Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on Wednesday, May 7, launched an anti-gender-based violence (GBV) workshop in Nyamasheke District, bringing together 100 spouses of servicemen. The workshop aims to promote the welfare of military families and raise awareness about preventing GBV. This event is part of a broader initiative targeting military spouses in the districts of Nyamasheke, Rutsiro, Ngororero, Nyaruguru, Gisagara, and Nyamagabe, the RDF said is a statement. The seven-day workshop is a collaborative effort involving the RDF’s J9 and J1 Departments, Military Medical Insurance, Zigama CSS, Auditorat Militaire, the Ministry of Defence Complementary Pension Scheme, and the Armed Forces Shop. The Mayor of Nyamasheke District, Narcisse Mupenzi, who officially opened the event, encouraged the participants to take an active role in strengthening their families and serving as positive role models in their communities. Col Seraphine Nyirasafari, Director of Civil Military Cooperation at the RDF’s J9 Department, highlighted that the workshop aims to promote GBV prevention and address broader family welfare concerns. She emphasized that the initiative demonstrates the RDF’s commitment to supporting military families and advancing gender equality. The participants engaged in an interactive session with a panel from the RDF joint team, who shared insights into the ongoing efforts by RDF leadership to support family well-being and gender equality. The discussions provided a platform for open dialogue, allowing spouses to ask questions, share concerns, and seek clarity on key issues. Similar workshops were held in 2018 and 2019 in 15 districts, the RDF said, adding that these have shown positive outcomes in combating GBV and enhancing the well-being of military families.
