IGIHE

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  • Men key in fight against gender-based violence

    By: Supreetha Gubbala

    {{Rwanda Men’s Resource Center (RWAMREC) has urged Rwanda males to play role in eradicating any gender-related violence to women in the country.}}

    The call was made Thursday at a workshop organized by RWAMREC at Hotel Milles Collines to disseminate and discuss the findings of September 2010 study conducted by the organization.

    The study based on perception and experience men and women involved 1311 women and 2301 men.

    Eduoard Munyamaliza, the Executive Secretary told Igihe.com that most significant results on perceptions are culturally-based and are impediments to gender promotion as well as prevention GBV in Rwanda.

    He said the findings of the survey revealed that some negative attitudes are still existent on the grassroots level among couples.

    Over all, the study revealed that more than half (57.2%) of the women in the study have experienced GBV by their partner, with 39% of men admitting to be the aggressors.

    The highest type of violence reported by women was forced sex, topping the charts at 32.4%, while only 4% of men ever admitted to committing this type of violence.

    Munyamaliza noted that the reported numbers may even be lower than they should be because men are uncomfortable with admitting their specific acts.

    Despite initial fears of admittances, he noted: “We have discussed the results with men in all the districts, and most agreed this is the situation that prevails.

    “Fortunately, most of them were committed to do something to change this understanding.” He said adding that the overall gender attitudes of men also proved to be particularly discouraging with 57.4% of men believing that men have to dominate women while 62% agreed that women have to be submissive.

    The study attributed the prevalence of GBV to a various exposures to violence in peoples environments, but the greatest common experience of violence amongst men and women was the genocide.

    “80.4% of males and 79.1% of female respondents have witnessed genocide horrors and this may have caused trauma that could affect their control over emotions,” states in part.

    UNDP representative Marie Francoise said that the findings of the research will be the backbone for implementation of future policy preventing GBV and that the results will not only help RWAMREC, but all actors in preventing gender-based violence.

    After the launching of the findings, Munyamaliza urged young men and women to uphold cultural values that are positive and discard those that are negative because the negative ones are the basis of gender based violence.

    “It does not matter whether you are rich or poor because when you adhere to gender quality values you promote a healthy family and ultimately contribute effectively to the development of the entire nation.” He stressed.

  • Chello foundation awards President Kagame

    {{On Friday July 1, President Paul Kagame was awarded the Chello Foundation Humanitarian Award 2011 for his outstanding leadership of the Republic of Rwanda since 1994.}}

    The Chairman of the Chello Foundation, Shane O’Neill, in his remarks during the event that attracted over a hundred people, said that under Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has become a nation globally recognized for its rapid socio-economic development as exemplified by its remarkable strides in providing equal access to quality education and health coverage to all Rwandans.

    “The African continent occupies a deep passionate place in my heart. When I see the development, huge energy, and vitality that have come into Rwanda, I realize that Kagame’s leadership has made that difference. He is an inspirational leader and it is my pleasure and privilege to have worked with him. I cannot think of anyone better for The Chello Foundation to give this Award to,” he said.

    While introducing President Kagame, Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair described Kagame as an inspirational leader in Africa and for people around the world.

    “I know in terms of what he’s done for his country’s economic development, but also what he’s done to try to bring the country together after the extraordinary, divisive and terrible time Rwanda went through in the 1994 Tutsi Genocide, it’s been a remarkable achievement,” Blair said.

    Accepting the award, President Kagame expressed what continues to drive Rwanda’s success, the belief in the kind of support that goes beyond sympathy and compassion and leads to self reliance.

    “Every child – regardless of geography, history or nationality – should receive the best support they need to help shape their country’s development and take control of their destiny. Let me say, however, that Africa cannot rely on goodwill from elsewhere forever. Nor should it want to,” Kagame said.

    “We must work together to ensure that the support we provide now is well utilized and sustainable. That way the people of Africa will be fully empowered to continue making choices that spur prosperity and contribute fully to their collective well being”.

    The Chello Foundation Humanitarian Award was established by the Trustees of the Chello Foundation in 2007. The award is given to an individual who has made a significant impact in improving the lives and outcomes of those most in need.

    It focuses on the education of orphans and vulnerable children impacted by the HIV epidemic in sub Saharan Africa; it is currently paying for 3500 Primary and Secondary children to go to school; the Chello Foundation is also established in Ireland and the US. It aims to have 5,000 orphans and vulnerable children in school by 2012.

    Today in Rwanda, 96% of girls and boys are enrolled under the universal primary education program, health coverage is at 91%, and intensified prevention and treatment programs for HIV/AIDS has led to a drop in prevalence from 11.2% to 3%.

  • My life as a liberator

    By: Dianah Mutimura

    {{Motivation, courage and above all the spirit of nationalism inspired Rwandan refugee females to contribute to the five year armed struggle that brought back hundreds of thousands of stateless Rwandans to their home country-Rwanda.}}

    Igihe.com had the opportunity to interview Capt. Jane Murebwayire and what encouraged her to join the army.

    {{Igihe.com}}:Tell us your names and background?

    {{Murebwayire}}:I am captain Jane Murebwayire, I was born in Uganda and I am fourth born child in the family of Eight. I won’t speak much about my family and I’m happily married with three children.

    I went to Juru primary school at Nyakivara(nakivale), in Uganda and Kololo Secondary School and thereafter joined the army when I was in senior five.

    {{Igihe.com: What motivated you to join the Army and how did your parents react to your decision? }}

    {{Murebwayire:}} My motivation came from, when Ugandans used to call us different names.We always had to hide our nationality in order to fit in society and obtaining education without discrimination. All this was in my mind and I wished to see my home country.

    It was not until I got contact with the then RPF/A cadres then secretly mobilizing people to take active part in the liberation struggle. We sometimes formed dancing groups and performed our cultural dance and folk songs. Thereafter, the cadres would sensitize us on the FPR liberation struggle and strategies.

    That’s how I became a member of RPF/A too.Precisely, that’s how I joined the army but remember, I never joined army because I liked the army but I wanted to liberate my country.

    My parents had no idea that i had joined the army. They only learnt of it later after i had already been conscripted. By that time, I was living with my uncle in Kampala, Uganda and left without informing him. I joined RPA after learning that my young brother had joined the military struggle.

    {{ Igihe.com: What does it mean to be liberated?}}

    {{Murebwayire:}} To me, being liberated opens my mind everyday and makes me continue contributing to nation building with my heart, because Rwanda has really progressed since the war ended. Our government has initiated and implemented useful policies that reconstructed five year war damages and reconciliated all Rwandans .

    {{Igihe.com: What’s your experience as a liberator?}}

    {{Murebwayire: }} As a liberator, it gives me flashbacks of the past when I was in the bush; when other people are happy, me I am unhappy; not because I did not reach on my success but because I always remember all my fellow combatants who died before stepping in their mother country, yet that was their common dream.

    I cannot forget people that lost their lives for the sake of liberating Rwanda, like Shyaka who died on October 1st in 1990.

    {{Igihe.com :Why do we still have reluctance of women getting involved or joining the army?}}

    {{Murebwayire:}} Having strong self –confidence is a very big element of growing up and making hard decisions, like deciding to join the army that young ladies today fear because they think the army is a career for men only. Due to peer pressure, ladies need to exhibit self-esteem enabling them in making bold decisions; it’s important to know that you are a worthy human being.

    {{Igihe.com: What’s your opinion on cultural and religious impediments to gender equality benefits to the rural woman?}}

    In most African countries generally although Rwanda is better off, there are some cultural setbacks especially illiterate women that do not know their rights and are still living in the dark.

    {{Igihe.com:}} {{Rwanda has a respectable global position on women involvement in the management of affairs of the state. What message do you send to women in other countries that are negatively affected by gender-based policies due to culture and governance?}}

    {{Murebwayire:}} I advise women that are still suffering from anyform of gender discrimination to stand up for their constitutional rights. For example in my senior 4, our head prefect saw a lorry(truck) passing by and told me to summon all fellow Rwandans, insinuating that we shouldnt miss free transport to Rwanda.I got so annoyed me and from then I vowed to fight for my rights.

    {{ Igihe.com: Do you think Rwanda is ready for a woman president?}}

    {{Murebwayire:}} I am confident that in the near future, if women continue to struggle for their rights with government support- why not? Who thought that U.S.A would have a black president? Positive minds are always important in society.

    {{Igihe.com: Isn’t it a challenge for a woman in combat and juggling military and family duties?}}

    {{ Murebwayire:}} Well, I joined the army as early as 1989 while a student. At first my role as a cadre was to secretly mobilize Rwandans, teaching them about the beauty of RPF and the aim of repatriating Rwandan refugees to their rightful homeland.

    However, when I joined the bush in 1990 I thought the war would last like three days but unfortunately it didn’t turn out as i thought. My experience was never bad because my dream was to see my country and putting an end to manipulation and being called different names in exile.

    Regarding mixing work and family, I got married after the war in 1999 when there was no more fighting ; my work is normal like for others who work in different fields.

    {{Igihe.com: What’s your position on reducing the marriage age of a Rwandan girl from 21 to 18 years?
    }}
    As mother of two girls, I cannot wish my daughter to get married at 18 because she would young. I know you can say I joined army when I was young but that is a different case because marriage and army are two different things. In the army you are taught discipline but at 18 who will find you in your marriage and teach you how to take care of your husband?

    {{Igihe.com :What advice would you give to the young ladies who want to join the army but fear to risk?}}

    They should not fear to risk . As for me I joined the army knowing that we would fight for a shorter time but it took longer and I did not back off, I continued because I knew what I wanted. So young girls who want to be strong solders of tomorrow should follow what their conscience tells them.

  • JADF staff pay homage to genocide site

    By: MUTASA Stephen

    The Joint Action Development Forum (JADF), a local NGO that inspires people for accountability and development yesterday visited the genocide memorial center at Murambi, gikongoro nyamagabe.

    The JADF president Mutwarasibo Cyprien,also the vice mayor of Huye district told {Igihe.com} that the initiative was to visit the memorial site and donating to Orphans of genocide as the best way to commemorate the 17th anniversary.

    “We chose to visit the site as a way to have a different outlook for all the members and continue being change agents in the country,” He stressed. He led a delegation of the NGO’s employees from their head office at Butare town, Huye District.

    He pointed out that Murambi depicted an ideology that ought to be done away with in our society. All the members laid a wreath on the graves of the victims.

    They also took group prayers in honour of the 848 bodies still preserved at the site and donated 100,000 Frw to the genocide site.

    After the Murambi trip, the group proceeded to Tumba to visit the children orphaned by 1994 genocide atrocities.

    They donated frw555,000 to help the orphans as well as 300kg of beans and 90liters of cooking oil.

    Mr. Mutwarasibo advised the children not to lose hope and stand firm by having big dreams for they stand together with the organization and the community at large.

    According to Mutwarasibo, the organization started in 2010 under the National Decentralization Secretariat in conjunction with Holland, though the Huye district chapter had been in place.

    Mutwarangabo explained that JADF seeks to promote government programs through mobilization of its partners including Churches, the District and both local and foreign NGOs.

    Mr. Kayitare Leon Pierrepermanent secretary JADF added that on top of being change agents, they hoped to cultivate a culture of learning by practice to improve provision of services around the country through exhibitions and other activities.

    “we should remember the bad times as we struggle to build a better world” Kayitare stressed..

    The Sponsorship Facilitator at World Vision only identified as Olive, noted that this is a good initiative that helps people get to places they never would have on their own.

    She suggested that It is only through meeting with people that reconciliation can be achieved. “Let us all stand together and say NEVER AGAIN TO GENOCIDE” She emphasized.

  • BK-bank shares up for grabs

    By: Randa Rugangazi

    {{Yesterday, Bank of Kigali officially launched its initial public offering (IPO) of 300,304,000 shares at the price of RWF 125 per share. The bank is looking to raise RWF 37.5 billion from the IPO.}}

    Bank of Kigali (BK) first declared its intentions for an initial public offering (IPO) December of last year. The government and the bank were going to publicly offer a total of 45 percent of the bank’s shares.

    It was announced on 27 June that 300,304,000 shares would be up for grabs to the Rwandan public starting Thursday, 30 June.

    The IPO will then close on 29 July and BK bank will be listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange on 29 August.

    During the IPO period, brokers will be taking orders from interested invested for shares.

    The shares will then be distributed out to all investors. Different types of investors have a quota of reserved shares.

    East African investors have access to 82,591,440 shares. Rwandan incorporated businesses have access to 45,045,600.

    The bank’s chief operating office, Lawson Naibo told Igihe.com, “The funds raised will grow the bank’s lending portfolio and expand projects around the country.”

    There is optimism for the bank’s shares to be oversubscribed by investors. This follows the successful Bralirwa IPO issued end of last year. Bralirwa’s stock price shot up by more than 50 percent.

    The stock’s strong performance was later supported by Bralirwa’s net income growing by 62.8 percent. Net income is the balance of business after the reduction of expense costs.

    A company listed on the stock exchange has to regularly release its annual earnings to the public.

    Another contributing factor to the high optimism is BK’s strong asset base forecast to grow at 35 percent within the next five years.

    This growth forecast is based on a solid business plan in which the bank plans to focus on loans to small and medium sized enterprises.

    According to the Ministry of Finance, privatization efforts will boost stock market activity with increased options for investors.

    The efforts will also support the country’s economic growth, attract investors, and increase national savings.

    “Instead of depending on the government, as a shareholder, for capital to finance upcoming projects”, explained Mr. Naibo.

    The Rwanda Stock Exchange provides the bank with access to a new financing platform.

  • Small size Turbo king beer unveiled

    Kigali; Rwanda’s renown brewery company; Bralirwa, yesterday June 30, launched its brand, Turbo King’s small bottle in the event held at Cadillac gardens.

    Turbo products have alcoholic content 6.5% per volume

    Commonly known as men’s beer (inzoga y’abagabo); its petit bottle will be sold at Rwf400 and it’s already on market.

  • US embassy celebrates Independence Day

    {{The United States of America yesterday held a colourful event to commemorate the 235th Independence Day, when the world super power broke away from the British colonialism.}}

    The event held at the embassy’s compound, also marked the 50th anniversary of Peace Corps, a program that involves volunteers from the US who assist African countries in development of various sectors meant to improve the welfare of its people.

    The ceremony was presided over by Rwanda’s health Minister Dr. Agnes Binagwaho who hailed the country’s relationship with the U.S government adding that they have achieved a lot particularly in trade.

    “At this auspicious, I take this opportunity on behalf Rwanda government to thank the US government’s assistance in enabling African countries to achieve Millennium Development Goals and Rwanda’s inclusion in the African Growth and Opportunity Act” the minister stressed.

    She also hailed USA’s assistance towards peace resolution in the Great Lakes region as well as peace keeping in war zones such as Sudan’s Darfur region.

    The minister further pointed out that the coincidence of both countries sharing independence dates should be a reminder that the efforts and sacrifices used to save humanity should be cherished.

    “Our objective was similar with that of the US since we all fought to gain freedom and save mankind from oppression,” she said amidst thundering cheers from the audience.

    Binagwaho concluded her remarks a farewell to the outgoing Ambassador Symington adding, “You have been skillful and showed extreme kindness and frankness in your endeavors,“ said the minister urging him to spread the country’s good name.

    On his part, Ambassador Stuart Symington echoed her remarks adding that the liberation wars that highly involved the youth, should encourage youngsters to play a big role in bringing change to their societies.

    He noted that he enjoyed his three year stay in Rwanda and that he was proud to see a good number of economic progress during his term.

    “I’m so proud to see Rwanda’s contribution towards peace keeping in Darfur, access to health has been expanded to rural, agricultural too has also made tremendous progress.

    “Education on the other hand has been beneficial to even the vulnerable, specifically due to the introduction of the 9 year basic education,” He observed.

    The Ambassador further pointed out that in future the US Government in partnership with other states build secure and peaceful world founded on four fundamental freedoms.

    “There must be freedom of speech and expression everywhere in the world, freedom of every person to worship God in people’s own way everywhere in the world” he stressed adding that there should be freedom from want — which translated broader terms, means basic economic freedoms.

    The US independence anniversary is held on 4 July but the Kigali US embassy decided to commemorate it earlier to avoid colliding with the country’s liberation day that is also held on the same day.

  • Auditor General Report: 9.7Billion unaccounted for

    By: Randa Rugangazi

    {{In the recently released auditor general’s report, a whooping Frw9.7 billion is reportedly unaccounted for. The report says the funds were lost in form of wasteful spending.}}

    The Auditor General, Obadiah Biraro, presented the state financial audits of the Fiscal Year 2009/2010 to parliament. The audit report presented results of 104 government institutions’ expenditure for fiscal year ended 30 June 2010.

    Among many public unaccounted for were funds paid to Rwandatel by the Education Ministry to provide 300 public schools with internet connection and only provided the service to 84 schools by the end of their contractual period.

    In the report, the Education Ministry many outstanding debts including Frw 67.8 billion of students’ loans still outstanding. Universities funded by the ministry lack their own auditing departments, which is grave problem for auditing purposes.

    The Health Ministry is reported to having a huge debt amount that is still accumulating due to the Mituel de Santé program. The ministry promised to deal with the accumulating debt.

    The Ministry of Local Government (MINILOC) is reported to have outstanding debt worth RWF 64 billion. The debt accumulated through the ministry purchase of motor bikes for local leaders in districts that were changed and no longer exist.

    The basis for allocation of frw4.5 billion to VUP Umurenge wasn’t well accounted for making it hard for the Auditor General’s Office to establish whether the funds fulfilled their objective.

    The Ministry of Agriculture through RADA allocated Frw6 billion for purchasing fertilizers. However, the distribution of the fertilizers was reportedly mishandled, making it hard to establish whether the funds were properly allocated.
    The agriculture ministry also has funds for small projects that have yet to be distributed to such projects.

    Rwanda Revenue Authority is reported to owing debt to other government institutions worth RWF14 billion. The tax funds collected by the institution are at great risk of theft due to poor physical control.

    Mr. Biraro in his presentation, talked about both Kigali City Council and District Office expenses not adding up to the money they were allocating. Districts were cited for failing to follow the proper expense reporting methods required them by law.

    He concluded his annual auditing presentation by praising the progress that has been made by many state institutions in maintaining adequate documentation of their expenses.

    MP Bwiza Connie, in a remark, suggested that Members of Parliament be educated on the auditing process to enable them provide better assessment on the auditing report.

    The report, after being presented to the parliament, was forwarded to the Public Accounts Committee for further assessment.

  • China News agency extends to Rwanda

    {{Xinhua news agency, a Chinese state owned company has established operations in Rwanda citing the country’s impressive growth rate higher than countries in the rest of east Africa. }}

    The official launching of Xinhua news agency took place at Kigali Serena hotel.

    Mr. Liang the director of Xinhua news agency, Kigali branch says, “We have setup in Rwanda because of the country’s good and positive image generated through economic development,” he said adding that “The nation has been portraying a growth rate that is higher than average in the region and such accomplishments deserve considerable attention,” he says.

    The agency owns one of major newspapers and Xinhua.net, the most popular website in china and operates CNC news TV. The agency will begin with an online news agency in Rwanda covering news and information in east Africa and Eastern DR-Congo.

    Shu Zhan the Chinese ambassador to Rwanda explains that China has been heavily investing in Eastern Congo and thus establishing operations in Rwanda consequently facilitates Chinas access to the region.

    “Our main responsibility is to bridge the gap between the Chinese people and Rwandans, through establishing direct communication instead of formal relations”, Says ambassador Zhan.

    “We hope that through media exposure, more windows of investment will open in Rwanda from abroad,”Liang notes adding that China’s investment in Rwanda is now about 140 million USD.

    Liang expressed his opinion on Rwanda’s media freedom and media climate saying, “It is my first time coming to Rwanda. I have been impressed so far by the level of media professionalism and manner in which media operates. I feel the media climate here is very attractive. We are looking forward to a prosperous cooperation between the local media and Xinhua”.

    Xinhua news agency is not private but state owned and thus has not been involved in investments. it will report its news online via a website. Xinhua will be in in joint venture with star Africa media which has now more than 32,000 viewers across the nation. It’s news channel is also available on the star Africa service as well as on channel 415 on the DSTV bouquet.

    Responding to igihe.com on the question of whether China receives special treatment from Rwanda and scepticism about investment in Rwandan media, Ambassador Shu Zhan said, “China has no investment in Rwanda’s media sector, and has no special treatment from Rwandan government. Usually, news from Chinese Agencies are not chosen by Rwandan newspapers”.

    Ambassador Zhan adds, “We think that we can get enough news on Rwanda, through newspapers, RTV and Internet, including the Facebook page of H.E. President Paul Kagame.”

    Sought for H.E Zhan’s comments on the alleged squeezing actions by his government against china media, he said, In 2009, China had more than 1,937 different newspapers and 9,851 different magazines. China also has many other Medias like TV, radios, Internet. 90% of them are independent ones.Therefore, we can not imagine what’s squeezing media means”.

    However, the Chinese government is criticized for trying to keep a tight grip on traditional and new media preventing any challenges to its political authority.

    China’s censorship of its media again grabbed headlines in early 2011following an online appeal for Chinese citizens to emulate the revolutions in north Africa and the Middle East.

    Also Google’s battle with the Chinese government over Internet censorship in China and the awarding of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize to jailed Chinese activist Liu Xiaobo have also drawn increased international attention to media censorship in China.

    China’s burgeoning economy has allowed for greater diversity in China’s media coverage, and experts say the growing Chinese demand for information is testing the regime’s control over the media.

    The watchdog group Reporters without Borders ranked China 171 out of 178 countries in its 2010 worldwide index of press freedom.

    China’s media is undergoing a process of commercialization, which some observers believe is leading to growing competition, diversified content, and an increase in investigative reporting by Chinese news agencies.

    Only state agencies can own media in China, but there is creeping privatization. China News Network Corporation (CNC), a twenty-four-hour global news network launched in July 2010, for example, is reportedly half privately financed.

  • MTN-group director honors genocide victims

    {{A delegation from MTN Board group based in South Africa are in the country to where they have honored and paid tribute to the Rwanda’s 1994 genocide victims and donated a cheque of Frw1M to the Kigali Memorial site.}}

    Speaking to Igihe.Com the head of the delegation also the MTN Group’s Director, Van Biljon described the visit as an extreme humbling experience.

    “The image of violence, loss of life and wasted opportunities is what attracts me to say it was a very bad history but also what I have seen in the people of this country, is the national pride that everyone has, and also the progress that has been made in the last 17 years; economically, politically and also socially,” Biljon pointed out.

    MTN Rwanda CEO Khaled Mikkawi and local staff led the group of four members of which, three are from the board committee, MTN Group to Kigali Memorial Center to pay their respect to the victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide against the Tutsi

    Biljon added that MTN Group foundation indirectly fights against such inhuman acts and also supports the survivors, “We don’t make it direct contribution but certainly what we do in terms of our contribution to the society across all countries of our coverage. We strive to do what we can to local communities and support the victims of such acts like children and orphans directly providing them with possible communication services like extending broad band services to help them get access to information easily”.

    The MTN Group director is impressed with the performance of MTN Rwanda management and the company’s great contribution to the country’s economy.

    MTN Rwanda CEO Mikkawi at the site noted; “we came to pay our respects and to honor dead whose memory will always be within us, be part of our history and be the reason to work tirelessly to develop our country.”

    Among the four delegates; three are the Board members of the MTN Group and accompanied by Allie Shauket Fakie, the Group Executive in charge of MTN Group Business risk Management.

    Serving Rwanda since 1998 MTN has managed to expand its network up 98% of Rwanda’s population with over 2.6 million subscribers.

    Launched in 1994, MTN Group is now a multinational telecommunications group operating in 21 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

    The group has recorded a total of 147, 2 million subscribers across these countries.