Jeanne d’Arc Nyiramahirwe, a nursing mother with a 3-month-old daughter, has entered the parliamentary race in Rwanda with a mission to demonstrate that politics is inclusive for all.
Nyiramahirwe is one of 199 women campaigning for seats in parliament, where 24 out of 80 seats in the lower house are reserved for female candidates.
Rwanda is gearing up for legislative and presidential elections next week, with President Paul Kagame widely expected to continue his long-standing leadership of the nation.
Despite concerns raised by rights groups about political restrictions leading up to the elections, Nyiramahirwe, a first-time candidate competing among 33 women for four seats in northern Burera District, remains confident in making her mark.
“Politics is not exclusive to the wealthy. In Rwanda, it belongs to everyone,” she told AFP in Kigali, having travelled two hours from her hometown to register her candidacy.
During a small gathering, the 38-year-old, who has been a math teacher for 15 years and is also a farmer, expressed her commitment to “upholding President Kagame’s achievements,” aligning with other candidates who avoid criticism of government policies.
While the main elections are scheduled for Monday, the vote for reserved women’s seats will occur on Tuesday, with candidates elected by regional and municipal councillors.
Nyiramahirwe emphasised her strong advocacy for women’s rights, a cause championed by the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), which tightly controls the political agenda. She has been actively promoting her campaign agenda, focusing on promoting good agricultural practices, enhancing female education, and raising awareness about significant laws.
As a mother of four — two sons and two daughters — Nyiramahirwe holds a degree in science and technology and emphasizes the importance of educating girls as a cornerstone of her campaign.
“Educating girls isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and become community leaders,” she affirmed.
Despite her political commitments, Nyiramahirwe remains dedicated to her maternal responsibilities. With her youngest child at just three months old, she is determined to continue breastfeeding even after potentially winning a parliamentary seat.
While navigating the political landscape of Kigali, she remains deeply connected to her community in Burera, promising to maintain accessibility and responsiveness to their concerns.
“I won’t forget you once I’m in parliament in Kigali. I’ll always be available,” she assured her constituents. “I’ll hop on a bike and come listen to your problems whenever necessary.”
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