September 4, 2025 – The National Child Development Agency (NCDA), in partnership with UNICEF and Save the Children Rwanda, convened a National Dialogue on Positive Parenting aimed at fostering a shared understanding and renewed commitment to child well-being and protection across Rwanda.

The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, child protection experts, development partners, parents, religious leaders, and children, to reflect on current parenting practices and explore sustainable solutions that support children’s holistic development.

In her opening remarks, NCDA Director General Assumpta Ingabire highlighted the urgency of addressing harmful disciplinary practices. Citing the 2024 Rwanda Governance Board report, she noted that only 38% of parents use non-violent forms of discipline, while 62% still resort to physical and psychological punishment, including beatings, verbal abuse, and, in extreme cases, burning.

“We have fallen short, which is why we convened this dialogue to speak openly and find effective solutions to protect our children from harsh discipline,” Ingabire said. “Embracing positive parenting is essential to safeguarding their mental and emotional well-being.”

Experts called for stronger legal frameworks that explicitly prohibit corporal punishment in all settings, including homes, schools, and churches.

“Corporal punishment undermines trust, damages family bonds, and teaches children that violence is a legitimate solution,” said James Nduwayo, Child Rights Governance Specialist at Save the Children Rwanda. “We must advance legislation, develop clear guidelines, and increase public awareness to shift attitudes toward non-violent discipline.”

UNICEF Rwanda Representative Lieke van de Wiel acknowledged Rwanda’s progress in early childhood development, particularly through the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). She stressed, however, that meaningful and lasting change requires more than policies it requires a cultural shift.

“Traditional parenting approaches rooted in authority and fear must give way to methods based on trust, empathy, and support,” she said. “This is how we empower children to reach their full potential.”

Children participating in the dialogue also shared their perspectives, calling for increased emotional support from parents and greater inclusion of children with disabilities in parenting and caregiving programs.

During this dialogue, there was the official launch of the Itetero App, a digital tool developed to guide parents and caregivers in adopting nurturing, non-violent parenting practices. The app offers evidence-based information and practical tips to promote healthy parent-child relationships.

Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Hon. Consolée Uwimana, emphasized the app’s role in supporting families:

“This application will offer accessible and accurate information to help parents raise their children with care and dignity,” she said. “But for it to be effective, we must work together, and families must take ownership of their vital role.”

The dialogue concluded with a set of national commitments aimed at promoting positive parenting across the country. These include:

• Training parents and domestic workers in positive parenting techniques

• Expanding mental health services, particularly for young and single parents

• Raising public awareness about the harms of corporal punishment and the benefits of nurturing care

Through this dialogue, Rwanda reaffirms its commitment to building a society where every child is raised in a safe, supportive, and loving environment.