Nyagatare: AFRO ARK Empowers Women, Girls to Combat GBV and Advocate for Reproductive Rights

By The Inspirer writer.

AFRO ARK, a young women-led non-governmental organization in Rwanda, has partnered with the African Women Development Fund (AWDF) to launch a groundbreaking project aimed at addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the remote sectors of Musheri and Rwimiyaga in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province.

Launched in August 2023, the project seeks to empower women and girls with vital information and link them to essential services, tackling the pressing issues of unplanned pregnancies and violence against women in the region.

The initiative was developed in response to alarming statistics from the Rwanda Demographic Health Survey (RDHS 2019-2020), which revealed troubling trends in Nyagatare District. The survey indicated that 60% of women in the district believe that men have the right to beat their wives, compared to 50% at the national level.

Furthermore, Nyagatare ranks among the districts with the highest rates of teenage pregnancies, with 6.2% of teenage girls affected, surpassing the national average of 5%.

To counter these issues, AFRO ARK has trained 25 women peer champions on SRHR and GBV policies, laws, bodily autonomy, and gender dynamics. These champions play a crucial role in educating their peers within safe spaces, reporting GBV cases, and advocating for justice on behalf of victims.

The impact of the project is evident in the story of Tuyisenge, a 22-year-old woman with a disability from Musheri village. Tuyisenge, who was abandoned by her husband after bearing two children, found solace and support through the AFRO ARK initiative.

With the assistance of women peer champions, she overcame her fears and sought help from local authorities, who ensured that her ex-husband contributed to the welfare of their children. “At least I was consoled as the authorities divided the property we had and shared it equally,” she shared.

AFRO ARK’s efforts extend beyond individual cases, as the organization actively engages in annual events such as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The organization also runs GBV mobile clinics, where law enforcement, nurses, and local leaders provide psychosocial support and justice to victims. The most recent clinic, held in Rwimiyaga and Musheri sectors, benefited about 50 women and girls.

Ms. Patience Iribagiza, the Executive Director of AFRO ARK, emphasized the importance of raising community awareness to foster individual behavior change and enhance public support for women’s access to SRHR and GBV services.

Through community dialogues, media sessions, and advocacy meetings, the organization seeks to create a safer environment for women and girls in Nyagatare District.

Rwanda continues to grapple with issues of unplanned pregnancies and violence against women and girls.

According to the RDHS 2019-2020, 37% of women have experienced physical violence, while 23% have suffered sexual violence.

AFRO ARK’s project in Nyagatare District represents a critical step in addressing these challenges by empowering women and girls, fostering a culture of respect for their rights, and ensuring they have access to the necessary support and services.

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