Rwanda National Police

The annual Female Police Convention kicked off on Friday at the Peace and Leadership centre, Nkumba in Burera District with focus on fighting Gender Based Violence and improved service delivery.
 
The two-day event was attended by 700 female police officers under the theme ““Unite to End Gender Based Violence.”

The female officers are expected to discuss several gender-related issues and lay strategies on how to counter the existing challenges through offering quality services.
 
This event, which started four years ago, was organized by Rwanda National Police in conjunction with Gender Monitoring Office and UN-Women.

Other issues to be covered include the gender context in Rwanda, laws on GBV, programmes and mechanisms at Isange One Stop Center.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel K. Gasana, while officially opening the convention, said this is a forum where female officers come together to discuss challenges they are facing in the process to execute their duties and lay strategies on how to overcome them.

He commended the RNP partners; especially in the fight against GBV fighting the vice is part of the force’s priorities to empower women and girls.
 
He urged the female police officers to take this annual event seriously and uphold the high level of discipline.
 
Clara Anyangwe, the UN-Women representative, commended the Government of Rwanda for the noble cause in promoting and protecting women and children’s rights.
 
She reiterated that violence against women and children has consequences which range from forced unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/Aids and lifetime psychological issues, which effects the victims’ individual development and the government in general.

Equipping female police officers with skills and knowledge on how to better address GBV cases, she said, is an effective way to address the vice effectively.
 
“Female police officers must be safe from GBV before they can protect their fellow citizens.” She noted.
 
Rose Rwabuhihi, the Chief Gender Monitor said fighting GBV should be the responsibility of Rwandan.

She explained that national development cannot be possible while “there is still violence against women and girls.”

The convention was also attended by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Security, Amb. Valence Munyabagisha, local authorities and officers from other security organs.