In the ongoing global effort to combat gender-based violence (GBV), Rwanda is gearing up to observe the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The commemoration will take place in Ntarama sector, Bugesera District on Saturday, November 25.

The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign initiated by activists at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991. Starting on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concluding on December 10, Human Rights Day, it serves as a rallying cry worldwide to advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

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The United Nations Secretary-General launched the UNiTE campaign in 2008, aiming to end violence against women by 2030. Globally, the theme this year is: "UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls”, customised at the national level as "UNITE! Invest to Prevent GBV."

The theme aligns with the 2024 priority theme of the Commission on the Status of Women, focusing on accelerating gender equality through poverty alleviation and institutional strengthening with a gender perspective.

Rwanda, in its commitment to combat GBV, has implemented robust measures, including the criminalisation of GBV in 2008 and the introduction of an anti-GBV policy in 2011. The establishment of Isange One Stop Centers across the country, coupled with sensitisation campaigns and community education, among others.