Women have been challenged to engage in peace and security building activities to ensure peace and harmony in society.

Jeanne d’Arc Kanakuze, the chairperson of Pro-femmes Twesehamwe, an umbrella organisation working for the advancement of women, peace, and development in Rwanda made the call on Tuesday.

She was speaking during a sensitisation meeting of district focal persons commonly known as Imboni on resolution 1325 of the United Nation Security Council.

"As women who are the most vulnerable during insecurity, we need to be actively engaged in security and peace building activities,” Kanakuze said.

She noted that as women, we have to advocate for peace to build a society free from gender based violence.

The UN Security Council resolution 1325 urges member states to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender in all United Nations Peace and security efforts.

It also calls on all parties in conflict to take special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse incase of armed conflicts.

Recognising the impact of armed conflict on women and girls, effective institutional arrangements to guarantee their protection and full participation in the peace process can significantly contribute to the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security, according to the resolution.

Jean Baptiste Senyoni, the district focal person in Rubavu District, said women cross-border traders on Rubavu and Goma borders have been victims of gender based violence.

He said, "Women in informal cross-border trading; both from Rwanda and DR Congo, have been victims of gender based violence. We have held different meetings with those women, local authorities and decision makers from DR Congo to fight the practice while for Rwandans we offer training about laws governing gender based violence.”

Marthe Mukamutara, Pro-femmes Twesehamwe focal point person in the Eastern Province said knowing about the provision of the UN resolution will help her raise awareness on the role of women in peace building and security.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw