The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel K. Gasana, has emphasised the need to create a synergy among institutions charged with fighting gender based violence as an effective means to combat the vice.

The Police chief made the remarks as he officiated at a five-day training of 53 police officers at a ‘GBV crime Prevention, response and case handling workshop’ that started at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) headquarters in Kacyiru on Monday.

"It’s our vision as the Police to make an impact in gender mainstreaming. Remember that the Government’s role in the promotion of gender equality and fight against GBV are reflected in the Constitution. The fight against GBV is also articulated in programmes and actions outlined Vision 2020,” said IGP Gasana.

He told the trainees that gender mainstreaming is a cross-cutting factor in policing and that that’s why officers frequently meet and engage with each other in matters to do with fighting gender based violence.

"We should be focused on empowering Rwandans in the fight against gender based violence and crime prevention.  Crime prevention requires cooperation, joint training, sensitisation, mobilisation, coordination, investigation and team spirit,” IGP said.

The training aims at equipping officers with skills and knowledge that can enhance their efforts to fight, prevent and combat crimes related with GBV.

It also aims at achieving RNP’s objective of crime prevention and reduction through detection, prevention and proper handling of victims.

"Crime prevention must be collective in a manner that we engage with all stakeholders at all levels… You must have a practical impact in fighting GBV. You are here to share experiences and enlighten each other on the response and credible reporting on fighting GBV.”

At the beginning of the training, the Deputy Chief Gender Monitor, Eugenie Kabageni, briefed the officers on the role of gender focal points in promoting gender equality and handling GBV cases.