Editor,

Reference is made to Lonzen Rugira’s article, "Rwanda’s GBV fight subverted by socio-cultural forces” (The New Times, June 29).

The issue of rape and sexual assault remains another hindrance to social development in Africa. At least the Government of Rwanda has made tremendous efforts to empower women.

I am very proud that Rwanda has the highest number of women representation in parliament in the world and women are also well represented at other levels of governance. However, we should strive to eliminate culture and customs that dehumanize women and young girls such as shame associated with reporting rape and victimization of rape victims.

We should encourage all the victims to come out and narrate their ordeals in order to deter more crimes.

As mentioned, some of the perpetrators are close relatives. Indeed, in recent years, there have been many cases in which male guardians impregnated girls under their care; in some other cases, orphans became sex slaves to their adopted fathers — not to mention leaders who use their position to satisfy their  sexual desire.

Butare