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How male champions are helping to end gender-based violence in their community
Uwajeneza Donatha
Apr 22, 2024 - 10:59
Rwanda Men’s Resource Center engages male vendors in ending violence against women and girls, as some men mentioned to Isango Star.
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"As the male champion, I am fighting for gender equality and prioritizing equality,” said Igirukwishaka Eduard, the male champion from Kamonyi District, Rugalika Sector, who is a farmer and runs a business in Bishenyi market.
“Being a male champion means speaking out and against all sorts of abuse, acting as a source of change and inspiration for men, and being a role model for changing mindsets. It also means advocating for the rights of women and girls, and working to increase their visibility in society,” he added.
Igirukwishaka is one of 15 men in Kamoni District who participated in Rwanda Men’s Resource Center training sessions in 2020 on gender equality, women’s rights, and ending gender-based violence given by RWAMREC.
“In Rwanda, there is gender bias in different sectors. There is gender inequality in agriculture, the gender pay gap, and high incidences of sexual harassment,” explains Igirukwishaka.
“As a male champion, I use my authority in the community to create a more inclusive culture and promote the reduction of violence within my society. I assist them to understand well the gender’s principles because I know its importance. I try to change them after being changed.”
Igirukwishaka stated that he encourages men to participate in some services like family planning …with their wives; positive parenting techniques that promote gender equality; and safe sexual behaviours that promote women’s bodily autonomy and agency.
“Before being changed, I used to harass my wife; sometimes I beat her without any reason, because of the social norms and ignorance. However, now I notice her values and roles in our entire family. We’re example family.”
Mrs. Uwineza Immaculate emphasized that her husband drank too much beer and became like a lion at home and everyone searched for where to hide.
She said that now her husband has become a humble man with good character, understanding and exemplary in other men.
Mrs. Nyirarukundo revealed that when she saw Mrs. Uwineza’s husband, she used to run away, and prayed to God that her husband never met with him.
"I thought he had to change my husband for bad, and we faced that conflict. That is why I felt uncomfortable. However, now he is a good husband u can pray for being your husband's friend. Igirukwishaka changed," said.
Male champions gained the skills to act as role models and agents of change for other men in their communities, and incidences of conflict were reduced in the districts targeted by the training.
We help men change their mindsets and characters by ending all sorts of conflicts that can lead to emotional, economic, and physical violence against women and girls.
Men play a crucial role in ending gender-based violence and helping their wives participate in decision-making where men dominate.
In addition to training male champions to advocate for gender equality in their communities, helping families live in peace, and working towards the development of their families, this has a huge impact on the development of the country.
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