Religious leaders have been called upon by national police to step up campaign against gender-based violence.

Willy Marcel Higiro, the Police spokesperson said during a gender-based violence sensitisation crusade on Friday at the Islamic cultural centre in Nyamirambo.
In a bid to fight gender-violence, Police have put religious leaders on board to guide the society to away with the practice.

Higiro also told The New Times that religious leaders are very influential in the lives of their followers and the community at large.

He said that gender based violence cases are increasingly being reported. "Therefore, we (police) have decided to spread the sensitisation campaign to other stakeholders.”

Higiro said that religious leaders are to discuss with their communities on how best to minimise the tendency.

According to Sheikh Harerimana Abdul Karim, Rwanda’s Mufti, the call is a good gesture to the muslims and other religions to harmonise Rwandan society.
"The Holy book calls for peace and harmony in our society, therefore let us embrace the campaign,” he said.

In order to enhance swift communication between community and the police, a toll free telephone number (3512) was introduced.
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