NORTHERN PROVINCE Women in the Northern Province have blamed the opposite sex for not playing a part in the struggle for women emancipation in the country. Various women selected from different anti-domestic violence groups in the province, said this during their consultative meetings on how to stem domestic violence recently. The meetings held in different area districts, were organised by LADTS. This is an NGO working to build harmony and peace within families by engaging both men and women in the anti- violence campaign. Speakers noted that domestic violence against women normally arises whenever women involve in business making. According to the coordinator of LADTS, the participants were being trained on how to handle domestic related violence in homes in order to create harmonious families. The participants formed an umbrella association which will unite all the anti gender violence teams from the sectors, to serve as a forum for addressing cases of violence, supporting women entrepreneurship and protecting children rights. At the Musanze meeting, Pascal Butunge, the District vice Mayor in charge of social affairs, warned local leaders against condoning any form of violence including wife beating, cultural practices violating women’s rights and harsh punishments given to children. He cited two recent cases where children fled their homes and were found hiding in the nearby bush to escape harsh punishment from their parents. The training which was sponsored by NPA-Norwegian Peoples Aid, attracted religious leaders, sector social affairs officials, NGOs and police. Ends
