RWANDA: Project to Protect Women Rights Launched

UN Women together with the City of Kigali launched a project aimed at promoting the rights of working women and girls.

The project called 'Safe Cities Free of Violence against Women and Girls' was launched on Friday at Kimisagara Youth Centre in Nyarugenge District.

In an interview, Bruno Rangira, the Director of Communications at the City of Kigali said: "This project is meant to prevent and fight against gender based sexual harassment and violence against women and girls working in public places."

He said that the program will run for four years; beginning with Kimisagara Sector from where it will extend to other parts around the city.

"On behalf of the city, I thank UN Women for introducing this program because people tend to give less attention to urban areas as regards gender based violence and I believe the existing missing gaps will be bridged," Rangira added.

He pointed out that the program will reduce fear among women and girls to work in public places and reduce unemployment among this section of the population.

Solange Kamikazi, who works at New Image salon said; "according to my analysis and observation, this project has come as an opportunity for us as people working in public places to stop despising ourselves and to clearly know our rights."

Chantal Ukwishaka, an employee at City Valley Motel in Nyabugogo said; "Most people have a perception that people who work in public places are prostitutes, which is totally wrong. I call upon that project to change this perception through advocating for our rights."

Felix Rusake, who spoke on behalf of the UN women said: "I thank the government for its tremendous progress in fighting gender based violence."

He noted that UN women will continue to support the government in its various activities on fighting against GBV.