Rwanda National Police (RNP) has reached out to residents in the Western Province with a message aimed at fighting gender-based violence (GBV) and child abuse in the area.

The campaign was held in Ngororero District, last week, and attracted hundreds of residents, as well as provincial and district leaders.

The Mayor of Ngororero, Gedeon Ruboneza, noted that ending GBV and child abuse requires individual and collective efforts at the communal level.

"We all should first understand our individual role in ending gender inequality and violence against women and children,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner General of Police Stanley Nsabimana’s message was that Rwandans should continue working together to stump out GBV and child abuse.

‘‘We should always come up with strategies to discuss among ourselves and find solutions to persistent challenges that we face in dealing with these crimes.”

The Coordinator of National Women Council in Ngororero, Christine Kampire, acknowledged the role of Police in protecting women’s rights, and called upon Rwandans to report culprits to authorities and security organs in order to deter the habit.

Superintendent of Police Beline Mukamana, from the Directorate of Anti Gender-Based Violence and Child Abuse, at Police headquarters, noted that GBV affects individuals, and families, and also hampers development.

"We should all be watchful in society and ensure that those who do not respect the rights of others do not go unpunished.

‘‘Police have put in place measures to ensure that women and children are protected, while at the same time ensuring that victims of GBV are provided with treatment,” she said.

Isange one stop centre provides free services to victims of GBV.

The anti-GBV campaign running, under the theme "Responsibility for All”, is jointly organised by the Netherlands Embassy, One UN and Rwanda National Police and is due to be extended to all provinces countrywide to ensure all communities are well informed about the crime and how to defend their rights.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw