GMO to give more attention to countryside

The Gender Monitoring Office (GMO) has said gender based violence is more predominant in the countryside, specifically because monitoring and follow up on cases is still low.This was said, yesterday, during a workshop to unveil the action plan for 2012/2013.GMO was unveiling strategies to propel its officials in owning and understanding several of its projects in order to become the country’s reference point for gender related information. “We shall organise follow-up activities with GMO officials operating in various districts, as well as work with them to provide technical guidance for development of gender budget statements. With that in place, we shall be able to carry out research on gender perceptions amongst Rwandans, as well as gender based violence and unwanted pregnancies in schools,” Aquiline Niwenfura, the Executive Secretary of GMO, said.“The research will particularly focus on four sectors; trade, employment, social protection and sanitation”.According to statistics from the national police, the Eastern Province reports the most cases of gender based violence, with 356 cases reported between January and April.This is followed by the Southern and Western Provinces which reported 258 and 154 in the same period, respectively.Although GMO acts as a watchdog on gender ia, it largely depends on research from other institutions like the national police, and desires to expand its own findings and produce a countrywide survey on all indicators of gender inequality.“Currently, we do not have a survey on gender based violence, but have conducted research in the districts of Rubavu, Rusizi, Gasabo, Nyagatare, Gasabo and more. However in the next financial year (2012/2013), our plan is to expand and have a countrywide survey,” Niwenfura said.“Although we get regular support from the government, we want to woo more donors to support our activities in the future.”In order to fulfil its functions properly, GMO was set up as an independent body. Its budget is, however, supported by the government and it is supervised by the office of the Prime Minister.The body’s objectives include monitoring the compliance principles and policies of gender, by the government, private sector, NGOs and faith organizations.

National

GMO to give more attention to countryside