The Rwanda Feminist Forum (RWAFEM), in collaboration with civil society organizations and other partners, has convened multi stakeholder dialogues to review research findings on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and propose concrete recommendations for improving laws and policies in Rwanda.
Despite significant progress in preventing and responding to GBV, participants emphasized that gaps remain in both legislation and implementation. They called for targeted updates to address emerging forms of violence and provide better protection for survivors.
Mwumvaneza Joseph, Deputy Secretary General of the Confederation of Trade Unions in Rwanda (COTRAF Rwanda), praised the research, saying:
“Research like this helps us identify existing problems based on evidence. When data and recommendations from citizens and stakeholders are taken into account, they strengthen laws and provide better protection for those most at risk of gender based violence.”
Keza Céline stressed the need for collective responsibility: “Fighting gender based violence is not only the duty of the government or civil society organizations. It is the responsibility of every person in the family, at work, and in daily life. When we all understand the problem the same way and stand up together, only then can we reduce and prevent it.”
Umuhoza Chantal of Spectra Ltd, who contributed to drafting policy recommendations, highlighted a key gap identified in the review:
“One of the most important findings is the need for a clear and precise definition of gender-based violence. When people have different understandings of what GBV is, it affects our ability to fight it and protect survivors. The law must define this clearly so that all institutions understand it the same way.”
Patience Iribagiza, Executive Director of AFROARK, noted that the collected recommendations will be submitted to relevant authorities:
“The recommendations gathered will be presented to the responsible institutions to be used in the review of the law against gender-based violence. It is crucial that the views of citizens and partners are considered, as they reveal where current laws and strategies have not fully reached, allowing us to improve protection for survivors and prevention efforts in a sustainable way.”
Law No. 59/2008 on the Prevention and Punishment of Gender-Based Violence is currently under review by Parliament. Stakeholders hope the inputs from these dialogues will help modernize the law, close existing loopholes, and strengthen Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to eliminating GBV.
Naomi Irakoze Mugaragu.