NYARUGURU – Gender Based Violence (GBV) has been cited as a major challenge to people and development. A mother of three, Veneranda Mukamana, 34, a resident of Murambi cell in Mata Sector, Nyaruguru District, says violence is one of the causes of poverty in the district.“Though efforts are being made to end gender violence, some are still subjected to it,” she said.Mukamana, who is a member of the village executive committee, said she has never been experienced it, but attests that she has witnessed some local residents who have fallen victim.She is one of about 30 residents in Nyaruguru who, on Thursday, completed a two-day training on Gender Based Violence and HIV/Aids.The training, organised by the Action for Health and Integrated Development (AHID) under the financial support of UN Women, drew women representatives, Social Economic Development (SED) officers and members of Anti-GBV clubs in two sectors of the district.AHID is a local non-governmental organisation created in 2003 focusing on empowering vulnerable groups to become leaders in poverty reduction while at the same time advocating for health equity and social justiceThe function was held under the theme: “Engaging Women and Girls through Community Dialogue towards Accelerating Action against HIV and GBV.”“Women need to be actively involved and lead the fight against Gender based violence because they are the most victimised in such cases,” said Odette Mukanzigiye, a SED officer in Rwamiko.“The first step is sensitisation in order for women to be aware of the vice and own the battle”.For Mukamana, the fight starts with her. “I will start with those families known for being violent. I will offer advice on how they can peacefully settle their differences without resorting to violence and then, when I fail to bring them to the right track, I will call in authorities for help,” she vowed.“Ownership of this fight is very important if women are to win it”.Speaking to The New Times, the country coordinator of AHID, Dany Rubibi, said the exercise targeted mainly women because they are the ‘high-risk group’ and their action can change the flow of events.He observed that through violence, HIV/Aids were getting room.“Once one is subjected to GBV, chances are that they might also contract HIV. That’s why we are taking the two together in order to fight them both,” he explained.He said similar trainings have been organised in the districts of Bugesera and Gatsibo and that others are scheduled to take place in Gisagara and Gakenke.
