Rwanda National Police

Women Leaders from the Eastern Province have been urged to take the foremost position in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) because the menace had persisted because some women or the victims have been keeping quiet about it.

Eastern Region Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benoit Kayijuka threw the challenge to the women leaders on Friday August 17, while meeting representatives of women cooperatives from the region at the Kigali Lay Adventist University (UNILAK), Rwamagana branch.

ACP Kayijuka called on all the stakeholders to take a united action in the relentless fight to end violence against women. He urged local leaders to guide their people on how to live in harmony or, where misunderstandings come up, where to channel their grievances.

Kayijuka emphasized the need to allow women to share their experiences, and other issues that render them vulnerable with the goal to find ways to address them. He also stressed that there should be full enforcement of existing laws governing sexual and gender based violence in Rwanda. The commander lamented that sometimes even some local leaders ignore to enforce the laws.

He further blamed some leaders for always making men feel like they were superior to women, which in itself could lead to spousal violence. “I think one of the things to be done is to challenge how men understand masculinity.

“We need to demystify the myths (of male superiority) and understand that we are all equal as citizens. Women should not be oppression whatsoever,” he noted.

He appealed to the women leaders to strengthen partnership with police, be close to the law enforcers and work with the community to be able to understand their challenges for the best way to address them.

Dr. Javan Semana the rector of UNILAK-Rwamagana discussed the crucial roles played by women in the social-economic progress of communities. The academic commented that if men and women jointly worked together progress on issues could be achieved faster.

He also spoke of the importance of increased awareness on the issue of violence against women. That is, to help better address the negative stereotypes and perceptions that most lead to the abuse of the rights of women and girls.

On equality Dr. Semana advised that we should all embrace our diversities.