In an inspiring workshop held at Fatima Hotel in Musanze, the Generation for Gender Justice program brought together youth-led organizations (YLOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) to foster capacity building on gender justice. Hosted by HDI, RWAMREC, and AfriYAN, the two-day event aimed to empower participants with comprehensive knowledge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), exploring topics such as gender and power dynamics, the importance of consent, and the various forms of sexual violence including harassment, abuse, and exploitation.
Day 1 kicked off with warm welcomes from the Generation G Team, setting the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions on the pervasive nature of GBV and its impact on both individuals and communities. Day 2 introduced a deeper understanding of power, and privilege, and how they intersect with GBV, emphasizing the need for consent in all aspects of relationships and professional environments. Participants were introduced to the ILO’s C190 convention, focusing on preventing sexual violence in workplaces and creating a culture of safety.
As a Medical Doctors for Choice (MDFC) representative, We gained a profound insight into GBV’s complexities, learning to identify its physical, sexual, emotional, and economic manifestations. The session highlighted the significance of developing robust Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) policies to safeguard vulnerable populations.
The workshop concluded with participants drafting action plans, reflecting their commitment to using the GBV knowledge gained to create safer, violence-free working environments. This collaborative effort marks a critical step forward in advancing gender justice in Rwanda, particularly in workplaces, where YLOs and CSOs will now be more equipped to advocate for the implementation of C190 and ensure zero tolerance for sexual violence.