Regional strategy on GBV in the offing

REPRESENTATIVES from various local and regional organisations from the private and public institutions on Wednesday met in Kigali, to assess the progress made in the fight against gender based violence as well as develop new strategies to counter the vice.This is line with the declaration of the Heads of State and Government of the Members states of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLG) that was signed last year.During the fourth ordinary summit and special session on sexual and gender based violence that took place in Kampala, Heads of State from the 11 states agreed that among others, governments and developing partners will increase financial support to promote human and women rights awareness.Countries that signed the declaration include Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Republic of Sudan, Republic of Congo, Zambia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and Angola.“Based on what our Heads of State agreed, we want to ensure we share information basing on what we have so far done, but also collectively seek solutions for the challenges we are experiencing as a whole,” said Hyacinthe Budomo, the head of gender unit at the ICGLR headquarters in Burundi.He explained that despite the commitment and policies member states have put in place, their implementation to serve a purpose has not been as effective as expected. Budomo pointed out that there must be a political will to ensure that governments put in place effective policy implementation measures.Jeanne d`Arc Kanakuze, the Chairperson of Pro-Femmes Twese Hamwe, a Rwandan umbrella body for organisations working towards promotion of women, peace and development, said that organisations are putting in much effort in educating the public, especially rural women about their rights.“When people are aware of their rights, it is not very easy to violate them; and they will be able to report such cases,” said Kanakuze.The Director General at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Alfred Karekezi, said government has demonstrated commitment through coming up with strict mechanisms to fight GBV.“We not only have in place the legal framework against GBV, but we have also made sure that implementing structures are set-up from national to village level; as this will ensure that even rights for women at the grassroots are not violated,” Karekezi said.He added that in addition the law against GBV, the Isange One-Stop Centre that operates under the Rwanda National Police has also greatly contributed to the fight against GBV.