The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence marked globally every year from 25th November—the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—until 10th December- Human Rights Day—are being observed in the whole country. The campaign is a key moment to call for an end to violence against women and girls, and this year’s theme is “Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls”. Indeed, we cannot just wish gender-based violence away. Like every other commitment, words alone will not end the vice. ALSO READ Rwanda to mark 16 Days of Activism against GBV in Bugesera In 2009, with support from different partners, the government launched the Isange One Stop Centre (IOSC) model to provide holistic free-of-charge services required to support gender-based violence victims and survivors. The services provided included medical, legal, psychotherapy, and more. Since its evident effectiveness, this model has over the years been scaled up nationwide so that everyone can have access. ALSO READ: Minister Uwamariya wants to boost Regional Centre of Excellence on GBV, child abuse Some may wonder, why invest millions of dollars in “curing the consequences”, but the fact is that more often than not, crimes are committed if perpetrators are sure they won’t face any repercussions. If the perpetrators are likely to get away with the offense, then whoever intends to commit the crime won’t find litigation as a limiting factor. So the IOSC model, which has ensured that people who wouldn’t otherwise afford to seek justice get it free of charge, and can acquire physical and emotional treatment and helped them access safe houses for them and their children, has done a great deal of preventing gender-based violence by treating what has already happened with zero tolerance. Some people will casually refer to minors as “RIB” (Rwanda Investigation Bureau)- which oversees IOSC. Although inappropriate, it only shows how serious defilement is now taken in communities of today. It was a different story a few years ago, when this institution did not exist. Continuous investment towards prevention of gender-based violence, which can be done in various ways, will go a long way in ensuring that the goal to achieve zero cases is achieved. And the good news is that this is a very achievable goal but everyone must have a role to play. We can do more than just talking about ending it. Beyond the Isange facility, substantial investment must be made towards influencing behavioral change through vigorous campaigns. All members of the community should also play a role towards supporting victims and survivors get all the help they need, or even invest in security where we work or live. We can also invest in research, to help those who are affected get swift and fair justice.
