Volunteers to help tackle gender-based violence

YOUNG VOLUNTEERS working with the Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC) have been urged to play an active role in the fight against gender-based violence by championing behavioural change within their respective communities.The call was made on Friday at the passing out of 16 young men and women who had completed a ten-day training on the role of men in the promotion and protection of pregnant and lactating women rights, tackling domestic and gender-based violence as well as enhancing reproductive health. The youth were from the sectors of Rusenge, Nyagisozi, Kibeho and Cyahinda in Nyaruguru District.The day was also an occasion to award certificates to married couples who underwent the same training in the past few weeks.The training was organised by RWAMREC, a local non-governmental organisation which is engaging men in gender issues and promoting ‘positive masculinity’ which encourages men to be supportive of gender equality and women’s empowerment. The trainees will work at the community level as volunteers who will help educate members about the role of gender equality in development and the responsibility men must play in their respective families.Each of the volunteers received a kit which included a mobile phone, plastic boots, torch, bag, umbrella and complete rain clothes to carry out the task.Speaking at the function, Venant Nzabonimana, RWAMREC vice-chairperson, urged the trainees to mobilise their communities to reject violence and redefine masculine identity. He challenged them to be role models and help build harmonious families.He said: “Families which live harmoniously live a better life as opposed to those embroiled in conflicts.”The trainees promised to put the acquired skills to good use for the benefit of the community.Adela Nteziryayo, one of the trainees, said: “I will advise women to speak out against domestic violence because silence fuels it within families.”

National

Volunteers to help tackle gender-based violence