Nursing Mother Joins Parliamentary Race in Rwanda

Jeanne d’Arc Nyiramahirwe has shown keen determination in her campaign for a parliamentary seat in Rwanda’s upcoming elections.

She is one of 199 women vying for a position in the parliament, where 24 out of 80 seats in the lower house are reserved for female candidates.

Next week, Rwanda will hold both legislative and presidential elections, with long-time leader Paul Kagame widely expected to extend his control over the nation.

Despite concerns from rights groups about political repression, first-time candidate Nyiramahirwe, with her three-month-old daughter swaddled on her back, Nyiramahirwe remains confident in her bid.

“Politics is not a speciality for the wealthy. In Rwanda, it is for everyone,” she told AFP in the capital Kigali, after travelling two hours from her hometown to register her candidacy.

The 38-year-old, addressing a small gathering, promised to “preserve President Kagame’s achievements,” a sentiment echoed by other candidates who avoid criticizing government policies.

Campaigning has been colourful yet tightly controlled, with large crowds supporting Kagame’s Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party, while independent candidates like Nyiramahirwe struggle to gain traction.

A math teacher for 15 years and a farmer, Nyiramahirwe is an RPF member running as an independent, a requirement for candidates under the women’s quota.

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While the main polls are on Monday, the vote for the reserved women’s seats will occur on Tuesday, with candidates elected by regional and municipal councillors.

Nyiramahirwe, an advocate for women’s rights, aligns her campaign with the RPF’s support for this cause and maintains a vigorous campaign schedule.

“I will advocate for good agricultural practices, female education, and educate residents about important laws,” she stated.

A mother of four, Nyiramahirwe holds a degree in science and technology, emphasizing girls’ education as a campaign cornerstone.

“Educating girls is not just about giving them knowledge, it’s about empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and become leaders in their communities,” she said.

Despite her political aspirations, Nyiramahirwe remains committed to her family. “Going to parliament does not take away my responsibilities as a mother,” she insisted. “The youngest is three months old, so I have to continue breastfeeding her even when I win a seat.”

Balancing her duties as a mother and a politician, Nyiramahirwe promises to stay connected with her community in Burera.

“I will not forget you once I go to parliament in Kigali. I will always be available,” she assured a gathering in her home area. “I’ll jump on a bike and come listen to your problems whenever I must.”

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Stephen Jesuwale

Jesuwale Stephen is a journalist who finished from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. He is a distinctive writer, media strategist and also a Digital Marketer