Jeannette Bayisenge, Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, called upon victims of gender-based violence to always speak out and seek justice.

She was speaking during the ceremony that marked the celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Friday, November 25.

The day also marks the beginning of the 16 days of activism dedicated to combating Gender Based Violence (GBV). At the national level, it was marked under the theme ‘Unite, build a violence-free society,’ with activities hosted in Nyamasheke district.

Bayisenge revealed that sometimes victims and their families don’t report perpetrators for fear of being stigmatised by family members or friends, "Which is still a challenge.”

"We should not hide perpetrators, this prevents justice from prevailing. Regardless of what they give back in return, we need to report them since that is one way of curbing GBV,” she said.

The minister however observed that though reporting cases is still limited, there has been some progress given that services, especially those provided at the Isange One Stop Centres- medical and justice- are free.

"People should be encouraged to go for help; more people need to raise their voices.”

Victims speak out

Valentine Mujawamariya, a teen mother, said that when she was abused, it was scary for her to report to her parents since she was not sure of how they would react.

She decided to run away from home, until she failed to take care of herself and went back to her parents. And though she later managed to talk to her parents about the incident, it was too late to report since there was no evidence.

"I encourage all victims of sexual violence to speak up, this will help achieve justice and prevent violence especially against women and children,” she urged.

Belitilida Nyiramvugire, a mother and resident of Nyamasheke district, said that it was too much when her daughter got pregnant, but she decided to support her financially and emotionally.

Nyaramvugire said that these are mistakes that happen with children, adding that it is not proper when parents turn their backs on them since that makes them lose hope.

She said that helping her daughter helped her move on and go back to school.

"As we celebrate 16 days of activism, it’s paramount to recognise the power of family members; father, mother and children; working together and investing in constructing a safe and resilient family, free from GBV and mostly, by engaging men and boys,” she said.