The Rwanda National Police (RNP yesterday inaugurated a gender desk at the Kicukiro police station, as the force continues the road to protecting Rwandans against gender based violence. It’s also part of the force’s campaign to decentralise anti-gender-based activities. The facility, worth over Rwf30 million, situated in Kicukiro sector, was constructed in conjunction with Kicukiro District. The centre will offer psycho-socio and legal services to GBV victims, among others. The Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, Odda Gasinzigwa, who presided over the exercise, thanked RNP and Kicukiro District for reaching out to the victims of GBV and to advance the rights of women and girls. “We cannot eradicate gender-based violence unless we prevent whatever act that may lead to it,” the minister (pictured) said. She appealed to leaders to mobilise and sensitise the public to report on time all sorts of domestic violence, as an effective way of combating the vice. Gender based violence, though is on the decrease, is still high compared to other crimes. Paul Jules Ndamage, the mayor of Kicukiro, said the centre will offer external assistance to GBV victims, who previously were travelling to other places for assistance. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel K. Gasana, said the force has “moved from commitment to action.” “It will serve as a model centre in addressing Gender affiliated violence,” the IGP explained. The Police chief said plans are underway to open similar centres at all Police Stations in the country to complement the activities of Isange One-Stop centre. He urged the public to abstain from drug consumption, which is said to be the main cause of GBV.
