Directorate General of Family Promotion and Child Protection
The Family Promotion and Child Protection Directorate oversees all interventions related to family promotion and child protection. The Directorate develops all policies related to family, fighting Gender Based Violence (GBV), violence against women and girls, domestic violence and violence against children in all its forms. It also oversees the coordination of different stakeholders who intervene in the areas of family promotion and child protection.
48
Isange One Stop Centers countrywide that provide holistic services to GBV and child abuse victims
29,674
'Inshuti z’Umuryango (IZU) ’/Friends of the Family-volunteers who are charged to protect children
2
'Inshuti z’Umuryango' per each village Have been trained on children’s rights
30
Access to Justice Offices countrywide-Maison d'Accès à la Justice (MAJ) in all districts, whereby one of its three staff is specifically in charge of dealing with Gender Based Violence issues.
Rwanda
Initiated the Kigali International Conference Declaration (KICD) on the role of security organs in ending Violence Against Women and Girls and the Africa UNiTE campaign
Kigali City
Among the cities implementing the pilot Safe cities programme intended to increase women and girl’s safety in public spaces
About the Directorate
The Government of Rwanda is committed to placing the family at the center of national development, recognizing it as a foundation for equitable and sustainable progress. This commitment is reflected in key national policies such as NST2, Vision 2050, and the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda. Article 18 of the Constitution underscores that the family is the natural foundation of Rwandan society and must be protected by the State.
The Family Promotion and Child Protection Directorate is responsible for the formulation, coordination, and oversight of all policies and interventions related to family welfare and child protection. This includes policies on promoting safe and resilient families, the prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), violence against women and girls, domestic violence, and all forms of child abuse.
The Directorate also coordinates the efforts of various stakeholders working in these areas.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Promoting safe and resilient families
The National Family and Nutrition Policy, established in 2024, aims to promote stable and prosperous families grounded in positive cultural values and mutual understanding. It also seeks to ensure the nutritional well-being of all family members, enabling them to equitably benefit from and contribute sustainably to national socio-economic development.
Law No. 71/2024 of 26/06/2024, governing persons and family was enacted to promote harmony within families by regulating matters related to persons, family, matrimonial regimes, donations, and successions.
Umugoroba w’Imiryango (Evening Family Gathering): a forum held once a month in villages across the country, providing a platform for community members: men, women, youth and children (at least twice a year) —to discuss issues impacting their well-being, including GBV, conflicts, and other challenges affecting their development and harmony. Together, they work to find solutions to these issues.
The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), in collaboration with its partners, has established 17 indicators of a safe and resilient family as a tool to measure family harmony and safety. These indicators were developed around three main pillars: good governance, social welfare, and economic development.
The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), in collaboration with various governmental entities, non-governmental organizations, and religious institutions, has also developed a comprehensive guide titled "Twubake Urugo Rwiza" (Let's Build a Good Household). A guide aiming at preparing individuals intending to marry ( aspiring couples) and provide support to couples already living together, helping them understand and fulfill their responsibilities to create a harmonious household.
Every year, on May 15th, the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) joins the global community in celebrating the International Day of Families (IDF), recognizing the family as the foundation of society.
Fighting against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
The National Policy against Gender-Based Violence, established in 2011, envisions a Rwandan society free from GBV. The policy aims to ensure that the country can effectively and efficiently prevent and respond to all forms of gender-based violence.
Isange One stop centers: To support victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and child abuse in accessing comprehensive services in one location, the Isange One Stop Center model was established. This approach aims to reduce travel distances, prevent the risk of evidence tampering, ensure the safety and security of victims, and strengthen coordination among service providers. Currently, Rwanda has 48 Isange One Stop Centers, each equipped with two safe rooms—one for men and another for women. In addition, four safe shelters have been established across the country to provide temporary refuge for victims in need. At each Isange One Stop Center, victims receive a holistic package of services, including access to justice, psychosocial support, healthcare, safe shelter when required, and assistance with community reintegration.
In 2008, Law No. 59/2008 on the Prevention and Punishment of Gender-Based Violence was enacted to prevent and combat all forms of gender-based violence.