At the opening of a general assembly of the National Women Council at National level yesterday at La Palisse Hotel, it was noted that the law on Gender based violence has greatly brought a positive change.

"Previously, when a woman committed adultery, her punishments’ were stronger than when a man committed it (adultery).  The new law has brought justice,” Esperance Nyirasafari, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, said.

A vibrant debate with more than 50 women from all sectors of the country was presided over by the Speaker of Parliament, Rose Mukantabana, accompanied by Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya the Minister of Gender and Family promotion.

The assembly aimed at, among other things, analysing the annual report and performance of the council.

Nyirasafari defined GBV as any act that results in a bodily, pshchological, sexual and economic harm to anybody just because they are male or female. However, the most common GBV cited was conjugal rape.

Lamenting on how women have been violated in many ways, the official explained the necessity for women to understand the elements of the law protecting them.

"Conjugal rape is not accepted at all. It is not right to force a spouse into sexual relations without her or his consent. You should not be forced, intimidated in order to have a sexual relationship with your spouse,” Nyirasafari argued.

She added that it’s the responsibility for the two people to make sure that they peacefully agree because anything beyond that is against the law.

Points which were also pointed out include polygamy, concubinage, sexual slavery, harassment in homes and the related penalties.

Members who participated on behalf of the many admitted in many different ways that the GBV law will help both parties to enjoy and have a good relation which is based on the law.

Ends