KIGALI, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda joined the rest of the world on Saturday to observe the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, urging renewed efforts to eliminate all forms of violence within the country.
Under the theme "Unite! Invest to Prevent," Rwanda, along with its development partners, launched the campaign in the Bugesera district of the Eastern Province.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of collective action against various forms of domestic violence, including child defilement and teenage pregnancies.
Valentine Uwamariya, the Rwandan minister of Gender and Family Promotion, emphasized the devastating and enduring impact of gender-based violence on victims.
She called for new and concerted efforts to prevent and eradicate all forms of violence, highlighting that ending violence is a shared responsibility. "Preventing violence, providing information, and ensuring justice for the victim are my responsibility and yours."
Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN resident coordinator for Rwanda, stressed that violence against women is a crime against the entire family.
He advocated for substantive and predictable investments to end violence against women and girls, urging everyone to join efforts for an end to such violence.
The event, attended by government officials, representatives from development partners and civil society organizations, and local leaders, also featured participation in the monthly community work, locally known as Umuganda. Participants planted over 25,000 trees in Bugesera.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign starting on Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concluding on Dec. 10, Human Rights Day. ■