The leadership of Gatsibo District called on newlyweds to be role models in their communities, avoiding family conflicts and setting an example for others who have not yet made the same decision.
This was emphasized on September 19, 2025, during the closing of the Gender Equality Week in the district, which was concluded in Kabarore Sector under the theme: “Gender equality, a pillar of good governance and inclusive, sustainable development.”
At the closing event, 93 couples were legally married in a public ceremony, with participants coming from different sectors of the district.
Before the marriages, the couples were educated about what the law says on marriage, the responsibilities of each partner, and the principle that no one is above the other, but that both have the duty to build their family and contribute to national development.
Nyiranshuti Xaverine, the representative of the National Women’s Council in Kabarore Sector, reminded them: “You must remember that the family is the natural foundation of the Rwandan community and is protected by the State. The family is the cornerstone of the nation. When the family is broken, the country is also weakened, as you can understand.”
One of the couples that got married legally told MUHAZIYACU that they were happy about the event and believed it would bring positive changes to their families and development.
Jean Baptiste Nzaribwirande from Kabarore said: “I lived with my wife for 8 years without being legally married. For six of those years, we were always in conflict. I mistreated my wife, thinking I was superior because I was a man. But after receiving counseling and advice, I decided to change and build a happy family with her.”
Dativa Ndayizeye, also from Kabarore, said: “My husband used to belittle me in many ways, but after counseling, he changed. Now we are united, and that’s why we decided to get married.”
The Mayor of Gatsibo District, Richard Gasana, thanked the couples for taking the step to formalize their marriages and urged them not to backslide but to be a light to others.
He said: “Although Gender Equality Week at the district level has ended, our work continues. We will keep supporting others who wish to marry legally across different sectors. As for you who got married today, go and be examples for others—not negative examples, but good role models that others can learn from.”
All the 93 couples who married were given household items including mattresses and blankets.
