Gisagara, 14 May 2025

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has successfully concluded  Anti-Gender-Based Violence (GBV) workshop aimed at enhancing the welfare of military families and raising awareness on GBV prevention. The workshop, which commenced in Nyamasheke District on 7 May 2025, culminated in Gisagara District on 14 May 2025. Over the sequence of the program, 693 military spouses participated in sessions held across six districts, Nyamasheke, Rutsiro, Ngororero, Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, and Gisagara in Southern and Western provinces.

The workshop created an open platform for dialogue, allowing military spouses to interact directly with the RDF joint team through Q&A sessions. These interactions provided valuable feedback and a deeper understanding of the RDF’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and family welfare.

The session of today, marked the conclusion of six-day Anti-Gender-Based Violence (GBV) workshop where Gisagara District Mayor, Jerome Rutaburingoga addressed Participants and officially closed the event. He underscored the importance of strong family foundations, free conflicts families” He emphasized that peaceful, stable homes enable military personnel to perform effectively.

Col. Seraphine Nyirasafari, RDF joint team leader, reaffirmed the RDF’s commitment to combating gender-based violence and supporting the well-being of military families. She encouraged spouses to be confident, diligent, and collaborative with their partners and ensure mutual respect in their households, which serves as key pillars for family development.