25 November 2021 – Today Rwanda joined the rest of the world in a 16-Days campaign to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV). At the national level, the campaign was launched in Gatsibo district, where Government officials, Development Partners, Non-Governmental Organisations and Civil Society joined local residents in a walk to denounce GBV.

Themed ‘Speak Out! End Gender-Based Violence’, the campaign will be marked by diverse activities, including a special Car-Free Day scheduled on 5 December in Kigali.

The number of GBV cases reported has increased to 12,804 currently from 4,947 in 2017, mainly as a result of decentralization of services to prevent and respond to GBV, including through Isange One Stop Centers operating in 44 district hospitals countrywide, Isange mobile vans, health centers. In addition, the National Public Prosecution Authority has recently established an online Sex Offenders’ Registry.

The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Prof. Jeannette Bayisenge called on all to join hands in addressing GBV by promptly reporting incidents. “We cannot end Gender-Based Violence if we don't break the silence, overcome stigma and report cases to authorities for prompt response and follow-up. Protecting and caring for victims of GBV takes collective efforts, no institution or individual alone can eliminate this impediment to full rights, gender equality and development efforts,” Minister Bayisenge underlined

The UN Women Representative in Rwanda, Ms. Fatou Lo, reiterated the body’s strong partnership with the Government of Rwanda in addressing Gender-Based Violence.

“Gender-Based Violence is a human rights violation and when these rights are upheld, we all benefit. UN Women stands firmly with the Government of Rwanda and all stakeholders to put an end to Gender-Based Violence,” Ms. Fatou noted.

This international campaign to combat GBV takes place every year on 25 November as the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, and it runs until 10 December, which marks Human Rights' Day.  Globally, this year’s theme is: ‘Orange the world: End violence against women now!’