EASTERN PROVINCE

KAYONZA — a new forum to fight domestic violence has been formed by different organizations operating in the Eastern Province.

The forum will be championed by Association de la Jeunnesse pour la Promotion des Droit de l’Homme et le Developpement (AJPRODHO) and was formed recently in meeting held at Kayonza district headquarters.

The forum is made up of National Police which takes up the presidency and AJEPRODHO which takes the vice Presidency.

Other members of the forum are National Security Service (NSS), Association of Guides in Rwanda, National Women Council (AGRNWC) and National Youth Council (NYC).

Also representatives of local residents, classical courts and ministry of health are part of the forum. The district coordinates all activities of the forum.

Speaking during the launch, the chairman of the Forum, Olivier Gatabazi who is also a member of AJEPRODHO, said that the forum has already been formed for Kayonza district while plans are underway to extend the same forum to other districts of the Eastern Province.

The districts that make up the Eastern Province are Nyagatare, Gasibo, Ngoma, Bugesera, Kirehe, Rwamagana and Kayonza.

"The aim of the forum is to curb down the domestic violence by at least 70percent which is not frequently reported to police,” Gatabazi said.

He explained that most of the domestic violence cases are not reported to police and that that was the reason why the forum had been formed.

Representing Kayonza District, Emmanuel Ntambara who is also in charge of good governance at District, called on the forum members to act rather than drawing theoretical plans which frequently remain on paper.

He emphasised that helping the police to curb domestic violence is imperative. He cited rigged culture as well as excessive drinking as the most causes of domestic violence. He urged forum members to be open on the issue of domestic violence saying it retards development.

One of the trainee, Chantal Nyirabashi, lamented that one of the main tool to fight against domestic violence should be severe punishments and putting more strategic plans to reduce poverty and promote education. She said women need to be sensitised to break the silence saying most of them prefer to keep quite due to culture.

"Even though women tend to be silent, under normal circumstances one should have a moral obligation and common sense to fight for improved human rights,” said Nyirabashi.

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