The Young Women’s Christian Association of Rwanda (YWCA Rwanda) held an event on June 4, 2025, to recognise schools and student clubs actively working to prevent School Related Gender Based Violence (SRGBV). The event was part of the second phase of a project titled Let’s Fight Gender-Based Violence (LEFGBV), implemented in partnership with Never Again Rwanda and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) since 2023. The project focuses on reducing school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) by strengthening safeguarding policies and practices in 10 secondary schools, including 8 across Bugesera and 2 in Kicukiro districts, as well as in two (2) higher learning institutions in Kicukiro District. It focuses on building strategic partnerships, engaging communities, strengthening capacities, advocating for policy improvements, and raising awareness of safeguarding principles within schools. ALSO READ: Ending GBV in schools: The case of Bugesera District According to Pudentienne Uzamukunda, Executive Director of YWCA Rwanda, the LEFGBV (Let’s Fight Gender-Based Violence) project over the past two years has reached 19724 students, including 10,272 girls and 9,452 boys through innovative, student-led awareness initiatives, including storytelling, poetry, songs, sketches, drama, bulletin displays, and community work (Umuganda). Additionally, 10 head teachers and 20 teacher mentors were trained on the Boys for Change approach, equipping them to foster gender equality, respectful behaviors, and positive masculinity among students which resulted in the establishment of 10 Champion for Change clubs in each school. “Quality education cannot be achieved in environments where gender-based violence exists, especially in schools. Today should not only be a moment to share our achievements but also an opportunity to learn from one another, a starting point for a broader and lasting partnership. Together, we can build schools free from violence, where every child learns in safety and with hope for the future,” she said. She emphasized that the initiative aligns with YWCA Rwanda’s long-standing mission to support the development of women and girls and to ensure that education takes place in safe, inclusive spaces. ALSO READ: Yes, we need to invest in GBV prevention Viateur Mwumvaneza, Headteacher of GS Kagasa Mwogo, expressed appreciation to YWCA Rwanda for supporting schools in creating a safer environment for students. He noted that their school’s Anti-GBV club has not only raised awareness among learners but has also helped integrate SRGBV prevention into broader school and community practices. “We thank YWCA Rwanda for supporting us in raising and caring for the children entrusted to us by parents. Combating SRGB in school has become a regular topic in school forums, with awareness and advocacy efforts also extending to the surrounding community,” He said He highlighted how the school has taken proactive steps, such as using school assemblies and general parent meetings to address SRGBV. During the recognition event, eight schools of project interventions were honoured for their outstanding efforts in promoting safe and inclusive learning environments through SRGBV prevention and safeguarding practices. These schools included GS Ruhuha, GS Musenyi, GS Kagasa Mwogo TSS, GS Biharagu, GS Nyamata Catholique, GS Kamabare, GS Nkanga, and GS Ririma Catholique. Among them, GS Kagasa Mwogo TSS, GS Nkanga, and GS Kamabare were recognized as the top three performing schools. District Director of Education, Jacques Gashumba, reflected on how far schools have come in creating safer learning spaces, noting that the day was about acknowledging the real work being done by students, teachers, and parents to fight gender-based violence in schools and beyond. He pointed out that schools like GS Kagasa Mwogo have made safeguarding guidelines a shared responsibility, engaging students through dedicated clubs, and ensuring SRGBV prevention is prioritised even in parents’ meetings and local community forums. “This day is a chance to see how much impact these efforts are having, not only in schools but also in families and neighborhoods. Our students are not just learning, they are leading,” he said. ALSO READ: Sexual exploitation of Bugesera minors is as bad as it gets Gashumba also commended the role of the student clubs serving as Champions for Change, to extend their advocacy into community spaces, delivering messages about ending school-related violence during public gatherings. Alpha Uwera, a student at GS Kagasa Mwogo, the school that took first place, expressed great joy over the recognition. “I’m very happy that our school was awarded first place. I didn’t expect it, but it’s about time, people recognize the work our clubs do. I believe this will raise more awareness in other schools and help us better fight gender-based violence,” she said. Another student from GS Nkanga, which came second, Philippe Ndikumana, shared his appreciation for the education they received on gender-based violence and how it has helped his school improve. “Today, we are very happy because we were taught about school-related gender-based violence, and my school’s knowledge and efforts to fight it have improved. I now know how to support a victim of GBV and where to seek support in case of GBV. The money given to us will help us spread awareness,” He said. The operationalization of clubs and the formation of safeguarding committees in each school have significantly contributed to creating safer learning environments. These efforts have also indirectly improved education outcomes, particularly for learners from conflict-affected households.
