Speaking about the challenges of balancing leadership responsibilities with family life, Minister Consolée Uwimana highlighted that while leadership roles are demanding, they can be effectively managed with a supportive family environment. She emphasized that Rwandan women are equipped to excel in multitasking, being leaders, wives, and mothers all at once.
She shared, "Today I speak as a Minister, but that doesn’t stop me from being a wife. I don't enter my home as a Minister; I enter as a wife, as a mother of children."
Minister Consolée elaborated on this balance: "At home, I am a wife; at home, I am a mother. To maintain this balance, you must perform your duties diligently – assume the role of a Minister professionally while being a wife and mother at home."
Discussing her current situation, Minister Uwimana mentioned that it has become easier to manage her responsibilities because her youngest child is now 25 years old. She noted, "We don’t even live together anymore; at home, I am now alongside my husband. This is less challenging compared to women in leadership roles who must simultaneously raise young children and oversee their growth."
Reflecting on her experiences as a mother who held leadership positions while raising young children, she emphasized time management as a fundamental skill. "I remember having many children — both my own and others under my care. It required close attention to oversee what they were doing, how they were studying, and more," she recalled.
Minister Uwimana shared how she personally tutored her children instead of relying on external help. She explained, "That approach helped me a great deal, but it also required careful mindfulness. I was managing substantial leadership responsibilities—leaving home early and only returning by 7 p.m. Despite the challenges, I succeeded, and that’s why I’m sharing this journey with you."
Urging women to prioritize family, she questioned the tendency of some women to argue with household staff over poorly prepared meals while avoiding direct involvement themselves.
She remarked, "I’m often surprised by women who come home and complain about food running out, acting as though it’s unbelievable. Why criticize food on the table when you haven’t even stepped into the kitchen to find out? If you’re fortunate to have someone cooking for you, at least stay informed about what is being prepared."
The Minister underscored her message during an interview with RBA on the occasion of #Kwibohora31, encouraging women to embrace self-confidence and seize opportunities to contribute to national development.
Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana, affirmed that women can successfully balance leadership responsibilities alongside family duties, championing active participation and planning in both areas.