GATSIBO /Rwamagana-The Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), Friday, concluded a two-day training for persons dubbed as ‘male champions’ in Rwamagana.

The training on Gender Based Violence (GBV) attracted over two hundred people from Gatsibo and Rwamagana Districts. According to Dr. Diane Gashumba of EGPAF, the trainers included men who have shown interest in the health of women and children.

"These are mainly men who have championed the female health concern…they escort their wives to attend antenatal care, test for HIV, etc. Today, we are empowering them to combat GBV too,” Dr. Gashumba said.

Inspector of Police (IP) Belline Mukamana, who handles GBV issues in the National Police, said that the aim of the workshop was to empower both the victims, culprits and the communities with skills necessary to combat GBV.

"Ignorance and silence have been responsible for the persistence of GBV especially in rural areas. Responsible people like these need the kind of knowledge we are giving them. We are set for zero GBV in our society,” she said.
Vincent Rwagatore, 47, one of the male champions said that after the training, he felt equipped enough with requisite skills to combat GBV.

"Trainings of this kind are vital for everyone in our communities…we shall pass the knowledge to others. We however need at least a police officer to handle GBV cases at every district hospital,” he said.

Nehime Uwimana, the Mayor of Rwamagana District, promised EGPAF maximum cooperation in the fight against GBV.

EGPAF is supported by USAID and operates in the whole of Eastern Province and Kigali City. 

Ends