From November 25 to December 10, Rwanda joined the global community in observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a worldwide campaign dedicated to ending all forms of violence against women and girls. Guided by this year’s national theme, “Twubake Umuryango Uzira Ihohotera”, translated by “All for violence-free families” the campaign mobilized citizens across all districts to strengthen family safety, unity, and resilience.

The official launch was conducted through Inteko z’Abaturage (community assemblies) nationwide, where leaders from Rwanda’s National Gender Machinery engaged communities in open dialogue with messages centered on promoting respectful, harmonious relationships within households, preventing GBV, combating human trafficking, and encouraging the citizens to denounce harmful practices and report any form of violence. A significant highlight of the 16 days was the commitment made by couples who had been cohabiting to formalize their unions legally, reinforcing the value of stable family.

In her message, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Consolée UWIMANA underscored the devastating impact of GBV and human trafficking, noting that these crimes inflict long-lasting trauma on victims, erode family dignity, and hinder national development. “Gender-based violence violates human rights, disrupts community well-being, and slows the progress we strive for. Let us unite our efforts to reject violence and build strong, safe families,” the Minister urged.

Over the 16 days, the campaign reached diverse groups, including motorcycle taxi operators, women in small businesses, university students, youth, and Rwanda’s leading social media influencers. Discussions placed strong emphasis on tackling technology-facilitated GBV, workplace harassment, and strengthening prevention and response mechanisms.

In the City of Kigali, Minister UWIMANA also held a meeting with grassroots leaders from sector to village level, reminding them that building safe families begins within the communities they serve at the village level. She called on them to identify family problems early, intervene proactively, and work collectively to prevent GBV, defilement, and other crimes threatening family stability.