Karongi – Rubengera: They Committed to Eradicating Gender-Based Violence and Child Abuse

In a training session held for local leaders in Karongi District, Rubengera Sector, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the theme of the session was “The Role of Local Leaders in Combating Gender-Based Violence and Child Abuse.” Local leaders stated that this training would help them address issues of GBV.

One of the participants shared, “What I learned is that there was violence in our villages that we didn’t know about, but now it is clear. We also know where to go to report because we were given advice on how to approach the administrative bodies for assistance. Now, we understand and will continue to educate others.”

Musabeyezu Monica, a resident of Rubengera Sector, Gacaca Cell, Remera Village, expressed her happiness about participating in the training. She discussed how gender-based violence is perpetrated and how individuals can protect themselves by recognizing it and providing information when they see it.

She said, “I benefited a lot from this training as a parent who has witnessed violence but didn’t know where to seek help. Now, we are committed to fight against it every day. We will be sharing information every day, and we hope that gender-based violence will end.” She added, “We are very grateful to those who organized this training (IOM Rwanda and Rwanda Investigation Bureau) , and we promise that we will produce good results because we are also going to train our peers.”

Nyirafasha Odette expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart. The lack of awareness about sexual violence against children was a significant issue, and this training was long overdue. We are very grateful because we now have information that we didn’t have before. I am here with others, and we will continue to share it with others.”

Uwamahoro Giselle, a social worker in the Mataba Cell, mentioned that they had not known where to approach the RIB (Rwanda Investigation Bureau) for help. However, she said that the training they received, along with the contact information provided, would be very helpful.

Ms. Sophie, the United Nations Migration Officer in charge of activities related to gender-based violence, explained to the participants the different ways in which gender-based violence is practiced in their communities and showed them how they can teach others.

Jean Claude Ntirenganya, the RIB’s Crime Prevention Officer, also spoke during the session. He said, “To address the issue of men abusing their wives sexually, we work closely with local authorities. When they receive this information and report it, the issue is addressed.”

He continued, “What remains is to maintain this attitude, with everyone contributing to solving this problem. We urge women who hesitate to report abuse, fearing that they may be betraying their spouses, to step forward and reveal that they are being abused. We are pleased that attitudes have changed.”

This training is being held in Nyabihu, Ngororero, Karongi, and Rutsiro Districts under the theme “The Role of Local Authorities in Fighting Crimes of Sexual Violence Against Children.”

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