AHR trains Nyamirambo female sex workers on GBV,SGBV causes, prevention and response strategies

By Inspirer Staff.

Amahoro Human Respect Organisation (AHR) with Local leaders conducted a community dialogue with Female Sex Workers in Biroyo Cell, Nyamirambo sector of Nyarugenge district on GBV and SBGV causes, prevention and response strategies.

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) refers to any act that is perpetrated against a person’s will and is based on gender norms and unequal power relationships.

It includes physical, emotional or psychological and sexual violence, and denial of resources or access to services.

Violence includes threats of violence and coercion.

SGBV inflicts harm on women, girls, men and boys and is a severe violation of several human rights according to activists

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality, and continues to be one of the most notable human rights violations within all societies. Gender-based violence is violence directed against a person because of their gender. Both women and men experience gender-based violence but the majority of victims are women and girls.

On Saturday April 2, Nyamirambo female sex workers were trained by AHR on how causes and to prevent and respond to GBV and SGBV.

Sex workers being trained on GBV, SGBV and fighting stigma

AHR is a human right, youth- led organization striving for a fully inclusive and peaceful Rwandan society for the vulnerable communities free from all forms of stigma and discrimination

It works for improved health, rights and protection of marginalized communities in Rwanda by providing direct services, advocating for structural change and investing in marginalized groups across the country.

Emmanuel Kayitare, local artiste, The leader of  AHR Rwanda said that the community dialogue was aimed to educate sex workers on their rights as provided by the laws.

Emmanuel Kayitare , the lead of AHR speaking to sex workers during community dialogues on GBV, SGBV causes, prevention and response strategies

According to Article 15 of the Rwanda Constitution, he said all persons are equal before the law and they are entitled to equal protection of the law.

“Some people or groups of people are not aware of the laws that protect them. It is better that civil society as government partners intervenes to educate citizens including sex workers about such laws for their welfare,” he said.

He explained that female sex workers usually face violence and therefore the community dialogue on GBV and SGBV was timely.

“Some men tend to rape them and others refuse to pay them and beat them instead. They should be aware that they have rights that protect them,” he said.

He added that the sex workers also face stigma in the community and families yet this is against laws and human rights that protect human being.

“Due to the discrimination, they even lack access to rights such as properties in their families. We have to create a stigma-free society and non-discriminatory environment for sexual minorities persons in Rwanda,” he said.

He said that community dialogues were also conducted in Kayonza and Rusizi districts and Mageragere sector of Nyarugenge sector.

Kayitare said that they have also launched project to build financial capacity of sex works by training them on TVET such as tailoring.

“There is a tailoring training centre with modern tailoring machines in Nyamirambo sector. We also helped them to start saving groups. They learn TVET for free. For instance.

Every week each contributes Rwf200 and have so far contributed Rwf1 million and have account SACCO in Nyamirambo sector. We are working with those in charge of cooperatives in Nyamirambo and other NGOs to teach them on how to design a good business idea,” he said.

Local leaders commend AHR support

Antoine Munyaneza, The Executive Secretary of Biryogo cell of Nyamirambo sector welcomed the AHR support saying that it is right time that sex works be aware of laws that protect their rights.

Antoine Munyaneza, Executive secretary of Biryogo speaking to sex workers during community dialogues on GBV, SGBV causes, prevention and response strategies

“We have welcomed the community dialogue on fighting GBV and SGBV particularly the rights on sex workers. Some of them face violence but do not report it thinking they have no rights,” he said.

He said that the government of Rwanda doesn’t tolerate any discrimination according to national constitution.

“They can also contribute to national development. When they are gathered and be trained it is easier for us to talk to them on fighting against discrimination. We commend AHR for organizing the community dialogues,” he said.

Sex workers speak out         

“After being trained we will tell our colleagues and the community that there are laws that punish GBV and SGBV. Some sex workers are raped, face sexual harassment and they should use such laws to pursue those who violate their rights,” said one of the sex workers who attended the community dialogue.

Another sex worker added, “The Community dialogues and training are needed so that we know our rights and laws that can protect us in case violence.”

She said that some sex workers are killed by men who raped them.

“Sex workers face different types of violence and AHR has made right decision to conduct community dialogues and training on rights that protect sex workers,” she said.

AHR also offers employment and community living skills, Media advocacy, Local leaders’ advocacy, Education and Support for Families, Connects Vulnerable Groups to Churches, Drug Use Education, Education and Support for Young Mothers, community Research and others.