At least 300 taxi-moto riders from GECOMO cooperative in Remera, Gasabo District, have committed to join HeForShe campaign that aims at fighting gender-based-violence.

HeForShe is a global solidarity movement spearheaded by UN Women to engage men and boys in removing social and cultural barriers that prohibit females from achieving their full potential.

During the Friday event held in Remera, Judith Kazaire, the advisor to the Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, said HeForShe reinforces men’s role in promoting gender equality.

"The level of gender equality in Rwanda today is in part due to men’s role. Joining to this campaign shows us that men are willing to end gender inequality in the country. Realising sustainable gender equality requires an inclusive strategy involving both men and women. We have achieved a lot in gender equality though we still have a long way to go,” Kazaire said.

Daniel Ngarambe, the president of GECOMO cooperative, said joining HeForShe campaign was meant to prove their commitment to promoting gender equality.

"We want to fight the old mentality that confined women to house work. In the past, women were underlooked in society, but today, their abilities are appreciated,” he said.

"We now recognise women’s contribution to the development of the country. After the signing ceremony, we shall go ahead to sensitise our colleagues on the role of women in the development of family and country as well.”

Jean Baptiste Uhawenimana, a member of GECOMO cooperative, said supporting the global campaign against gender-based-violence would cement relationships between wives and husbands.

"Women are the backbone of the society. They are mothers; they play a great role in the society. Such campaigns are vital to sensitise men who still violate women’s rights. In this era, no one can ignore the role of women in our country and elsewhere,” he said.

"Men should involve their wives in taking decisions about the family and country as whole. This is the beginning a long journey that will be completed after sensitising other men who didn’t participate in today’s campaign.”

The World Economic Forum, Global Gender Report 2014 ranked Rwanda as Africa’s best performer in closing the gender gap, and seventh out of 142 countries on the global index.

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