Rwanda National Police

The Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi has said that, although the government has put in place several mechanisms to end Gender Based Violence and Child Abuse, there is still need for individual involvement in contributing to the fight.

The Premier made the remarks on October 16 as he officially launched the 2015 National Campaign against Gender Based violence and Child Abuse at an event held in Muhanga District.

“Effects of GBV can go as far as affecting the economy of the country. A victim of psychological or physical violence may not be in position to perform effectively or even contribute to the economy of the country. This could as well be the same case to a child who is abused and tortured,” PM Murekezi said.

The Head of Government went on to highlight laws that have been put in place against GBV and Child Abuse but insisted that legal instruments and enforcing institutions cannot fully realize the goal without everyone’s involvement.

“Ending Gender Based Violence and Child Abuse is a responsibly for all. We all have to join efforts and means to report and prevent such violence from happening,” said the Prime Minister.

Among the existing mechanisms to end GBV is the Isange One Stop Center which was launched in 2009. Last year, the First Lady, Her excellency  Jeannette Kagame launched the scale up of Isange One Stop Center. To date, there are 17 centers across the country. Plans are underway to establish the centre in all the district hospitals across the country.

During the launch of the anti-GBV campaign, the Prime Minister toured a newly constructed IOSC in Muhanga and also unveiled the IOSC mobile clinic. The clinic built in a truck will be moving in districts that don’t have IOSC, to record and respond to the needs of victims.

“I have to comment Rwanda National Police that manages IOSC. The work they’ve done has contributed to making our society safe,” the Prime Minister said.

The event was also graced by the minister of Gender  and Family Promotion, mrs Oda Gasinzigwa, the minister of health,mrs  Agnes Binagwaho, the state minister for Social Affairs  mrs Alivera Mubabaramba, the IGP. Emmanuel K. Gasana, the Governor of Southern province, Alphonse Munyentwari, the Chief Gender Monitor Mrs Rose Rwabuhihi and the one UN representative among others 

The three months campaign is conducted jointly by the ministries of Gender and Family Promotion, Health, Justice, Local Government, Rwanda National Police and Gender Monitoring Office, the Netherlands Embassy in Rwanda and One UN.

The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Oda Gasinzigwa, said that the campaign comes as an additional sensitization mechanism to the existing efforts.

“We opted for a holistic approach in the campaigns so that we could have consolidated results.  Our country came a long way with regards to GBV and Child abuse; we have achieved a lot but we are not yet where we want to be,” said Minister Gasinzigwa.

The One UN Women representative, Clara Anyangwe, commended the Rwanda for its continued efforts in women empowerment.

 She said; “we are grateful for the commitment of Rwanda and President Paul Kagame to advance women empowerment.”

 Elsewhere, in the City of Kigali, all roads led to Nyabisindu in Remera Sector of Gasabo District, where thousands of city dwellers, students and pupils converged to denounce and fight gender and child abuse incidences.

 The chief guest at the event, MP Edouard Bamporiki told those at the event that GBV results into a “failed society”, and called on residents to be more proactive in advancing for equality and the rights of women and children.

 “Our leader, President Paul Kagame has ensured that our nation is prosperous and that everyone – man, woman and child – is given equal opportunity to contribute to Rwanda’s development. Let us therefore take this opportunity and embrace equality for all,” he said.

 Meanwhile, in the Eastern Province, it was a moment of joy in Ngoma District where the event was held, as women praised the impact of Isange One Stop Centre that was established in 2012 at Ngoma hospital.

 Shortly after residents toured the centre, which has since handled about 600 cases majority related to sexual violence (rape and defilement), the over 3000 residents who turned up engaged in a walk against GBV and child abuse.

 At the event, Jean Marie Vianney Makombe, the executive secretary of the Eastern Province, echoed similar messages of joint partnership against the vices, and urged them to be an eye to neighbors and provide timely information.

 “By breaking silence over such incidences, you will be saying no to abuses,” Makombe said.

 At all events, the occasions were also graced by partners including faith-based organizations, students, pupils, motorcyclists and the residents, among others. The next similar events are to be held in Rubavu ,western prince and Musanze in Northern province. 

 The campaign is being held under the theme, “Prevent GBV and Child Abuse - Act Now - Our safety is everyone’s responsibility”.

It is aimed at enhancing the community’s prevention and response to GBV and child abuse.