On December 10th, 2024, Women for Women Rwanda (WfW-Rwanda) proudly joined Gasabo District in the impactful closing ceremony of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The event, hosted at the Gasabo District office, brought together influential stakeholders, dedicated partners, and empowered community members, all united by the shared mission to build families free from GBV. WfW-Rwanda was represented by ten resilient women graduates from Jabana, Ndera, and Gikomero, whose presence emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering survivors and maintaining meaningful relationships with its alumni.
The event was officially opened by Bayasese Bernard, the District Executive Administrator of Gasabo, who set a powerful tone with his welcome address. He commended the efforts of all partners, including WfW-Rwanda, and acknowledged their vital contributions to the campaign's success. Highlighting the continuous nature of the fight against GBV, he urged everyone to sustain the momentum: “We still have the battle to fight.”
A key segment of the event was the presentation of activities conducted throughout the 16-day campaign under the theme “Family Free From GBV.” The campaign activities focused on engaging families and communities through educational programs, live radio discussions, and grassroots mobilizations. Broadcast live by Radio 1, Radio 10, and KT Radio, the event reached households across all villages in Gasabo, making it a truly inclusive and participatory initiative.
The interactive question-and-answer session captured public interest, with audience members asking pressing questions like:
- Does GBV concern only women?
- How do you plan to address deaths caused by delays in granting divorces?
- Are there plans to create awareness of violence against men?
These questions were addressed by key officials, including Mrs. Aline Umutoni, Director General of Family Promotion and Child Protection from MIGEPROF, and Bayasese Bernard, along with his Deputy, Mudaheranwa Regis. They assured the audience of ongoing efforts to combat all forms of violence and shared emergency contact numbers for victims in need of immediate help.
Theatrical performances added an emotional layer to the event, vividly portraying the destructive impact of GBV on families. This creative approach deepened public understanding and reinforced the importance of continued collaboration in combating GBV.
One of the most inspiring moments was the distribution of technical tools to victims of violence, including young mothers from various Gasabo villages. This gesture underscored the tangible support that partners like WfW-Rwanda extend to survivors, empowering them with resources to rebuild their lives.
The guest of honor, Mrs. Aline Umutoni, delivered a rousing closing speech. She expressed gratitude to all partners for their steadfast efforts, particularly praising those operating in Gasabo District. “We are officially closing the campaign, but GBV is still there, and we need to continue our efforts,” she said, rallying everyone to sustain the fight for peaceful and resilient families. As the festive season approaches, Mrs. Umutoni reminded attendees of the importance of celebrating responsibly, free from the shadow of violence.
For WfW-Rwanda, the event was a testament to the power of partnerships and community engagement. Participating alongside graduates not only demonstrated their success in socio-economic empowerment but also reinforced the enduring connection between WfW-Rwanda and the women it supports. These collaborations, both with local government and other stakeholders, are vital in creating safe, empowered communities where everyone can thrive.
As the campaign ends, WfW-Rwanda recommits to its mission of building a world where families are free from GBV. Together with our graduates, partners, and communities, we continue the work of turning this vision into reality.