Kigali, 28 September
In an unprecedented partnership with UNIFEM to end Gender Based Violence, the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) has launched a program to engage its officers in addressing the nature and impact of gendered violence in the country, and identify effective strategies to combat it.The program was launched with a 2-day training workshop for high-level RDF officers aimed at providing a deeper understanding of GBV and related security issues through facilitated sessions on Gender concepts and analysis.
The participants set out to analyse the causes and impact of GBV in Rwanda , particularly in the context of the 1994 genocide and its aftermath, exchange experiences on interventions to end GBV, and discuss strategic and relevant approaches for the military to respond to GBV in a more holistic approach to national and regional security.
“It is imperative to note that GBV is considered a security threat by the RDF and that it breeds a severely negative impact on socio-economic development in general, and human rights in particular,” declared Army Chief of General Staff,General James Kabarebe, addressing Army officers, UNIFEM staff, and the media at the Ministry of Defense’s headquarters in Kigali . “The RDF aims to strengthen efforts to integrate the reduction of GBV into our conflict prevention programs and strategies,” General Kabarebe continued.
The RDF chose to initiate their program in the Northern and Western provinces of the country, known for high levels of GBV related to practices such as polygamy and forced early marriage. Primary activities include training of RDF officers identified as capable of conducting further training for their colleagues stationed around the country. The Army will extend its sensitization campaign beyond its barracks to the communities that it engages closely with on a regular basis; it has planned programs for national and private radio stations, newspapers, as well as advocacy materials such as brochures and billboards. The Army’s official publication, INGABO, will run a special edition on GBV.
RDF officers discuss recommendations to combat GBV in Rwanda
“Today marks an important milestone in the partnership between UNIFEM and the Rwandan Defense Forces, as we launch a program that seeks to address the causes and impact of GBV in times of peace and war, and effectively partner with the Armed Forces to prevent and rapidly respond to the violation of women’s rights, both on home soil and abroad,” said UNIFEM Regional Program Director, Josephine Odera, in her opening remarks at the launch. She noted that the types of GBV perpetrated against women in times of conflict reflect the norms tolerated during peace time, but are aggravated by the climate of hostility, stress, lawlessness, impunity, and the proliferation of arms and armed personnel.
Participants of RDF training on GBV. Front Row includes (L-R): Violet Kabarenzi (UNIFEM Consultant – trainer), Donnah Kamashazi (UNIFEM NPO), RDF CGS General James Kabarebe, UNIFEM RPD Josephine Odera, General Jack Nziza, Irene Zirimwabagabo (UNIFEM Communications officer), John Mutamba (UNIFEM Consultant –Trainer)
“We at UNIFEM agree that GBV, and specifically Violence against Women, is a national security issue, and that the RDF – with its mandate to ensure the security and safety of Rwanda and all her citizens – is strategically placed to contribute to ending GBV in Rwanda’s homes and communities,” said Odera.
