Kigali, Rwanda – With her three-month-old daughter swaddled on her back, Jeanne d’Arc Nyiramahirwe is determined to make her voice heard as she campaigns for a parliamentary seat in Rwanda’s upcoming elections.
Nyiramahirwe is among 199 women vying for a place in the lower house of parliament, which reserves 24 out of 80 seats for female candidates. Rwanda will hold legislative and presidential elections next week, with long-time leader Paul Kagame expected to maintain his stronghold on the nation.
Despite concerns from rights groups about political repression, first-time candidate Nyiramahirwe remains confident in her campaign. Competing for one of four seats in the northern Burera District, she is ready to make her presence felt.
“Politics is not a specialty for the wealthy. In Rwanda, it is for everyone,” Nyiramahirwe told AFP in the capital Kigali in May, after traveling two hours from her hometown to register her candidacy.
Campaigning with Determination
At 38, Nyiramahirwe is a math teacher with 15 years of experience and a farmer. She is a member of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) but is running as an independent under the women’s quota. This quota requires candidates to run independently to vie for the reserved seats.
During a small gathering in Kigali, she expressed her intent to “preserve President Kagame’s achievements,” echoing the careful rhetoric of other candidates who avoid criticizing government policies. The campaign period has seen large crowds supporting Kagame’s RPF, while independent candidates like Nyiramahirwe have had to campaign with limited resources.
The main polls will be held on Monday, while the vote for the women’s reserved seats will take place on Tuesday, with candidates elected by regional and municipal councillors.
Advocating for Women’s Rights
Nyiramahirwe is an advocate for women’s rights, an objective aligned with the RPF’s political agenda. Her campaign focuses on good agricultural practices, female education, and raising awareness about important laws.
“I will advocate for good agricultural practices, female education, and to educate residents about important laws,” she said. Holding a degree in science and technology, she emphasizes the importance of education for girls, seeing it as a key to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering them to become community leaders.
“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 added.
Balancing Motherhood and Politics
As a mother of four, Nyiramahirwe is committed to her family responsibilities even while campaigning. “Going to parliament does not take away my responsibilities as a mother,” she stated. “The youngest is three months old, so I have to continue breastfeeding her even when I win a seat.”
Nyiramahirwe promises to stay connected to her community in Burera, assuring them that she will remain accessible and attentive to their needs. “I will not forget you once I go to parliament in Kigali. I will always be available,” she told a gathering in her hometown. “I’ll jump on a bike and come listen to your problems whenever I must.”
As Rwanda heads to the polls, Nyiramahirwe’s campaign symbolizes the determination and resilience of women seeking to make a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
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