Violence against women and girls is one of the worldโs most prevalent human rights violations, it has serious short- and long-term physical, economic and psychological consequences on women and girls undermining health, dignity and security of its victims.
It is imperative that Haguruka, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting and defending the rights of women and children September 28, 2023, hosted a breakfast meeting to showcase its innovative approaches to preventing and responding to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The event, held in alignment with the global 16 Days Of Activism campaign against gender-based violence, gathered stakeholders from government entities and partner organizations. The meeting aimed not only to present Haguruka’s successful approaches in combating GBV but also to foster collaboration and synergy among organizations working towards a similar cause.
Ninette Umurerwa, the Executive Secretary of Haguruka, presented the organization’s impact over the past five years, highlighting key approaches such as mobile legal aid clinics and community dialogues. These efforts contributed to the capacity building of over 3,000 individuals and raised awareness among 14,466 people, creating an impact in communities. Haguruka’s interventions, spanning access to justice, psychosocial support, research, and advocacy, were recognized as a catalyst for positive change.
In her speech Munyankindi Monique, the Chairperson of Haguruka, expressed gratitude to partners, emphasizing the crucial role played by both local and international supporters, including the Government of Rwanda.
Solange Impanoyimana, representing the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, commended Haguruka’s tangible impact, stating, “As the long-term partner of Haguruka, we witness the tangible impact that Hagurukaโs interventions have on the lives of those affected by and at risk of gender-based violence.”
Mireille Batamuliza, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, expressed gratitude for Haguruka’s efforts to GBV. She urged continued collective efforts in raising awareness, reintegrating victims, and making responsive services accessible to all.
Reflecting on the progress made, Batamuliza highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming societal norms and providing innovative and responsive services. She tackled the urgent need to offer suitable reintegration packages, especially for teenage mothers, emphasizing mental health and income-generating activities.
Haguruka’s commitment to defending women’s and children’s rights has also ignited a renewed passion for collaboration and collective action. The collaborative efforts were lauded by stakeholders who pledged future partnerships to advance innovative approaches to eradicating GBV.
