Members of the National Women Council (NWC) in Gakenke District have been called on to strengthen their efforts in the fight against gender-based-violence (GBV) by sensitising their communities and working with law enforcers to curb the scourge.

The message was delivered on Monday in a meeting held in Nganzo Cell, Gakenke Sector, which attracted over 200 NWC members in the district.

The meeting was also attended by residents, local leaders and police officers operating in the area.

In his remarks, the Mayor of Gakenke, Deogratius Nzamwita, noted that Rwanda is renowned for championing women’s rights and asked members of NWC to rally on this good image to sensitise women about their rights, as well as break silence against GBV whenever it occurs in their communities.

"We should work together as one unit and partner with the Police to denounce GBV and any kind of discrimination that undermines the values of equality and sustainable development. In case of any GBV incident, report it very fast to the Police and to the local authority. This will send a strong message to perpetrators that their schemes will not succeed,” Nzamwita said.

The District Police Commander of Gakenke, Chief Inspector of Police Jean Bosco Ndayisabye, commended the partnership between the National Women Counci and Rwanda National Police. He also reminded participants that sustainable development is built on foundation of peace and security, adding that, therefore, GBV had to be uprooted since it is one of the causes of insecurity in any community.

"In many societies of the world, girls and women are very vulnerable to violence simply because there is no political and community will to uproot the challenge. In Rwanda, it is clear that the political will has enabled every Rwandan to understand their right and role in ending GBV,” CIP Ndayisabye said.

"We should all continue on this quest by being alert and responsive to protect women and children against any form of injustice and violence,” he added.

Ndayisabye also called on local leaders to be vigilant against drug abuse and drunkenness that usually fuel GBV and other illegal acts that cause insecurity.

Claudine Zaninka, the co-ordinator of NWC in the Northern Province, thanked the Police for its vigilance against GBV and commended the positive influence brought about by the Isange One Stop Centres in providing free medical-legal services to victims of GBV.

She also called on all Rwandans to always advocate for the rights of women and educate women about their rights so that they are empowered to challenge GBV.

The National Women Council serves as a platform, where girls and women can share ideas and develop strategies to address challenges they face, enhance their participation in the country’s development and partner with the Police and other security organs to sustain peace and security.

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