26 November 2020-On Wednesday, Rwanda joins the rest of the world to launch the 16 Days of activism against Gender Based Violence under the theme: ‘Let’s build a family free of Gender Based Violence’. At national level, the event was held in Gasabo district, Jabana Sector, Bweramvura cell, Gitega village. Before the launch, Government officials, security organs, representatives of Development Partners, NGOs, Civil Society joined residents of the area in a walk to denounce GBV. Participants at the event abided by the government preventive measures to curb the widespread of Coronavirus.

Speaking at the event, The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Prof. BAYISENGE Jeannette called all actors to join hands in building a family free of GBV.

‘Building a family free of Gender Based Violence is a shared responsibility. Leaders, partners and all family members should work together in this fight. ‘No one should face GBV neither men, women, boys nor girls.’ - underlined Prof. Bayisenge

Prof. Bayisenge urged family members to increase efforts in prevention and timely reporting whenever GBV occurs adding that victims should be supported, taken to Isange One Stop Center to get holistic services and reintegrated instead of harassing them.

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau statistics indicate that the number of GBV cases has increased to 19.6% in 2019-2020 compared to the cases received in the previous fiscal year. According to these datas, in 2019, RIB received 10 842 GBV related crimes; the highest rate of these cases being child defilement, assault and domestic abuse.

The Deputy Secretary General of Rwanda Investigation Bureau Isabelle Kalihangabo warned that the body has amplified its efforts to investigate GBV cases. ‘Gender Based Violence remains one of the issues that impedes Rwandans’ welfare, it also hampers the development. The Rwanda Investigation Bureau will not tire to investigate GBV cases and apprehend culprits. I warn anyone who intends to commit such crimes to change his/her mind because they will face consequences.’

The UN Resident Coordinator Fode Ndiaye who spoke on behalf of Development partners, commended Rwanda’s efforts in tackling GBV. ‘The UN family in Rwanda will continue to together with the Government and different partners in addressing Gender Based Violence and the violence against women and girls.’ –added Prof. Fode

The 16 Days of activism against GBV takes place every year from 25 November when the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and girls and it runs until 10 December, a day to celebrate the Human Rights' Day. It is a call for action to all stakeholders to reiterate their efforts in halting all forms of gender-based violence especially violence against women and girls. Globally, this year’s theme is: ‘Fund, Respond, Prevent, and Collect’