RWAMAGANA – Rwanda National Women Council (NWC) yesterday, concluded a three-day rights awareness programme as part of its efforts to stem Gender Based Violence (GBV). The workshop was attended by at least one woman representative from each district of the Eastern Province. According to Alice Uwingabiye, the NWC coordinator in the Eastern Province, the campaign is a national drive meant to empower women leaders, with the requisite knowledge and skills to help them fight GBV. She said some people were still ignorant of their rights which lead to persistent violence. “There are a number of gender concepts; however, the key concepts to attain gender balance are gender equity and equality. This was what the workshop was all about. We are happy that the women leaders are getting it right,” she stated. Lillian Uzamukira, one of the participants told The New Times, that women need to differentiate between sex and gender. “As women leaders, we must be able to define gender properly…this is only when they can be useful in a society that has had gender imbalance for ages. We have now conceptualised gender and shall take it in our daily obligations,” he said. Closing the workshop, Rwamagana District Mayor, Nehemie Uwimana, said training programmes of the kind were important. “Women represent the biggest part of our society...you as leaders need to be more knowledgeable, to help other women. Look at the factors affecting women’s economic situation...all they need is economic empowerment,” he underscored. Similar workshops will continue in other provinces countrywide. stephen.rwembeho@newtimes.co.rw
