First Lady Jeannette Kagame has called on women and girls to prioritize self-care and self-love, while encouraging emotional, behavioral, and personal discipline to strengthen their role in family and national development.
Speaking on International Women’s Day, First Lady Kagame highlighted the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. “Happy Women’s Day. Today, as we celebrate women, I urge you to exercise greater self-control in your emotions, conduct, and behavior. Take care of yourselves as you take care of others, this is essential for your personal development,” she said.
She emphasized that self-love is as important as caring for others: “How you care for and understand others should reflect in how you value yourself, especially your mental well-being.”
First Lady Kagame joined Kigali residents in a public fitness event commemorating the day, which included walking, running, cycling, and weight training. Participants, including government officials such as Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire, also received health check-ups and advice on preventive care.
This year’s theme, “A Woman of Value”, focuses on recognizing women’s contributions to family and national development, while promoting empowerment and gender equality initiatives.
International Women’s Day traces its origins to the early 20th century, when women in Europe and the United States began campaigning for voting rights, equal pay, fair working hours, and social equality. The idea was formally proposed by German activist Clara Zetkin at a 1910 conference in Copenhagen. In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day.
