Together we can stamp out Gender Based Violence

Last week marked the closing of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence which began on November 25.Rwanda marked the days under the theme: “Fighting Gender-Based Violence is my responsibility.”There are various mechanisms in place to fight gender based violence in the country such as the police toll free line to report the vice, the Neighbour’s watch policy, locally known as Akagoroba k’ababyeyi or “Evening dialogue among parents” where parents meet to discuss issues affecting families in a particular community.Despite these measures re-enforced with tough laws in place, domestic violence is still common with women being the most victims of this vice.According to Internal Security ministry, in 2012, 39 murder cases among spouses were recorded, 28 of which were committed by husbands; while this year, 178 women were physically assaulted by their partners.It might seem like one of the most common calls but the appeal by the Gender minister for collective efforts to fight Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the country is an important one.Something should be done to stem this vice. Perhaps this should start with our parenting roles. Children should be brought up in a God fearing and child friendly environment to grow into responsible adults.Parents as well as teachers should be able to educate children on responsible living and what it means for their future. A child who has been raised in an environment that is devoid of violence is likely to respect other people’s rights in the future.The problem is compounded by the culture of silence. There are women who stay in abusive relations to save their ‘marriages’. There is need to strengthen support systems that encourage women to speak out and break the culture of silence amidst domestic violence.Fighting GBV requires fighting social vices such as alcohol and drug abuse which are associated with domestic violence.Religious leaders and civil society should promote family dialogue as well as counselling for victims. Also, the police and the judiciary system need to ensure that all the perpetrators of gender based violence are prosecuted.

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Together we can stamp out Gender Based Violence