Tchad delegation visit RWAMREC

From 30 September 2010, a delegation composed of women parliamentarians, the umbrella of women’s organizations in Tchad (CELIAF, Cellule de liaison des associations feminine’s) visit Rwanda to learn from Rwanda success in promoting gender equality, women in decision making organs, women’s empowerment, conflict resolution, reconciliation and gender based violence prevention. The Tchad delegation was hosted by PROFEMMES TWESE HAMWE, an umbrella of 55 member organizations working to promote gender equality, peace and development in Rwanda.

On 1^st October the delegation visited RWAMREC to learn on how to engage men in gender equality and violence prevention. The delegation was received by Fidele Rutayisire, chairperson, Venant Nzabonimana, Vice Chairperson, Leon Kayigi, a Board Member of RWAMREC and other staff of RWAMREC. The Tchad delegation was headed by Nailar Clarisse the Secretary General of CELIAF. In his welcome remarks, Mr Fidele Rutayisire, explained that RWAMREC is engaging men in gender equality andd violence prevention because men are the gatekeepers of the current gender orders and are potential resistors of change. He further said that`` if we do not effectively reach men and boys, many of our efforts including efforts of women’s organizations will be thwarted or ignored. Mr Venant Nzabonimana presented to the Tchad delegation about the success of RWAMREC and lessons learn from engaging men on field.

Nailar Clarisse, the secretary General of CELIAF, expressed her satisfaction toward the objectives and mission of RWAMREC. She also recognized the importance of working with men hand in hand with women in all interventions. She further informed RWAMREC that in Tchad there is a newly formed Men’s Network in Tchad and requested RWAMREC to be in touch with them. RWAMREC as a member of the steering committee of the Africa MenEngage Network promised to get in touch with the Tchad Men`s Network very soon.