Women vow to step up fight against gender based violence

Women have reaffirmed commitment to fight Gender Based Violence among other issues affecting them.The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Oda Gasinzigwa, announced this at a news briefing ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations due tomorrow. The national celebrations will be held in Musanze district under the theme: “Gender Equality that promotes family dignity.” The international theme, “The Gender Agenda: gaining momentum,” is aimed at strengthening the ongoing campaign of gender equality that promotes family dignity.Gasinzigwa outlined various activities such as women economic empowerment and girls’ awareness campaigns to be conducted this month as part of efforts to stem the vice.According to a 2012 police report, 68 women were sexually harassed while 381 children suffered gender based violence in the last three months of 2012.“Gender Based Violence statistics must be zero per cent,” Gasinzigwa said.Henriette Umulisa, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry noted that even if there are many achievements in terms of women development, gender based violence remains a challenge. “As we celebrate our achievements as women in all sectors, we should not forget our challenges. That’s why we take the whole month checking where we have not performed to our best and we revisit,” said Umulisa.Gasinzigwa said parents’ discussion forums will be organised monthly in which parents in a given cell will meet to discuss family issues and advise each other.The discussion forum, to involve both male and female parents will share ideas and find answers to problems in their families - will be launched officially today in Musanze district.

National

Women vow to step up fight against gender based violence