As Rwanda concluded the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence earlier this month, it became clear that this campaign is not merely a short-term effort. Instead, it serves as a call to action for year-round commitment to challenging harmful norms, holding perpetrators accountable, and advancing gender equality. Rwanda is often celebrated for its strides in gender equality. According to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, it ranks 6th globally and 1st in Africa, with notable achievements in education, healthcare, and political representation. Women occupy 63% of parliamentary seats—the highest globally. Girls’ enrollment in primary education nearly equals boys’, and maternal mortality has dropped from 1,071 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 203 in 2020. These achievements stem from deliberate policies and frameworks implemented after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, including the Beijing Declaration and Rwanda’s progressive gender policies. Yet, gender-based violence (GBV), especially intimate partner violence (IPV), persists. In March 2023, I came across a devastating video of a young boy crying at his mother’s funeral. Through tears, he said: “After papa killed mama, he dismembered her and stuffed her head in a bucket.” The woman, Suzanne Murekeyiteto, was brutally murdered by her husband in Kimisagara, Nyarugenge District. Such heinous acts of violence are shocking but highlight a grim reality for many women. Cultural and religious norms in Rwanda often reinforce patriarchal systems that hinder women’s progress. Patriarchal cultural and religious norms continue to hinder progress. A Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC) study found that only 14% of men participate in unpaid care work, leaving women to bear most domestic responsibilities. This imbalance limits women’s economic participation and personal freedom. Engaging men requires more than education—it demands meeting them where they are. Men’s clubs and informal spaces like bars often serve as hubs for conversations that influence behavior. Civil society must rethink its engagement strategies, shifting from formal training to trust-based dialogues about male privilege, power imbalances, and family dynamics. Despite strong gender policies, societal attitudes change slowly. Cultural stigmas discourage women from leaving abusive marriages, promoting the belief that enduring hardship builds lasting unions—summed up in the phrase “niko zubakwa” (this is how marriages are built). Women who defy these norms risk being labeled ibishegabo—a derogatory term meaning “manly.” Challenging these narratives requires continuous education and awareness campaigns. A critical gap in Rwanda’s legal framework is the lack of distinct recognition for IPV. Grouping IPV under general GBV dilutes the specific nature of these crimes and hinders justice for survivors. Over the past few months, Rwandan media has reported at least 64 cases of women killed by partners—lives lost due to insufficient legal recognition and accountability. We also need culturally relevant terms for gender equality concepts in Kinyarwanda. During a recent conversation with a public servant from Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), I highlighted how the lack of precise Kinyarwanda terms undermines efforts to address GBV effectively. Naming violence is the first step toward tackling it. Public officials—custodians of laws and policies—must shift their mindsets to reflect the principles of equality enshrined in law. Women must be encouraged to report abuse, whether immediately or after time has passed. Survivors deserve a supportive system that respects their agency and preserves evidence to seek justice when ready. The fight against GBV must continue. Ending violence against women requires collective action from communities, individuals, and the government. We must prioritize prevention, demand accountability, and foster a culture of zero tolerance for impunity. To honor women like Suzanne, we must advocate for justice—not just for 16 days but every day. Speak out against violence, challenge harmful cultural norms, and support survivors. Together, we can create a Rwanda where women thrive, free from fear and violence. The writer is a communication professional and a women’s rights activist.
