Rwandans have been called on to break silence about gender and child abuse related atrocities committed in communities in order to combat the vices and ensure that justice is served.
Oda Gasinzigwa, the Minister for Gender and Family Promotion sounded the call on April 5 while presiding over the official launch of the national Anti-gender based violence and child abuse awareness campaign.
The official launch of the awareness campaign was held at Nkumba Ubutore Training Centre in Burera district under the theme “Responsibility for all.”
It was also graced by Minister Francis Kaboneka of Local Government, IGP Emmanuel K. Gasana, the Governor of the Northern Province, Aime Bosenibamwe and the chairman of National Itorero Commission, Bonifance Rucagu.
While speaking to over 500 youths, Minister Gasinzigwa said that this should be a moment for all Rwandans to reflect on what still affects community safety mainly issues related to gender violence and abuse of child rights like forced labour and defilement among others.
She challenged the youngsters to actively partner with government institutions to put to light individuals involved in committing Gender related atrocities in communities.
“Your role in fighting and preventing challenges faced by women, girls and children is crucial. Be ambassadors of change; let’s join hands together, identify and point a finger where these crimes still exist so as to turn back what tarnishes the Rwandan tradition,” she said.
“We have sensitized the community enough, what follows now is to put to light and shame those who have kept deaf ears. We should meet again highlighting the milestone in this fight,” she added.
Lamin Manneh, One UN Resident Coordinator, noted that the international community gives values to such awareness programmes as an effective tool to break silence about issues faced by women and children and to bring everyone on board to combat them.
“Women shouldn’t be treated like an object. The UN stands by Rwanda’s ideal to fight such, and we are grateful for what Rwanda and the national police have done to protect women and children rights. No doubt such awareness will realize the government’s goal in fighting these vices,” Manneh said.
He commended Rwanda National Police for the holistic approach of scaling up the anti-gender violence medical wing, Isange One stop centre.
The scale up of Isange One Stop Centres implemented in partnership with Police, Rwandan government and the Netherlands Government, provides free medical, psycho-socio and legal services to GBV and child abuse victims and ensures that human rights are respected.
Established in 2009 at Kacyiru Police Hospital (KPH) as a pilot project – more 12 centre have since been established in various parts of the country.
The launch of the national awareness campaign against GBV and child abuse proceeded the official closing of the third intake training in crime prevention of over 500 youth organized under “Rwandan Youth Volunteers in crime Prevention”, presided over by the Minister of Local Government, Francis Kaboneka.
The organisation is composed of over 7, 000 young men and women countrywide including students, who support vulnerable communities by providing medical insurance, livestock and other needs.
They carry out crime prevention awareness programmes in schools and communities against drug abuse, corruption and gender-based-violence, among others.
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