{In line with fighting violence against women and girls, residents of Rulindo District held a walk to mark the ‘16 days of activism’ recently.}
The event was also attended by police, local leaders and representatives from the civil society.
That walk started from Mashi and proceeded to Base townhall in Base Sector where several officials spoke at length on causes and effects of violence against women and girls.
“We should not let the 16 days campaign be the end to fight against violence against women and gender inequality,” said the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) Inspector of Police (IP) Fidele Mbonyimana.
“The victims or witnesses should not turn a blind eye on such violence. By breaking silence you will be in the same way saying no to these human rights violations and ensuring that justice is served,” he added.
In her address to residents, IP Harima Nyirimpuhwe who heads the Gender Desk in Rulindo, said: “Gender equality is essential to creating a successful and democratic society…in Rwanda we are lucky that men have joined the fight to end violence against women and ensure justice for women.”
“Women and girls’ lives matter as well; only by working together can we bring lasting change,” IP Nyirimpuhwe said.
The residents were also enlightened on the free medical, legal and psycho-socio services offered by Isange One Stop Centre to the victims of GBV and child abuse.
“The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, reminded us of the responsibility we all have — to leave no one behind, when it comes to gender-based violence. His message couldn’t be more relevant, and I quote: ‘Break the silence. When you witness violence against women and girls, do not sit back. Act’,” said
The meeting was also attended by the District Gender Officer Claudine Ingabire, the in charge of territorial administration Ildephonse Nsengiyumva and Jean Claude Butera, the Project Officer of Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC).
The 16 Days of Activism is a campaign to end violence against women takes place annually from November 25 to December 10, is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world.
The international campaign originated from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute coordinated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991.
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