Nyabihu District has recorded an increase in reported gender-based violence (GBV) cases, a trend local authorities attribute to heightened awareness that has encouraged more survivors to come forward and seek justice. Data from the past five months show that most reported cases are linked to property disputes and sex-related violence. As of December 2025, 40 cases had been reported—six in July, six in August, 14 in September, eight in October and six in November out of 83 GBV cases recorded at Shyira District Hospital, which also serves parts of Muhanga, Ngororero and Gakenke districts. ALSO READ: Unmasking the silent pain of gender-based violence “This shift is a positive sign, as more victims now feel comfortable coming forward to report abuse,” said Pascal Simpenzwe, the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs. He explained that many cases stem from harmful practices rooted in traditional norms and disregard for the law. “Some people still hold a poor mindset, believing that a woman is an object they can use however they want,” Simpenzwe added. While property-related disputes and sex-related violence remain persistent challenges, the district plans to intensify community education to improve understanding of GBV laws and reporting mechanisms. “The rise in reported GBV cases is not necessarily due to more incidents, but because more people now know their rights,” Simpenzwe told The New Times. “It reflects progress from community mobilisation efforts that encourage survivors to report violence. Concealment of GBV cases is decreasing as people better understand what to do and the channels available for reporting.” Call for economic support Maurice Nizeyimana, Country Director of Health Poverty Action Rwanda, one of the district’s partners in GBV response identified financial dependence as a major driver of violence in many households. “Many women in Nyabihu depend entirely on their husbands economically, which makes them more vulnerable to GBV,” he said. He noted that about 594 women have received soft-skills training and tea-plucking skills to help them gain financial independence, while others have been trained to form savings groups. However, many survivors still lack adequate support to rebuild their livelihoods. “There are many GBV survivors who need to be empowered,” Nizeyimana said. “Women in rural areas need sustained support to become economically stable, reducing dependency on their husbands and, in turn, the risk of further abuse.” Dorcas Uwamahoro, 21, a resident of Jenda Sector, is among the few survivors willing to speak publicly about her ordeal. She recounted being forced into sex, which resulted in an unplanned pregnancy. She said the man responsible, who was initially jailed for rape, was later released under unclear circumstances, leaving her facing severe health and livelihood challenges. ALSO READ: Where and how to seek help in case of gender-based violence Despite relying on a savings group formed by GBV survivors to improve her livelihood, Uwamahoro said access to justice remains critical not only for her, but for other vulnerable victims in the district to ensure accountability and child support. “I don’t live with him,” she said, her voice shaking. “I’m on my own, heavily pregnant.” She added that she previously survived by selling fertilisers.
