Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean Damascène Bizimana, has urged Rwandans to stop using the word “indangamirwa” to refer to sex workers, saying the term is being misused and contradicts its real meaning in Kinyarwanda.
He made the remarks on Sunday evening during a discussion on Rwanda Broadcasting Agency television, which focused on several issues including preparations for the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the situation of youth in Rwanda and challenges affecting them.
Bizimana said some young people are still being affected by harmful behaviors such as drug abuse, alcoholism and prostitution.
He explained that some youth are attracted to what they see as an easy life, which leads them into risky behaviors.
Bizimana criticized the practice of calling girls involved in prostitution “indangamirwa”, stressing that the term has a positive meaning in Kinyarwanda and should not be misused.
He said the word refers to people who serve as role models in society because of their good values and achievements.
According to him, an “indangamirwa” is someone others look up to and emulate because of their good character and positive contributions to society.
The minister emphasized that instead of misusing the term, efforts should be made to help young people involved in prostitution return to normal life and reintegrate into society.
Bizimana added that parents and community leaders have an important role to play in guiding youth, while young people themselves must take responsibility for their future and contribute to the country’s development.
He warned that individuals involved in drug abuse, prostitution or excessive drinking cannot effectively contribute to national development and instead risk becoming a burden to society.
