Kayonza leaders pledge to eliminate GBV

Kayonza District Mayor has called on area residents to collaborate with government authorities to tackle all forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the country. John Mugabo made the appeal during a function organised by Barakabaho Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by the Anglican Church in Gahini Diocese. “GBV has been one of the major stumbling blocks towards the development of Rwandan families in all aspects of life for so many years,” he noted. “But I encourage you as concerned residents of this district to know that it’s high time that we stand up to counter this challenge to enable our country to achieve sustainable development.” He urged the residents to always report any kind of GBV to the nearest government authorities and avoid concealing such crimes. The mayor said the district management in partnership with Barakabaho Foundation and religious leaders will continue to carry out sensitisation campaigns to rally the residents behind the government drive aimed at a GBV-free nation. Mugabo noted that about 70 percent of the total complaints received at the sectors are GBV-related saying that they would continue to fight against ignorance in the area which he said is also a leading cause of GBV. He further asked residents to come up with income generating activities, which he said, will enable the country to fight against poverty. Bishop Alexis Birindabagabo of Gahini Diocese said that Barakabaho Foundation will also undertake various activities aimed at fighting against the HIV/Aids scourge across all the districts in the country. He emphasised that the diocese would continue to mobilise the population to fight against GBV and HIV/Aids. steven.mugisha@newtimes.co.rw

National

Kayonza leaders pledge to eliminate GBV