Residents of Rusizi have been called upon to stand up against gender based violence and child abuse which are still among the common crimes committed in communities.
The coordinator of National Women Council in Kamembe sector, Francine Mukakarangwa, made the call on August 25 while presiding over the official launch of the countrywide awareness campaign against GBV and child abuse in Rusizi District.
The awareness campaign was organized by the Rwanda National Police in partnership with the ministries of Family and Gender Promotion, Health and Justice to senstise the general public to prevent the vice.
Mukakarangwa further reminded that fighting gender based violence and human trafficking is a responsibility for everyone, and urged the entire community to continue working with security organs in preventing and fighting the crimes.
The campaign was attended by hundreds of residents in the City of Rusizi, security organs, public institutions, as well as non-governmental organizations in eliminating gender based violence.
“Due to domestic violence that is so common in most families, children are becoming street kids and idlers who eventually become drug addicts and criminals, we need to stop our children from running away by creating a better environment for them to grow” explained Mukakarangwa.
Gender-based violence is violence directed at an individual based on their sex, gender identity, or perceived adherence to socially defined norms of masculinity and femininity.
Mukakarangwa strongly condemned violence against women and girls. Adding that “Rusizi district will continue to work hard to curb gender based violence, we have stop GBV, the district should not be defined by GBV and child abuse.” ”
