At least 34 men and 25 women in Masaka sector, Kicukiro district have been trained about understanding men’s roles in gender promotion and positive masculinity.

The group that included local leaders, religious leaders and married couples underwent a five-day training course, organised by Women for Women International that aimed to ensure that gender equality was well understood.

The training that ended on Friday aimed at sensitising community leaders on their key role in influencing the community on gender relations and equality, said Justine Mbabazi, the in charge of social empowerment at Women for Women International.

Speaking to the press at the closure of the training in Masaka, Mbabazi said the training was successful.

"We used to train women only, but later realised that it was not having  significant impacts on family change. We therefore decided to train men and women together so that everyone can commit to supporting one another for the good of their families.”Mbabazi said.

"We also involve local and religious leaders in the training because they play a crucial role in changing the community’s perception. A lot of people are classified in various churches. Local leaders have so many responsibilities in the community. We expect the trainees to train others so that all families live in harmony without inequality, violence and conflict”, Mbabazi added

Since 1997 to date Women for Women International has equipped atleast 60,000 women with skills in business, entrepreneurship, marketing, literacy, human rights as well as practical skills that include tailoring, basket weaving, commercial farming and beekeeping among others .

Trainees ‘concerns

Steven Ruvunabagabo, a resident from Masaka sector, Kicukiro district said: "I used to make decisions for my family without consulting my wife. We would have disagreements and quarrels  steming from gender inequality. But during the training, where we were urged to fight against  gender inequality, drug abuse and good management of family property, my perception about women changed. I now know that we have to compliment each other so as to develop families  and country as well,” Ruvunabagabo said.

Alphonsine Yamfashije, another trainee, said that the skills her family got would help them grow and improve their welfare.

"My husband and I have put our differences aside. Men and women should work together to develop their families. We will also share with our neighbours what we acquired from the training.” Yamfashije said.

Felicien Ndacyayisenga, an evangelist from Association of Pentecost Churches in Rwanda (ADEPR), said husbands and wives should compliment each other, adding that the evangelists should be at the forefront of calling upon families to live in harmony.

Women for Women International is a non-profit humanitarian organisation that supports the marginalised by imparting in them skills to help them earn and save money, improve health and well being, influence decision making  in their home and community so that they can create sustainable change in their families and the community.