Rwanda National Police

A delegation of three women from Benin, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, on August 4, visited Isange One Stop Centre situated at Kacyiru District Hospital to witness Rwanda’s initiative in responding to gender based violence and child abuse.

At Isange, they were received by the director of the centre, Supt. Shafiga Murebwayire, who gave them an overview of the centre, the idea behind its establishment and the services it offers to victims of gender based violence and child abuse.

The delegation was given a guided tour in various rooms of the centre including adult and children counseling rooms, judicial officer’s room where testimonies and evidence is collected to support legal actions against the suspect.

“This is a holistic approach when men, women and children,  who are abused in any way come to seek medical, counseling and legal services free of charge and it is one way through which the country addresses issues related to gender and child abuse,” Supt. Shafiga said.

“We have social workers, experts in various fields and we conduct after care tours in homes to follow up on the recovery of the victim,” she added.

Nhepera Neddi from Zimbabwe said: “This is very touching and indeed gives hope; we will reconnect this in our country.”
Her counterpart Olga Tchiakpe of Benin described Isange as a “special thought” and “an excellent initiative” that Rwandans should be proud of.”

Isange, currently operational in 27 district hospitals across the country was established in 2009 with the support of the First Lady Jeannette Kagame through Imbuto Foundation.

It is run in partnership between Rwanda National Police and the ministries of Health, Justice and Gender and Family Promotion.