100 youth trained to fight GBV

Over 100 youth in the Eastern Province have been trained to fight gender-based violence. The training, which is aimed at promoting the concept of positive masculinity, was carried out by a local non-governmental organisation, RWAMREC.RWAMREC was founded in 2006 with the objective of engaging men in gender issues. It encourages men to be supportive of gender equality and women empowerment. The two-week training that attracted youth from various districts in the Eastern Province ended in Rwamagana over the weekend.The deputy chairperson of RWAMREC, Venany Nzabonimana, said many men engage in violence because they want to be dominant in society. He said a positive, non-violent understanding of masculinity was the starting point in fighting gender-based violence.“RWAMREC was founded by eight men who understood the importance of equality and fighting gender-based violence. We support government’s initiative to change men. It works better when a man talks to a fellow man, about ending violence against women and children,” Nzabonimana said. He observed that because of tradition, men deny women the right to own property and make fundamental decisions.“Families that have embraced our teachings are harmonius. Men treat women as equals,” Nzabonimana said RWAMREC educated and mobilised the youth to reject violence and redefine masculine identity. The participants were briefed on GBV prevention, positive cultural norms and values associated with life skills and orientation in their daily interaction with women counterparts.Jean de Dieu Musafiri, one of the participants, said the training was timely to reduce cases of GBV.“We shall be role models, teaching and sensitising fellow men to desist from GBV. In fact, clever men empower their wives because at the end of the day men benefit as well,” he said. According to a Police report, at least 235 rape cases and 64 GBV cases were registered between March and June in the Eastern Province with Ngoma and Rwamagana districts having the biggest number.

National

100 youth trained to fight GBV