Students of the School of Finance and Banking (SFB) were yesterday urged by a Member of Parliament, Yvonne Uwayisenga, to step up the campaign against gender based violence (GBV).

The MP pointed out some of the scientific forms of gender violence, and explored how people’s rights are being violated. Some of the types of gender violence she pointed out include domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual harassment.

The country is observing the International Women’s Day under this year’s theme: "Women and men united to end violence against women and girls.”

At the national level, the day will be marked in Nyagatare, in the eastern province today, however, people will be meeting in their respective sectors and at their workplaces in order to share ideas on this year’s theme.

"As we celebrate this Day, we will be sensitizing women and girls about their rights in order to empower them to get more involved in developmental issues,” Uwayisenga said.

The MP briefly explained to the students the history and significance of the International Women’s Day which was initiated by the United Nations in 1972.

The day is characterised by various events around the world. And, in Rwanda such events range from small informal gatherings to large-scale events, during which participants reflect on women’s advancement with the intention of continuing vigilance and action.

Uwayisenga informed the students that cases of gender-based violence in the country were more alarming in the rural settings.

"It should be a day to remember our fellow sisters and mothers in villages and keep an eye on their security,” she urged.

SFB Minister of Gender, Raissa Umutoni, in an interview with Sunday Times also underscored that cases of violation of women and children’s rights are still reported in all parts of the country.

"It’s every Rwandan’s responsibility to join in the battle to stop all gender related violence,” Umutoni said, adding, "All human beings are created equal, they thus all deserve a right to live peacefully and enjoy their rights.”   

The third-year student said that women and girls are not the only victims of gender-based violence because sometimes men, too, are violated by women or their fellow men.

"All violations are equal, because they all affect the offended psychologically, emotionally and physically,” said Umutoni.

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