IGP to officers: You must have a practical impact in fighting GBV

{The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K Gasana has reemphasized the need to create a synergy among institutions charged with fighting gender-based violence as an effective means to combat the vice.}

The Police Chief made the remarks as he officiated at a five-day training of 53 police officers in ‘GBV Crime Prevention, Response and Case handling Workshop’ that started at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) headquarters in Kacyiru on Monday December 7.

“It’s our vision as the Police to make an impact in gender mainstreaming. Remember that the government’s efforts to promote gender equality and fight against GBV are reflected in the constitution. The fight against GBV is also articulated in programmes and actions outlined by Vision 2020, the seven year plan and the priorities of EDPRS; that is why we must take a lead role in this fight,” said IGP Gasana.

He went on to tell the trainees that gender mainstreaming is a cross-cutting factor in policing which is why officers frequently meet and empower each other in matters to do with fighting gender based violence.

“We should be focused on empowering Rwandans in the fight against gender-based violence and crime prevention. Crime prevention requires cooperation, joint trainings, sensitizations, mobilization and campaigning, cohesion, unity of efforts and synergy with coordination and communication, investigation and credible reports as well as joint actions, and team spirit,” IGP said.

The training aims at equipping officers with skills and knowledge that can enhance their career development to professionally fight, prevent and combat crimes related to GBV.
It also aims at achieving RNP’s objective of crime prevention and reduction strategy through detection, prevention and proper handling of victims.
During the opening session of this workshop the IGP advised participants to prepare and conduct an Exercise Play on response to GBV where commissioners concerned were tasked to come up with the Command Post Exercise Scenario.

“Crime prevention must be collective in a manner that we engage with all stakeholders at all levels. You must have a practical impact in fighting GBV. You are here to share experiences and enlighten each other on responses and credible reporting on fighting GBV.”

At the beginning of the training, the Deputy Chief Gender Monitor, Eugenie Kabageni lectured the officers on the role of gender focal points in promoting gender equality and handling GBV cases.