Rwanda National Police

Hundreds of residents in Kicukiro District met on November 18 and vowed to be the eyes of lawfulness in their communities by partnering with law enforcers to report any incidences of gender-based-violence (GBV) as well as sensitize their communities about the dangers associated with the scourge.

This was during meetings in the district that attracted residents of Niboye and Kicukiro Sector, as they endeavored to participate in the ongoing countrywide sensitization campaign on GBV.

After listening to the presentations, one of the residents, David Musabyimana, commended police for initiating exemplary partnership with residents and vowed to organize his community in influencing safety and anti-GBV initiatives.

“I believe that we should work in numbers as residents and partner with police in overcoming GBV. We should also intervene to stop an abuser and make our communities a place where GBV will not be tolerated,” he said.

“We should also create a network of patriotic people who will commit to intervene in GBV situations and alert law enforcers in time, as well as offer help to victims.”

Another resident, Marie Jean Twayigize, noted that a good start to eradicating gender violence from local communities, starts from educating as many people as possible and ensuring that people understand the impact of violence and how they can intervene safely.

“If you are the neighbor of a family experiencing gender violence, please take the time to alert law enforcers as you have heard in messages. You can also try to approach the family and educate them about solving issues without violence – and if you feel that it could get dangerous, bring another person with you so there will be more than one witness,” she said.

In his message, the District Community Liaison Officer of Kicukiro, IP Hamdun Twizeyimana commended the residents for pledging their support, noting that overcoming GBV is essential in maintaining Rwanda’s steady socio-economic development.

He also reminded them to always call the police whenever they witness or suspect dangerous cases of GBV to be taking place, in order to provide critical information, such as location, names and contact numbers of those involved.