200 domestic workers from Kimisagara, Gitega and Nyakabanda sectors in the City of Kigali have vowed to be agents of change in fight against early marriage and unwanted pregnancies. They made the commitment on Friday, during the closure of a 2-month training aimed at raising awareness of sexual related crimes in order to fight against early and illegal marriages. Yvonne Nyirakaneza, the in charge of marital status in Kimisagara sector, said the training was organized to make them be aware of their rights and reproductive health issues. “Domestic workers meet sexual related violence such as unwanted pregnancies and early marriage. Sometimes, their employers are involved in violating them. We have organized such a training to let them know their rights and how they can protect themselves. In case of unwanted pregnancies, they do not know anything about child registration,” Nyirakaneza said. Lyhotely Ndagijimana the president of ADBE, organizer of the training, said domestic workers were equipped with skills to improve living conditions through raising awareness on reproductive health, sexual and domestic violence as well as n savings and loan schemes and creation of small income generating activities. Fortune Uwiduhaye said that the skills will help her to sensitize her colleagues on consequences of illegal marriages and unwanted pregnancies. ADBEF is a non-profit organization aims at promoting family welfare and development through family capacity building, defence of human rights, and advocacy for vulnerable people. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
