Consolée Uwimana

Consolée Uwimana is a Rwandan politician and genocide survivor who has served as Minister of Gender and Family Promotion in the Cabinet of Rwanda since 12 June 2024, appointed by President Paul Kagame in a mini-cabinet reshuffle that saw her replace Valentine Uwamariya, who moved to the Ministry of Environment. She is also Vice-Chairperson of the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) and previously served as Secretary General of the Rwanda Women Parliamentary Forum (FFRP), following two terms in the Senate from 2012 to 2020. Uwimana was a secondary-school student at Lycée Notre-Dame de Cîteaux in Kigali when the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi began, and she has spoken at length about fleeing the country, concealing her identity to survive, and the disorienting experience of returning home once the fighting ended. That history has shaped how she talks about her current portfolio: as minister, she has framed her mandate around building families that are economically self-sufficient, healthy, and engaged with government programmes, while also pursuing more concrete initiatives on school hygiene, child protection, and support for rural and locally elected women. Quotes "I thank the Inkotanyi for giving me a lift." Describing her unexpected return to Rwanda after fleeing during the genocide. From the Forests of Tingitingi to Cabinet, The Survival and Healing of Rwanda Gender Minister Uwimana KT Press (May 25, 2026) "The law is not the Bible, which is written in stone." Defending the government's openness to amending family law, in her first interview as minister. "Building strong Rwandan families" – New Gender Minister Uwimana outlines priorities The New Times (June 18, 2024) "I speak as a Minister, but that doesn't stop me from being a wife." On balancing leadership responsibilities with family life. Balancing Leadership and Family Life: Insights from Minister Consolée Uwimana InyaRwanda (2025) "Local government institutions are the backbone of governance." On why women's under-representation in local leadership is a loss for Rwanda. Women's Low Representation in Local Leadership a Loss For Rwanda – Minister Uwimana Taarifa (March 6, 2026) <Some women fear leadership, thinking it’s not for them https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/20499/news/women/minister-uwimana-urges-women-to-overcome-fear-step-into-leadership-roles/amp (Saturday, September 28, 2024) > Minister Uwimana said that the establishment of the Mutobo ECD Centre marks an important milestone in restoring hope and giving children the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe environment https://www.mod.gov.rw/docs-media/news-detail/minister-consolee-uwimana-inaugurates-early-childhood-development-centre-at-mutobo-and-calls-for-child-protection (3 July 2026) <Some women fear leadership, thinking it’s not for them https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/20499/news/women/minister-uwimana-urges-women-to-overcome-fear-step-into-leadership-roles/amp (Saturday, September 28, 2024) <She discussed the job creation goals under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), saying, "NST2 requires us to create jobs, and we are confident that women will secure these opportunities https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/20499/news/women/minister-uwimana-urges-women-to-overcome-fear-step-into-leadership-roles/amp ( September 28, 2024) >She said that it is essential for restoring dignity to victims, preserving the truth, and strengthening Rwanda’s commitment to building a nation founded on unity, peace, and mutual respect.**https://www.migeprof.gov.rw/news-detail/minister-uwimana-calls-on-citizens-to-fight-genocide-ideology#:~:text=She%20said%20that%20it%20is,unity%2C%20peace%2C%20and%20mutual%20respect.(On 18 April 2026) >She said that it is essential for restoring dignity to victims, preserving the truth, and strengthening Rwanda’s commitment to building a nation founded on unity, peace, and mutual respect. https://www.migeprof.gov.rw/news-detail/minister-uwimana-calls-on-citizens-to-fight-genocide-ideology (On 18 April 2026) >She said that the NST2 target of reducing stunting and malnutrition and improving the quality of education presents an opportunity to prioritize early childhood development and nutrition interventions https://www.ncda.gov.rw/rw/ibigezweho/inkuru-irambuye?tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=82951&cHash=ab93fef8b538ffe794ba311c37db31bd#:~:text=Speaking%20at%20the%20opening%20of,the%20future%20of%20the%20country.(27 January 2025 ) >The true preparation for marriage is not a big ceremony but taking time to know each other and planning for the family you want to build **https://visionmedia.rw/Minister-Uwimana-Challenges-Cultural-Excuses-for-Avoiding-Legal-Marriage.html#:~:text=Speaking%20at%20the%20close%20of,reasons%20to%20delay%20official%20unions.( 03, Oct-2025) Some women fear leadership, thinking it’s not for them. Minister Uwimana urges women to overcome fear, step into leadership roles. newtimes.co.rw (September 21,2026). Women entered the scene later than men, but we have made great progress considering where we started. Minister Uwimana urges women to overcome fear, step into leadership roles. newtimes.co.rw (September 21, 2026). To bridge the gap, we do not only pledge, we act. Rwanda’s Next Gender Equality Frontier: Closing the Gap in Business Leadership. ketpress.rw (September 21, 2026). Care work is the invisible foundation upon which our families, communities and the economy stand, it remains unequally distributed, with women and girls carrying the heaviest burden, at the cost of their education, economic participation and wellbeing,” Uwimana said. What's being done to ease unpaid care burden on women. newtimes.co.rw (September 21,2026). We will work together to ensure that various programs that benefit the Rwandan society are implemented in the right way and in a timely manner. RPF to appoint Council of Elders in new reforms. newtimes.co.rw (September 21,2026). Let’s go beyond compliance, challenge bias, revisit policies, and promote shared responsibility. Rwanda Advocates for New Gender Standards in Organizations. ketpress.rw (September 21, 2026). Protecting children is a shared responsibility. Every child deserves to grow in a safe environment where their rights are respected and their potential is supported. MIGEPROF Calls on youth to take action in preventing and ending teenage pregnancy MOD (September 21, 2026) By creating a more inclusive, equitable, and effective law enforcement system, we are improving our approach and delivery of justice. Regional law enforcement agencies launch project to promote gender equality (September 21, 2026) Continue prioritizing the needs of families and remain at the forefront of community development. MIGEPROF (September 21, 2026). While Rwanda is globally recognized for having the highest number of women in political decision-making, we must do better in the private sector,” she said. Rwanda’s Next Gender Equality Frontier: Closing the Gap in Business Leadership. kt press (September 24, 2026). These are not just statistics, they are stories of transformation,” said Minister Uwimana. Rwanda renews its leadership in gender equality through technology and innovation at Generation Equality national stakeholders roundtable. Africa unwomen (September 24, 2026). We must dismantle barriers hindering women’s full participation in law enforcement and challenge unconscious biases in decision-making. Eastern Africa Region launches "Empowering Every Badge" to promote gender equality in law enforcement. Mod (September 24, 2026). We must shift the narrative from protecting women to unleashing women's leadership. The Future of Development Will Not Be Built by Any One Nation Alone: Inside Rwanda Cooperation’s Inaugural Convention on South-South and Triangular Cooperation. Cooperation (September 24, 2026). Some women fear leadership, thinking it’s not for them.” Minister Uwimana urges women to overcome fear, step into leadership roles newTimes (September 28, 2024) Some women fear leadership, thinking it’s not for them. But if those currently in leadership perform well, it will show other women that leadership is possible for them too, encouraging more women to step up. Minister Uwimana urges women to overcome fear, step into leadership roles. The New Time (October 7, 2026). Women entered the scene later than men, but we have made great progress considering where we started. It’s a big step forward. Minister Uwimana urges women to overcome fear, step into leadership roles. The New Time (October 7, 2026). Stronger families build a stronger society and stronger country. Minister Uwimana urges women to overcome fear, step into leadership roles. The New Time (October 7, 2026). To bridge the gap, we do not only pledge, we act. Rwanda’s Next Gender Equality Frontier: Closing the Gap in Business Leadership. Ktpress (October 7, 2026) While Rwanda is globally recognized for having the highest number of women in political decision-making, we must do better in the private sector Rwanda’s Next Gender Equality Frontier: Closing the Gap in Business Leadership. Ktpress (October 7, 2026) Stronger collaboration between government and the private sector would be essential to achieving Rwanda’s long-term development ambitions under Vision 2050 Rwanda’s Next Gender Equality Frontier: Closing the Gap in Business Leadership. Ktpress (October 7, 2026) We sincerely thank the survivors for the resilience and courage you demonstrated, not allowing yourselves to be consumed by grief, but choosing to rebuild your lives and our country Mwulire remembers those who resisted killers during Genocide. The New Time (October 7, 2026). Such debates show us that Rwandans have understood their full rights and they can freely give their opinion on the formulation of laws and policies governing them. Minister Uwimana urges women to overcome fear, step into leadership roles. The New Time (October 7, 2026). What’s most important is that we have educated women who know they need to compete. Minister Uwimana urges women to overcome fear, step into leadership roles. The New Time (October 7, 2026). “Women entered the scene later than men, but we have made great progress considering where we started.” Minister Uwimana urges women to overcome fear, step into leadership roles newTimes (September 28, 2024) “We recognize your kindness, your courage, your parental love.” NCDA recognises selflessness of Malayika Murinzi ncda.gov.rw (2 June 2025) “We recognize your kindness, your courage, your parental love, receiving abandoned children and raising them without any expectations in return.” NCDA recognises selflessness of Malayika Murinzi ncda.gov.rw (2 June 2025) “Traditional parenting approaches rooted in authority and fear must give way to methods based on trust, empathy, and support.” Rwanda Hosts National Dialogue on Positive Parenting to Strengthen Child Protection ncda.gov.rw (5 September 2025) “This is how we empower children to reach their full potential.” Rwanda Hosts National Dialogue on Positive Parenting to Strengthen Child Protection ncda.gov.rw (5 September 2025) “This application will offer accessible and accurate information to help parents raise their children with care and dignity.” Rwanda Hosts National Dialogue on Positive Parenting to Strengthen Child Protection ncda.gov.rw (5 September 2025) “But for it to be effective, we must work together.” Rwanda Hosts National Dialogue on Positive Parenting to Strengthen Child Protection ncda.gov.rw (5 September 2025) “We must first examine how we behave in our own families.” Safe Homes, Brighter Futures: How Rwanda Is Fighting for Children’s Rights thecomments.rw (September 20, 2025) “It is difficult to go and advise someone else about family conflicts while we also have them.” Safe Homes, Brighter Futures: How Rwanda Is Fighting for Children’s Rights thecomments.rw (September 20, 2025) “Rural women are the heart of the country’s development.” Rural Women Told Their Development Boosts the Nation visionmedia.rw ( 16, Oct-2025) “When a woman improves her life, her family prospers, and the nation advances.” Rural Women Told Their Development Boosts the Nation visionmedia.rw ( 16, Oct-2025) “We need men and women to work together.” Rural Women Told Their Development Boosts the Nation visionmedia.rw ( 16, Oct-2025) “Living in rural areas is not a limitation.” Rural Women Told Their Development Boosts the Nation visionmedia.rw ( 16, Oct-2025) “Marriage before the law is not about wealth or luxury.” Minister Uwimana Challenges Cultural Excuses for Avoiding Legal Marriage visionmedia.rw (03, Oct-2025 ) “It is about love, responsibility, and protecting your children.” Minister Uwimana Challenges Cultural Excuses for Avoiding Legal Marriage visionmedia.rw (03, Oct-2025 ) “The true preparation for marriage is not a big ceremony but taking time to know each other.” Minister Uwimana Challenges Cultural Excuses for Avoiding Legal Marriage visionmedia.rw (03, Oct-2025 ) “We’re positioning RS 560:2023 as a global benchmark for gender-responsive standards.” Rwanda Launches Gender Equality Certification Scheme to Advance Inclusive Workplaces .mod.gov.rw (10 October 2025) “Let’s strengthen collaboration and accountability to make gender equality a lived reality.” Rwanda Launches Gender Equality Certification Scheme to Advance Inclusive Workplaces .mod.gov.rw (10 October 2025) “Protecting children is a shared responsibility.” MIGEPROF Calls on youth to take action in preventing and ending eeenage pregnancy mod.gov.rw (26 June 2026) “Every child deserves to grow in a safe environment where their rights are respected and their potential is supported.” MIGEPROF Calls on youth to take action in preventing and ending eeenage pregnancy mod.gov.rw (26 June 2026) “Among the achievements are the expansion of ECD centers closer to communities.” Rwanda Steps Up Efforts to fix learning quality, infrastructure gaps in ECD centres ncda.gov.rw (20 January 2026) “Capacity building for parents and caregivers.” Rwanda Steps Up Efforts to fix learning quality, infrastructure gaps in ECD centres ncda.gov.rw (20 January 2026) Improved teaching and learning materials.” Rwanda Steps Up Efforts to fix learning quality, infrastructure gaps in ECD centres ncda.gov.rw (20 January 2026) “We must shift the narrative from protecting women to unleashing women's leadership.” The Future of Development Will Not Be Built by Any One Nation Alone: Inside Rwanda Cooperation’s Inaugural Convention on South-South and Triangular Cooperation cooperation.rw (2 July 2026) “Women are not only beneficiaries of development; they are drivers of innovation, resilience, and transformation.” The Future of Development Will Not Be Built by Any One Nation Alone: Inside Rwanda Cooperation’s Inaugural Convention on South-South and Triangular Cooperation cooperation.rw (2 July 2026) “Nothing can be achieved when everyone is doing their own thing.” Minister urges youth to reject substance abuse and build stronger families visionmedia.rw (26, Sep-2026) “The establishment of the Mutobo ECD Centre marks an important milestone in restoring hope.” Minister Consolée Uwimana inaugurates Early Childhood Development Centre at Mutobo and calls for child protection mod.gov.rw (3 July 2026) “Every child is given the opportunity to grow up in safety, dignity, and hope.” Minister Consolée Uwimana inaugurates Early Childhood Development Centre at Mutobo and calls for child protection mod.gov.rw (3 July 2026) “We will work together to ensure that various programs that benefit the Rwandan society are implemented in the right way and in a timely manner.” https://www.migeprof.gov.rw/news? External links Category:Women from Rwanda Category:Government ministers of Rwanda Category:Rwandan genocide survivors Category:Living people