Nyagatare-Health Development Initiative-Rwanda (HDI) yesterday launched a campaign against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Mumuri sector of Nyagatare District.Local leaders across the district joined the NGO in a one day campaign against GBV, and spread of HIV/AIDS in rural communities.Josephine Kamarebe, the HDI programme manager told The New Times that HDI was committed to building sustainable anti GBV programs in communities.She noted that HDI healthcare providers will empower grassroots leaders to better educate and serve their communities.“HIV/AIDS remains a threat to communities…we can’t live with deception that all is going well, we should continue campaigning against everything that would increase GBV in our communities. GBV and HIV are interrelated and must be jointly addressed.”Valentine Shuli, in charge of Social Affairs Mimuri sector, reiterated the need to emphasize the importance of the campaign in rural communities.She blamed the persistence of GBV on ignorance and traditional beliefs, adding that women kept silent on evils committed against them.
