During the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence(GBV), the Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV (RRP+) and the Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC) are calling on men to play their role in ending GBV and combating HIV/AIDS. The campaign is themed: “As a man, take part in preventing gender-based violence by doing so, you are also contributing to the prevention of HIV transmission.”
Deo Mutambuka, the Executive Secretary of RRP+, said they aim to prevent new HIV infections, especially among young people.
“We do not want to see new HIV infections. Getting tested to know your HIV status is key to taking the right measures. For those already living with HIV, treatment is free. If you take it correctly, you can live a healthy life like anyone else and you will not transmit HIV as long as you adhere to your medication properly.”
Gustave Muvunyi, a staff member at RWAMREC, explained that RWAMREC is a Rwandan organization dedicated to promoting gender equality and equity between men and women, and between boys and girls, with the aim of building strong and safe families. He emphasized that the organization especially encourages men and boys to adopt positive, non-violent masculine behaviors.
He said:”A man who has positive behavior is one who supports his wife to get tested for HIV, and a true man does not hesitate to support his wife in the overall development of their family.”
“For boys, it means respecting girls and not viewing them as objects for physical pleasure. For grown men, it means respecting women as equals, not reducing them to their bodies. Women are capable and have so much to contribute to the country and men, too, have great potential to contribute.” He added.
This campaign of 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence(GBV), which started on 25 November 2025 and will conclude on 10 December 2025, is being held under the theme: “Building a Violence-Free Family.”
It also coincides with 1 December, the annual World AIDS Day, whose theme for this year is “Resilient Communities, Renewed Response.”
Naomi Irakoze Mugaragu.
