Breaking the Cycle of Gender-Based Violence
At RWAMREC, we believe that sustainable change starts within communities. This belief drives our commitment to fostering gender equality and preventing gender-based violence (GBV) through transformative, community-led initiatives. One of our latest efforts is the Gender Transformative Approach (GTA) training for Community Health Workers (CHWs) and their partners in Gakenke District—a crucial step toward building families and communities free from violence.
This training is part of the Bandebereho scale-up project, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) through the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), and the National Childhood Development Agency (NCDA). With support from the Global Innovation Fund (GIF), Grand Challenges Canada (GCC), and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), we are working to engage men in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), caregiving, and violence prevention.
Why This Training Matters
Gender norms shape how people live their lives—but harmful norms can trap individuals in cycles of inequality and violence. Our GTA training is designed to challenge these norms by equipping CHWs and their partners with the tools to lead discussions on gender equality, positive masculinities, and violence prevention.
We know that meaningful change happens when the whole community is involved. By engaging men aged 21-40—especially those with expectant partners or young children—we aim to promote healthier family relationships and shift harmful social attitudes. And by ensuring CHWs receive comprehensive training, we empower them to become champions of change in their communities.
Our Objective: Building a Safer Future
Through this training, we aim to:
Create safer homes: Foster environments where couples and families can live free from violence.
Engage men as allies: Encourage men to actively participate in caregiving and take responsibility for ending GBV.
Strengthen community leadership: Equip CHWs and their partners with the skills to facilitate discussions on gender equality and healthy relationships.
Promote sustainable change: Address the root causes of GBV by challenging harmful norms and encouraging positive masculinities.
What's Happened in Gakenke?
From March 17th to 21st, 2025, we delivered the GTA training across six health centers under Gatonde District Hospital. We are bringing together a diverse group of 363 participants, including:
326 Community Health Workers and their partners
16 CHW supervisors from Burera and Gakenke districts
12 Bandebereho project staff and support personnel
6 heads of health centers
1 supervisor from Gatonde Hospital
2 staff members from Gakenke District
This hands-on training will focus on fostering open dialogue, reflecting on personal attitudes, and developing practical strategies for violence prevention and gender equality.
The Path Forward
At RWAMREC, we know that addressing GBV requires more than raising awareness—it demands active engagement and sustained commitment. By empowering CHWs and their partners, we are creating a network of advocates who will continue to challenge harmful norms, promote gender equality, and build safer communities.
Together, we are not just imagining a future free from violence—we are building it. One conversation, one training, and one empowered community at a time.
Stay connected with us to learn more about how RWAMREC is transforming lives and shaping a more equitable Rwanda.
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