ACFODE with support from EIRENE carried out an
annual self assessment workshop and process monitoring session in Kisoro
district from March 18th to 21st 2013 with the aim of
strengthening its project on the prevention of sexualized violence against
women and girls in Kisoro district. The project is being implemented in
Nyarusiza, Nyakabande, Busanza and Kirundo subcounties of Kisoro district.
The one day workshop, which was part of the
monitoring framework to ensure sustainability and build strong networks in the
district saw 60 stakeholders in the district come together and deliberate on sexual
violence issues and how the project procedure can be improved in the district.
The proceedings generated feedback from
stakeholders in the community project. For instance, the Asst. Chief Administrative
Officer (CAO) Ms Rita Byirinbiro expressed gratitude for ACFODE's project interventions,
stressing the need for other actors to unite and play their roles so as to
ensure the project is a success. It was also noted that ACFODE is one of the
longest serving partners in the district and has therefore been responsible for
a large percentage of the current political, social and economic change in the
area.
The District Community Liason Officer Mr. Ben
Wenamanya highlighted the availability of free counseling services for victims
of sexual violence available through the ACFODE offices, as well as easily
accessible referral system for reporting sexual violence cases via the ACFODE
Community Facilitators (CFs).
In addition, the Sub County Chief of Nyakabande emphasized
the support of several re;event Community Based Organizations through ACFODE's
work. For instance, Kichwumbi Community Development Association, which supports
young girls to become economically independent.
The positive impact of the Combating Defilement,
Rape and Sexual Harassment (CODERASH) committees was also affirmed through
visits to the local communities, which were more aware of sexual violence
through their regular dialogues and interaction with the ACFODE CFs, who are
also part of the local communities.
A total number of 120 CFs have been trained in the
four sub counties and, with support from the ACFODE field office, they are able
to sensitize communities on sexual violence, reproductive health and economic
empowerment and also refer Gender Based Violence cases to relevant authorities.
The communication channels used in dissemination of
ACFODE information were also monitored in order to determine their impact and
relevance in the project implementation. With only two local radio stations;
Kisoro FM and Voice of Muhabura FM, ACFODE's sensitization messages on sexual
violence in communities have been largely welcomed, which was evidenced by the
fact that 4 people out of 10 in any given community have listened to these talk
shows.
Overall, local authorities, including the district
LCV Chair Person pledged to offer more support to ACFODE to ensure that the
marked reduction in sexual violence in the district since the beginning of the
project continues. This has been a big milestone for ACFODE as an organization
in the district, in regard to the fight against sexual violence.
Compiled
by:
Andrew
Ssekirevu
Programme
Assistant
Gender and
Economic Policy Department
Action For
Development
