RWAMAGANA -The Minister of Sports and Culture Protais Mitali has urged stakeholders, to assess the causes of Gender Based Violence and come up with viable solutions to stem the vice.

The Minister said this while addressing residents, students, and leaders of the Eastern Province during events to mark a campaign against gender based violence yesterday.

The event was preceded by a two kilometre awareness walk.

Mitali noted that the persistence of GBV and child abuse called for sustainable campaigns.

"It is important that we make a thorough research and assessment of causes of GBV...we can’t keep treating symptoms. Of course, prevention and severe punishment will continue, but lasting a answer is needed,” he said.

The outgoing Governor of Eastern Province Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, lamented the persistence of GBV, despite the vigilance to combat it.

The Governor disclosed that 218 GBV cases were recorded this year, stating that some of them were violent.

Reflecting on the recent rape and murder cases of two teenagers in Bugesera District, the Governor blamed the vice on drugs and consumption of illicit alcohol known as Kanyanga.

"We are disturbed by criminals, who smoke marijuana and or drink Kanyanga before they descend on their victims. The community too, shouldn’t remain passive when GBV and child abuse are going on,” she said.

Jeanne Mukakarangwa, a mother of four told The New Times that the society in general should be held responsible for GBV.

He said that children were in an environment that made them susceptible to defilement and rape.

"Teachers, parents, local leaders, security organs must show courage in the anti-GBV campaign. Criminals are amidst us...we can’t claim to be doing much, when we are not exposing them,” she said.

The anti-GBV campaign that kicked off on October 10 in the country is expected to end by 16th this month.

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