Rwandan families are happy given advances in protecting human rights and good performance of the economy, but more efforts are needed to protect those who are young against violence, participants at the ongoing Twelfth National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano) heard yesterday.

In a presentation given at the dialogue in Parliament, yesterday, the Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, Oda Gasinzigwa, thanked the country’s leadership for promoting the welfare of families.

The minister highlighted how women have become entrepreneurs where they contribute in providing for their families and understand the importance of working with financial institutions.

"Rwandan families are happy and they are grateful,” Gasinzigwa said.

Participants at Umushyikirano discussed the country’s achievements in the last 20 years and highlighted how family values of unity have kept the country together over the years.

"Families are the basis for protecting the Rwandan values and culture. Families are the basis for Rwanda’s security and wellbeing,” Minister Gasinzigwa said.

Rwandans were again reminded of the essence of home grown solutions such as community work, locally known as Umuganda, and the understanding that it takes the entire village to raise a child.

Grassroots-based banking institutions such as savings and credit cooperatives, commonly known as Umurenge Sacco, were also lauded for helping Rwandan families keep their money in banks.

"Women no longer keep their money under mattresses. They have joined banking institutions,” Gasinzigwa said.

Challenges

Among the challenges still facing Rwandan families include the defilement of girls, domestic violence, gender-based violence, and polygamy.

According to Sylvestre Simbankabo, a resident of Rutsiro in Western Province, members of families should sign performance contracts and pledge before local leaders that they will keep their families safe.

"In Rutsiro, family members could pledge to end things like polygamy and getting drunk,” Simbankabo said.

During the dialogue, many officials advised Rwandans to strive for a better life through working harder and keeping in mind that family planning can help make sure children are well raised.

"Some of the answers to solve problems that we have in families can come from making sure that there is a dialogue between family members,” said Foreign Affairs minister Louise Mushikiwabo.

Ignacienne Nyirarukundo, a member of the Lower House, encouraged Rwandans to plan ahead when it comes to reproduction.

"We need to instill the culture of planning among Rwandans. There is no law that says people need to have many children,” she said.

Grace Uwiyera, a Rwandan who is currently living in Belgium, suggested that children should be given identity cards to help Police ensure their safety.

Parents were also warned against early marriage of their children, especially in the northern part of the country.

"Parents should not force their children into marriage. It was the culture in Northern Province but it is reducing with access to education and campaigns against the practice,” said Local Government minister Francis Kaboneka.

Chaired by President Kagame, Umushyikirano is the country’s largest political forum where citizens of all walks of life meet to chart the way forward at efforts to build their country.

As has been the case before, the annual forum is being broadcast live on RTV and radios as well as streamed live online.

Participants include 1,000 people gathered at Parliament Building in Kimihurura and some 2,000 youth gathered at the Petit Stade Remera and at sites in Gakenke and Rutsiro districts who are linked to the talks at Parliament via video link.

Viewers and listeners have a chance to call in or send SMS.

Today’s topic at the two-day dialogue will be about highlighting Rwanda’s 20 years of renewal.

The National Dialogue is being held under the theme, "Common Vision, New Momentum.”

What they said

Gloria Hategekimana, 24.

‘This is an exciting moment of the year at which many issues are discussed, especially youth-related matters like employment programmes as well as drug abuse and human trafficking. It was noted that girls are the majority victims of human trafficking, which is unfortunate. I am sure, through this dialogue, measures will be devised to end such vices.’

Norbert Shyerezo, coordinator of the National Youth Council.

‘This is the best forum at which to reflect on what the country has achieved in the recent past, but also take new measures aimed at driving us to desired development goals. For the youth, new performance contracts are to be looked into at so that we can collectively develop the nation. We commit to become job creators rather than job seekers.’

Deudone Murigande, Diaspora member from Malaysia.

‘It is indeed a great moment to be home again. You will realise that through this dialogue, everyone has a role to play in national development. Several policies have been discussed, including youth empowerment. The President noted that there are cases of human trafficking and drug abuse. I challenge fellow youth to work hard and not expect shortcuts to be part of the nation’s development.’

Arielle Gahigi Mugwaneza, 24.

‘I am excited to be part of the national dialogue. As a youth, I have been challenged to work hard for my own development, as well as national development. You will understand that at this gathering of people of all age groups, all eyes are on youth.’

Rosemary Mbabazi, PS in the Ministry of Youth and ICT.

‘Through Umushyikirano, we continue to sensitise the youth about their rights as well as challenge them on dignity and values. The government has introduced various platforms to engage them in productive ventures such as TVET Kora Wigire, employment forum and entrepreneurship grants, to make them job creators and not job seekers.’

– Compiled by Athan Tashobya