MUHANGA - District leaders have urged the Association of Truck Driver’s Spouses (RTSA) to spearhead the fight against gender based violence (GBV) and HIV/AIDS as a way of contributing to national development.

Claude Sebabashi, the district director of social and economic welfare, made the call during the association’s get together at the Muhanga Cultural Center last week.  

"The district is counting on efforts by members of RTSA in the fight against gender based violence- which is still evident in this community. We also want to see women at the centre of development,” Sebashi said.

Over 1500 members of RTSA have received training on HIV/AIDS prevention, gender based violence, formation of cooperatives and developmental activities organised by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).

"RTSA should be transformed from an association into a cooperative in order to empower its members socially and economically,” he remarked.

Josiane Uwamahoro, the association’s vice president stated that the association needs financial assistance to come up with income generating activities and transform the association into a cooperative.

Sector officials pledged to support the association if it changed its status into a cooperative. The leaders also praised RTSA for its activities and vision of empowering rural women, and combating domestic violence which they attributed to poverty.

According to members, the association has enabled women to bring men on board, to discuss family issues together.

RTSA officials revealed that the association intends to expand its areas of operations countrywide. It currently operates from Kigali, Huye Muhanga, Gicumbi and Rusizi districts.

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