discipline,” she explained.
She added, “As members of the Women’s League, let us continue to be catalysts for change in mindset, attitudes, and actions aimed at accelerating social and economic development. Loving and safeguarding Rwanda should remain part of our daily lives because no one else will do it for us.”
She stressed that development should serve as a catalyst for opportunities to strengthen families and the country as a whole, and that people must learn how to live harmoniously within it.
She reiterated that parenting is a shared responsibility between both parents, although women’s role remains invaluable.
She recalled that during the struggle to liberate the country, women played a significant role and continued to instill cultural values and norms in children.
“I cannot end without thanking the mothers who gave birth to liberators, the women who fought alongside men, those who raised children while the Inkotanyi were fighting to bring us back home, and the children who became orphans… that mindset is what enabled RPF Inkotanyi to bring Rwanda to where it is today, starting from the liberation history,” she said.
Jeannette Kagame reminded women that it is their responsibility to remain committed to the country and contribute to its development.
She also called on parents to reassess whether they are providing children with the right upbringing to prepare them for the future.
“A child who has not been taught values such as patriotism, respect, discipline, dignity, and avoiding harmful behaviors, when exposed to foreign cultures without a strong foundation, may adopt everything indiscriminately without distinguishing right from wrong,” she warned.
Using lyrics from a song by Cyprien Rugamba, she urged young people to avoid complacency, make the most of opportunities provided by the country, and make wise choices.
The Vice Chairperson of RPF Inkotanyi, Uwimana Consolée, also called on members of the Women’s League to recognize their role in building families and the nation.
“Although we have made significant progress in our country’s development, there is still much to be done. The Women’s League must play its part, working together with men,” she said.
The Secretary General of RPF Inkotanyi, Bazivamo Christophe, commended the role of women in the country’s development.
