Kigali-23 May 2019-The International Day of Families was observed on 23 May 2019 under the theme: ‘Together, let’s build the family we want’. Celebrations took place countrywide at sector level and on national level dignitaries from Government officials, UN agencies, Development partners, Religious Leaders and Civil Society joined residents of Gatsibo district and neighboring. Addressing thousands of residents who were gathered in Ngarama Sector, Karambi cell in Karambi Village; Amb. Soline NYIRAHABIMANA, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion reiterated that the Government has put in place mechanisms to promote and protect the family and its members because its [family] problem affect the whole society.

‘We want a safe family that lives healthily, and all its members are happy. We want a family that cohabitate peacefully, free from domestic conflicts, that lives in better place, with hygiene, whose children go to school and are free from stunting/malnutrition’- reiterated Amb. Soline Nyirahabimana

The Minister added: ‘Although a lot has been done to build the family we want, there’s still need to boost efforts and everyone’s role because the family still faces various issues that impede its members’ welfare. These include domestic conflicts, GBV, stunting/malnutrition, poor hygiene etc’

In order to address these issues, Amb. Soline Nyirahabimana called upon family members to prevent domestic violence as the main root causes of all ills that affect the society. She reminded parents/guardians to have open discussions with their children so as to raise them adequately, adding that those who didn’t legalize their marriage should do so.

The Governor of the Eastern Province Fred Mufulukye also urged local leaders in the province to increase efforts in solving family issues; adding that they should focus on prevention rather than response.

The event was also marked by the launch of ‘NOZA IMIBANIRE MU MURYANGO WAWE’; a booklet that will help the family members, local leaders, partners to prevent and respond to family issues.

The International Day of Families is globally celebrated every year on May 15^th. In the line of IDF celebration, the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion and its partners have been raising awareness on preventing and responding to: domestic violence, GBV, conducting dialogues with single teen mothers and their parents through GBV clinics, sensitizing the public on integrated ECD services and on their role in fighting malnutrition/stunting.

The International Day of Families was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1993. The day was officially announced in 1993 by the UN General Assembly with resolution A/RES/47/237 and demonstrates the significance which the global community attaches to families. It offers an opportunity to spread awareness about the issues that relate to families and to enhance knowledge of the economic, demographic and social processes that affects the families.

Each year, there is a proposed international theme and each country can adapt it to its context; the 2019 observance focuses on “Families and Climate Action: focus on SDG13”; family policies and major SDG13 targets: SDG 13 target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning; SDG 13 target 13.2: integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.