The Institute for Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) yesterday launched a book, "the Bench book on Gender-Based Violence”, which was developed as a practical guide for legal professionals working in the field of Gender Based Violence (GBV).

The ceremony which took place in Kigali, attracted over 70 representatives from various institutions to discuss how gender based violence can be fought.

Speaking at the function, the Rector of ILPD, Vastina Nsega, expressed her delight at the completion of the book, saying that it would be a very critical tool for legal practitioners since it provides a roadmap in settling disputes related to GBV.

"Everybody in our society plays a role in the fight against gender based violence, and we are delighted to have played a small part in developing the bench book,” she said.

"It will provide an excellent opportunity for legal practitioners to discuss the current legal response to GBV in the country, future challenges and possibilities, as well as highlighting how to solve particular cases.”

In her presentation, the Vice Dean, of the Faculty of Law at the National University of Rwanda (NUR), Usta Kaitesi, said that lack of knowledge on gender equality has in the past been a catalyst for increased cases of GBV, which resulted into deprivation of rights and opportunities for people, especially women.

"People should reflect on their attitudes which result in the deprivation of fundamental freedoms and has negative consequences on the opposite sex,” Kaitesi said.

"Legal practitioners should also shift away from simply viewing people who come to them as victims and perpetrators, but rather as clients. This way, the future of gender equality in the country shall be positive”.

She commended the law on GBV, saying that it is better and more practical than was in the past, and also commended NUR and the Independent University of Kigali for starting lectures on Gender and Law at their faculties of law.

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