Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the biggest evils affecting our community today. It is the harm inflicted on individuals and groups because of their gender. Women are more prone to GBV occurrences. Many of them even suffer at the hands of their husbands. The Rwandan Government has made strides towards eradicating this problem by sensitising people about the consequences of GBV. There are many ways and many tools we can use to eradicate GBV in our country, but it starts with our own individual contribution. Having good governance at all levels — making them able to identify the problem and solve it — is a great tool and the kind of support we need from the Government. Making sure that the people who break the law by violating the rights of children and women are brought to justice as this will also keep all Rwandans aware of the consequences of their actions. GBV doesn’t just threaten the lives and future of the victims, it hinders the development of the country as a whole since we all have a hand in its growth. We all need to put an end to gender-based violence because it affects our society, economy, and development. The writer is a Senior Five PCB student at Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare
