Some residents of Kamegeri Sector in Nyamagabe District say that legally formalizing their marriages has helped them better protect their children’s rights and strengthen their families through mutual understanding, respect and a shared commitment to development.
Dushimimana Mariya is one of the women who lived with her husband for 20 years without legally registering their marriage. She says their unmarried status affected how their children were registered, with some recorded under only one parent despite having both a mother and a father.
Following their legal marriage, Dushimimana says she is happy that her family can now look forward to a more secure future, particularly when it comes to protecting their children’s rights.
“We have lived together for 20 years without being legally married, but I am now happy that we have decided to formalise our union under the law. I believe this will help ensure that our children enjoy greater protection of their rights within the family,” she said.
Her husband, Seziberea Gerard, also says that living with his wife for two decades without legalising their marriage sometimes made him feel embarrassed, especially when people asked about his marital status.
“I used to feel ashamed of being considered a bachelor when I had already spent 20 years living with my wife. Now I am happy that we are legally married. We will continue consulting each other, working together towards our own development and securing a better future for our children,” he said.
Cyprien Masumbuko, who is responsible for partnerships and child care at SOS Village Nyamagabe, urges parents to prioritise their children’s rights and make decisions that protect their interests in the long term.
He explains that when couples live together without legally formalising their marriage, separation can create challenges concerning children’s rights, as well as disputes over family property.
“Parents should put their children’s best interests first by ensuring that they receive proper care, upbringing and protection of their rights. Legally formalising a marriage is one step that can help strengthen a family’s legal security. However, parents must also maintain a healthy relationship and continue working together to fulfil their responsibilities towards their children,” he said.
Celine Sibonkayo, The Executive Secretary of Kamegeri Sector, who officiated at the marriage ceremonies, says that couples living together without legally formalising their unions may face challenges that contribute to family conflicts.
She urges newly married couples to continue building households founded on mutual respect, open communication and cooperation in pursuing development. She also encourages other couples who have not yet legally registered their marriages to take the initiative and do so.
“Legally formalising a marriage is an important step towards building a stable family. However, getting married under the law is not enough on its own. Couples should continue consulting each other, respecting one another and sharing responsibilities for raising their children and developing their households. We also encourage other couples who have not yet formalized their marriages to do so in order to strengthen the protection of their family members’ rights,” she said.
According to information from Kamegeri Sector authorities, more than 540 couples in the sector were living together as husband and wife without legally formalising their marriages. Under this initiative, 117 couples have now legally registered their unions, committing themselves to continuing their lives together and building a shared future.
The initiative comes amid continued efforts to promote family stability, protect children’s rights and strengthen mutual understanding between spouses, which remain essential foundations for the well-being of households.
