MUHANGA- representatives of the National Women’ Council (NWC) have reaffirmed their commitment to bring an end to Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

The commitment was made by women representatives in charge of justice at the conclusion of a three-day training on family law, this Friday.

The training held in Muhanga District was sponsored by CARE international, and attracted newly elected NWC Justice Committee members from all districts.

Jeannette Uwamariya, the representative of CARE international, said the committee members needed capacity building in the laws so as to stimulate community-based mechanisms to prevent and respond to various aspects of SGBV

"These women leaders need to acquire specific skills on the family law so as to respond to needs of the community and devise ways of eliminating SGBV as part of their field of responsibility,” Uwamariya said.

The women recommended that men’s contribution to the struggle was vital in changing the patriarchal cultural aspects which have impeded the established initiatives against SGBV in Rwanda.

"Gender based violence needs to be a collective effort starting within families and the role of men should be evident in order to achieve gender equality and harmony in families,” said Jeanne Bateta, a Nyarugenge District NWC member.

The group also called for rapid response from police gender desk officials, increasing One-stop centres for SGBV victims and a dissemination of GBV clubs at all grassroots levels; as mechanisms of attaining gender equity, and addressing issues faced by various communities.  

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