‘GBV impacts on food security’ – Research

MUHANGA- new research findings on Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Rwanda have indicated that domestic violence directly contributes to food insecurity and hunger in most households. The research comes as part of the outcomes of the 16 days campaign on GBV conducted by Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) Rwanda and sponsored by Oxfam GB, this month. YWCA coordinator, Prudentienne Uzamukunda, said that the research was aimed at showing the effects of GBV on food security at household level. “This is totally a new perspective which will enable families and communities to understand the circumstance surrounding GBV and its effects on their welfare,” Uzamukunda said in an interview mid this week. Uzamukunda explained that Nyabihu District was chosen as a case study since fact findings by the organization indicated a high frequency of GBV cases there. 300 families comprised the sample space. More than 85% of the respondents affirmed that there is a correlation between GBV and food insecurity in spite the fact that most didn’t make a clear difference between more food and balanced diets. Some of the research findings indicated that most children are victims of poor feeding or go hungry whenever parents are faced with conflict in the relationship. There are many consequences especially when the wife is battered and husbands end up spending money outside the family thus hunger in homes. Respondents suggested that this cycle of GBV can be stopped with education of couples and addressing cultural issues and consequences of the genocide through involvement of local community leaders and non government organizations. Chantal Nyiramisaga, one of the respondents, said, “This problem can be resolved if there is consistent education of couples and counselling services for families affected by GBV. This has to be done by the community and the local leaders.” During a validation meeting held in Nyabihu District, it was recommended that this problem should be addressed by: long-term massive public awareness and education, supporting victims and perpetrators through health counselling facilities and establishing responsive institutions, among others. daniel.sabiiti@newtimes.co.rw