As the Family Week came to a close in Mukindo Sector, Gisagara District, residents were reminded that building a peaceful and capable family requires wisdom that goes beyond love.
The event was concluded in partnership with Alight Rwanda, an organization that promotes family welfare and fights against gender-based violence. During the ceremony, Bede John, the Gisagara District Director in charge of Human Resources and Administration, emphasized that wisdom is the foundation of a harmonious and successful family.
“A wise husband doesn’t come home asking whether the goats are back. He first greets his family, because that strengthens love and reduces conflict.” He said.
He added that some men still avoid participating in household activities, yet such involvement is key to building a united home. “No wise man should refuse to bathe his own child. When you are wise, even when you drink alcohol, you know your limits. It is essential to build a home that values cleanliness and security.”
Bede John further explained that wisdom in the family is also reflected in how people make decisions that benefit the household. “A wise person doesn’t take all the eggs the chicken has laid to the market before feeding their children. You first meet your family’s needs, and then you sell the surplus. That’s how you fight malnutrition and ensure your family’s well-being.”He stated.
Clarisse Mukantabana, the Alight Rwanda staff in charge of preventing and responding to gender-based violence, said that a stable family is built on partnership between spouses where the husband is seen as the head of the family and the wife as its heart. “A capable family cannot exist without partnership. The mindset that men alone have the final say in the household must change. Today, women can wear trousers, build houses, and do things that used to be considered taboo. These are positive signs of progress.”She said.
She highlighted that Alight Rwanda continues to support both women and men in promoting equality and building families founded on wisdom and mutual understanding. Residents of Mukindo Sector mentioned several challenges still affecting families, including alcoholism, domestic conflicts, and early marriages.
Gorette Mukakabera, from Joma Village, said:“Some families are affected by alcoholism, and couples often fail to live in harmony. We also have cases of underage marriages, where young people separate shortly after and end up living with their parents again.” Another resident, Dukuzeyesu Mugenzi, added:“Some families no longer share meals together. You’ll find the wife working in the fields while the husband spends the day in the bar. This lack of togetherness weakens the family.”
Assistant Inspector of Police Richard Mwungeri, the Police Commander in Mukindo Sector, said that peace and stability cannot exist in families where substance abuse is common. “Drugs are a source of many conflicts. Once you’re addicted, you risk losing your job and mismanaging your household income. That’s why we decided to reduce bar operating hours to give families more quality time together.” He spoke.
Alight Rwanda works closely with Gisagara District particularly in Mukindo Sector to promote family welfare and fight against gender-based violence. Through this partnership, many women have been empowered to contribute meaningfully to peaceful, resilient, and wise family life.
Family Week serves as an opportunity for families to reflect on their roles and renew their commitment to building homes grounded in wisdom, partnership, and cleanliness the true pillars of a strong and secure family. Family Week Theme: “Let’s Have a Capable and Secure Family.”
