The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion has called for stronger action against alcoholism, illicit alcohol and other harmful behaviours, while urging greater participation of women in decision-making as part of efforts to strengthen good governance and national development.
Speaking on the role of leadership in addressing challenges affecting citizens, Permanent Secretary Batamuliza Mireille said leadership should remain centred on people and responsive to the issues they face in their daily lives.
She stressed that good governance must translate into practical solutions that improve citizens’ well-being, strengthen families and create an environment where people can contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Leadership must remain people-centred, using good governance to respond to citizens’ challenges and create conditions where everyone can contribute to national development,” Batamuliza said.
She called for greater collective action to tackle alcoholism and the production and consumption of illicit alcoholic products, warning that harmful behaviours can affect families, communities and the wider development of society.
According to Batamuliza, addressing such challenges requires more than government intervention. Families, communities, institutions and citizens all have a role to play in preventing harmful behaviours and promoting healthier and more responsible communities.
She also placed emphasis on the need to strengthen women’s participation in decision-making, saying inclusive leadership is essential to ensuring that different perspectives and experiences are reflected in policies and programmes.
Batamuliza encouraged continued efforts to create opportunities for women to take up leadership positions and participate meaningfully in decisions at different levels of society.
The call comes as Rwanda continues to emphasize accountable and citizen-centred governance, with leadership expected to respond effectively to social, economic and community challenges.
Batamuliza said national development should not only be viewed through economic growth and infrastructure, but also through the well-being of citizens, the strength of families and the ability of all sections of society to participate in shaping the country’s future.
She urged leaders to remain attentive to citizens’ concerns and to turn governance principles into concrete action, particularly on issues that directly affect families and communities.
The Ministry’s message highlights the importance of combining effective governance with social responsibility, while ensuring that women are given a stronger voice in decisions that influence Rwanda’s development trajectory.
