Stakeholders discuss men’s role in fighting GBV

Representatives from various organisations, public and private institutions on Friday concluded a three day conference to devise means through which men can effectively get involved in fighting Gender Based Violence (GBV).Organised by the Rwanda Men`s Resource Centre (RWAMREC), the conference that was held in Kigali also aimed at strengthening men`s effective engagement in contributing to the success of national response programmes to HIV/Aids.“Most cases that have eventually turned out to be GBV crimes are as a result of men who claim to be above women- therefore violating women`s rights,” said Edouard Munyamaliza, the Executive Secretary of RWAMREC.He called upon husbands not only to respect the GBV law but also take personal responsibility in changing the mindset of others.Munyamaliza added that there was need to intensify sensitisation about the GBV law, arguing that ignorance is one of the major causes of GBV.The conference attracted participants from Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), theGender Ministry, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).