The event was attended by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, who encouraged women to lead positive change in their families, communities, and the nation.

“Let’s continue being agents of positive change in thought, behavior, and action to accelerate social and economic development. Love for and devotion to Rwanda must remain part of our daily lives because no one else will do it for us. The country has given us everything. We have laws to protect us and leadership that values women. What remains is ours,” she said.

Madam Kagame noted the global challenges that demand women’s proactive role. “The world is undergoing many changes, where international relations and cooperation are shifting, security challenges are increasing in some regions, and new ideas are emerging that affect families and the values that guide them.”

She stressed the importance of raising children with Rwandan values. “A child who is not raised with values such as love for the country, respect, unity, cooperation, discipline, self-esteem, and avoidance of prohibited behaviors, when exposed to foreign cultures, accepts everything encountered and begins to make it their own, not knowing how to distinguish right from wrong.” She urged parents to provide children with proper guidance grounded in Rwandan culture.

Madam Kagame emphasized that the mindset of sacrifice and dedication that enabled the RPF Inkotanyi to liberate Rwanda must continue through women today. “We, as the ‘heart of the home’ and family, cannot remain mere bystanders. We must also see it as our responsibility to defend our country with all the means we can, including training our families.”

Reflecting on history, she praised women who supported the struggle and families during exile. “I also thank parents who gave birth to us in exile, women who helped their brothers, parents who raised children while the Inkotanyi were paving the way home, and children who grew up with the gaps left by the long war their parents fought.”

Even in exile, Rwandan culture persisted. “It was very easy to forget our culture and adopt that of the countries where we lived. But many refused to lose the spirit of Rwanda, and some even established schools so that descendants would not forget their culture.”

Madam Kagame reminded women that the family is the first school where values are taught. “Education is given by both mothers and fathers, but in this assembly, let us remember that although a woman cannot do everything, her role as the foundation of the family is irreplaceable. Character education is more important than birth, and national development cannot happen if families are not stable or progressing.”

She stressed that rapid development, especially in technology, makes some families struggle to maintain bonds between children and parents. She also highlighted the role of women in fostering unity and nurturing the next generation.

“Rwandan identity is not just a word describing kinship; it is a mindset, behavior, and social interaction based on the values of our culture and language. Rwandan identity is inherited but, above all, it is taught. This is where we have a major responsibility as parents entrusted with Rwanda.”

Concluding her address, Madam Kagame reminded participants that Rwanda’s continued progress requires women’s leadership in both family and society. “We must rethink our role as the ‘heart of the home’ in building strong families because national development begins in the family, and the woman is a strong pillar that builds and sustains it.”