First Lady Jeannette Kagame urges women to prioritise self-love and mental well-being

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda’s First Lady, Jeannette Kagame, has called on women and girls to value and care for themselves as much as they care for others, stressing the importance of self-awareness, mental health, and personal growth.

She delivered the message on March 8, 2026, as Rwanda joined the world in marking International Women’s Day, a global occasion that celebrates women’s achievements, recognises their contributions to society, and calls for continued action to promote gender equality and women’s rights.

In her statement, the First Lady extended her greetings to women and girls, saying, “Happy Women’s Day!” She encouraged them to reflect on their emotions, values, and behaviour while taking proactive steps to protect and strengthen themselves.

“On this day when we celebrate women, I encourage you to renew your commitment to self-awareness—your emotions, values, and behaviour—and to take care of yourselves as part of building your future,” she said.

Jeannette Kagame further emphasised the importance of self-love, noting that the care women extend to others should equally be directed toward their own well-being.

“Let this day remind you that the same love, attention, and understanding you give to others is also what you deserve. As you take care of others’ well-being, make sure you also prioritise your own health, especially mental health,” she added.

In Rwanda, International Women’s Day is celebrated with activities that recognise women’s pivotal role in family and national development, while promoting empowerment initiatives and the principle of gender equality. This year, the national theme is “Umugore ni uw’Agaciro” (A Woman is Valuable).

The origins of International Women’s Day date back to the early 20th century, when women in Europe and the United States organised demonstrations demanding voting rights, equal pay, fair working hours, and broader social rights.

In 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the establishment of an international day dedicated to women during the International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Later, in 1975, the United Nations officially began commemorating the day globally.