Police anti-gender violence initiatives commended

A total of 38 women delegates attending the ongoing Women In Parliament (WIP) Summit in Kigali yesterday visited the Rwanda National Police Gender Desk and the anti-gender and domestic violence medical wing – Isange One Stop Centre – at the Kacyiru Police Hospital to witness the Force’s response to gender violence and child abuse in the country. The experts toured various chambers of the Gender Desk and Isange, where they were briefed on the services offered to victims. Established in 2009 with the support of the First Lady, Jeannette Kagame, through Imbuto Foundation and One-UN Rwanda, Isange offers free medical, legal and psycho-socio services to rape victims. The gender desk has since been decentralised to all District Police Units across the country while Isange is being rolled out to all district hospitals to get closer to the people as a way of dealing with the vice. Senior Supt. Rose Muhisoni, Director of the Anti-GBV and Child Protection Directorate in Rwanda National Police, said the desk has a toll-free line (3512) that operates 24 hours and offers both legal and counselling services. This, SSP Muhisoni said, has led to reduction in family conflicts and helped women know their rights and report abuses. Dr Joyce Laboso, Deputy Speaker for Kenya National Assembly, commended the Force for combat ing incidences of gender violence. “It is impressive to break the silence of women and children on the challenges they face such as rape, defilement and assault,” Dr Laboso said. She also lauded legislators for enacting laws that promote gender equality and women rights. “This is very positive. Rwanda has women friendly policies,” she noted. About 150 experts from 45 countries across the world are attending a three-day WIP summit and are expected to join Rwandans on July 4 to mark the 20th liberation anniversary.