GBV, a stumbling block to development; Minister

RULINDO- The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Dr Jeanne D’ Arc Mujawamariya yesterday called upon residents of Kisaro Sector , in Rulindo District to fight all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), saying that the vice is detrimental to the country’s socio-economic development. She said this during the launch the GBV week by the National Police as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations.“Gender-based violence exists in the form of violence against the body, mind and property, which is why all Rwandans committed to steering socio-economic development should strive to eradicate it,” said Mujawamariya. She further called upon residents to work hand-in-hand with Police to bring to book all those bent on promoting this vice in families, stressing that the GBV is contrary to Rwandan cultural norms. The Northern Province Governor, Aime Bosenibamwe, cautioned against polygamy, saying that this plays a major role in promoting GBV, especially within his province.“You should stick with your spouse to raise your children to be responsible citizens,” he said. “Local leaders at all levels should be at the forefront to fight all forms of gender discrimination, such as denying girls the right to education and a share in the family’s property”. Bosenibamwe also advised parents to practice family planning in order to bring up children they are able to feed and educate. On his part, the Commissioner General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana, said that GBV is one of the causes of insecurity in the country, which why the Police is committed to eradicate it by collaborating with residents. “Mechanisms we have put in place include the setting up of a Child and Family Protection unit charged with handling GBV issues, and branches have been spread to all police posts countrywide.” He added that the National Police has introduced anti-GBV clubs in schools and trained community policing personnel in all cells countrywide. The Anti-GBV week is the fourth week since police started the campaign that will run up to next month. All weeks had various themes where police indulged in activities beneficial to the public. Ends