Saturday, October 30, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
RWAMREC participates in a training on Researching violence against women in Kampala, Uganda



23 people (among them 6 men) from 11 countries (
The training aimed at strengthening the capacity of service providers, activists and researchers to participate in research by developing an understanding of all factors associated with the planning and the implementation of research on GBV and to use it effectively. Specifically the following objectives were assigned to this training:
1) Develop a critical understanding of the issue of gender and gender based violence.
2) Demonstrate an understanding of violence against women as a public health issue.
3) Demonstrate an understanding of how to develop a research strategy.
4) Demonstrate an understanding of the different methods used in violence against women with an emphasis of the use of epidemiology in such studies
5) Demonstrate an understanding of how the research can be used in advocacy
6) Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and awareness of the challenges of doing research on gender violence.
Achievements
During this training, many subjects related to research process have been developed such as identifying a problem, collecting and analyzing the data and reporting the results. Participants learnt different steps of a gender based violence research and practical exercises were made on how to make a literature review, how to formulate the research objectives and questions, how to decide on the research design and methods and how to write a study protocol.
Different approaches/methods (qualitative and qualitative) to research and different tools used to collect information (in-depth interview, focus groups discussion, structured or semi-structured interviews etc), to analyze data in researching gender violence against women with Epi info (quantitative) or open mode (qualitative) as well as the research methodology were explored during the training.
The training has been also an opportunity for participants to share on specifics projects/experiences from different institutions. The projects coordinator of RWAMREC presented the findings of the study on masculinity and GBV in
experiences and perceptions of men and women. Other presentations were made by the Ugandan Bureau of Statistics (Experiences of Quantitative GBV Research using the 2006 UDHS in
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
COMMUNIQUE FROM THE EAST AFRICA CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS FORUM Snow Crest Hotel, Arusha, Tanzania, October 16th-17th, 2010
COGNIZANT of the common vision toward a united and strong African through regional pillars such as the East African Community as enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union;
RECOGNIZING that all EAC states are parties to the Constitutive Act of the African Union, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the significant steps by a majority of Partner States in ratifying the African Charter on Democracy, Election and Governance and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human an Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women;
APPRECIATE all the steps taken by the AU in adopting norms, principles and policies aimed at promoting democracy, rule of law good governance, respect for human rights and social political development in Africa with the full participation of Civil Society in Africa and which form part of the values they share in the current integration process we’re experiencing;
TAKING NOTE of the recommendation of the 16th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union[1] to make Shared Values the theme of the Ordinary Session of the Assembly in January 2011, put in place a Pan-African Architecture on Governance and identify obstacles and measures to be adopted to facilitate continental integration based on such shared values.
NOTING that these values can play a critical role in transforming
RECOGNIZING that whilst these shared principles and values have been consistently articulated in many Treaties, Declarations and Resolutions adopted by the EAC, their consolidation, implementation and other obstacles remain a major challenge among the partner states;
ACKNOWLEDGING that the EAC as a building block of integration in
NOTING the need at both the African Union and East African Community work in close partnership with all segments of civil society;
WE THE MEMBERS of East Africa Civil Society convened under the leadership of the East African Civil Society Organizations Forum (EACSOF) in collaboration with the Centre for Citizens Participation in the African Union (CCP - AU), representing the five (5) Partner States namely Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda identified our shared values inherent in the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African within the areas of human rights, democracy, elections governance and gender as;
1. In line with Human Rights, the sanctity of life, tolerance of diversity and take into account the basic need and conditions necessary for human survival;
2. Regarding democracy, elections and governance, we believe in equitable and effective participation, accountability, transparency and integrity; holding free, fair and participatory elections as core values in democracy, good governance and elections;
3. Concerning gender, we share values of protection against Gender Based Violence and, discrimination and promoting health as a basic human rights; gender equality and gender equity;
CONCERNED that in the area of Human Rights;
i. There is insufficient ratification and domestication in the Partner States of continental and regional human rights instruments;
ii. There has been inadequate response of the Partners states to gross human rights violations occurring in
iii. That abductions, kidnapping and illegal transfer of people accused of serious crimes such as terrorism is ongoing;
iv. There is notable prevalence of impunity especially among state agencies;
v. There is a lack of appropriate protection of human rights defenders;
vi. The extension of the jurisdiction of the East African Court of justice has not been finalised;
vii. There has been inadequate access to justice for the poor, marginalised and vulnerable members of society;
WE FURTHER TAKE NOTE WITH CONCERN that in relation to democracy, elections and governance;
i. That the majority of EAC Partner States have not ratified and domesticated the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance;
ii. There is need for increased political will to fight grand corruption in the region;
iii. There is an absence of a regional mechanism monitoring the Partner States compliance to Democracy, Elections and Governance principles and values;
iv. There is insufficient separation of powers within the arms of national governments;
v. There is limited participation and space of opposition parties in political processes and governance;
vi. There is increase in politically motivated election related violence and gender based violence;
vii. There is slow progress towards full and active participation and effective representation in political processes and leadership at all levels especially among women and the youth;
CONCERNED with Gender equality;
i. That there continues to be existence of gender insensitive laws and policies at national and regional level;
ii. Of the high level of general ignorance and misconceptions of gender as a social construct;
iii. Of the lack of regional Gender Based Violence (GBV) policies and inadequate implementation of national policies;
iv. Of the lack of a comprehensive regional monitoring and evaluation and inadequate implementation of national Monitoring and Evaluation framework;
v. Of the underrepresentation and meaningful participation of women in key missions such as peacekeeping and conflict resolution
vi. Of the existence of harmful cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and forced and early marriages
WE the participants to the Consultative Meeting therefore resolve and RECOMMEND;
The EAC and AU Partner States speed up the process of domestication and implementation of the various continental and regional protocols and declarations aimed at promoting women’s rights, press freedoms, access to information and regional integration, among others and to put in place implementation, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms;
Put in place a programme to enhance awareness creation with particular focus to effective use of public media and further hold and support civic education programmes regarding all continental and regional instruments and policies vis-à-vis regional integration and human rights;
Institutionalise and the strengthen of the mandate of civil society participation in the EAC and AU to ensure their full and active participation in the development and implementation of EAC and AU decisions;
We further recommend with regard to Human Rights;
i. Urge the AU to operationalize the Human Rights Fund created in 2003 in Kigali (Rwanda) by the Ministerial Conference on Human Rights in Africa to deal with issues such as effective reparations and capacity building of national, regional and continental human rights institutions;
ii. The abolishment of the death penalty in
iii. The guarantee of humane treatment of accused persons and prisoners while in lawful custody;
iv. The development mechanisms to compel Partner States to comply with the Rule of Law be set up and operationalised;
v. Hasten the passing of the draft EAC HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management Bill, 2010;
vi. Enhance the administration of justice through increased budgetary allocation and capacity building, including facilitating legal aid and awareness policy, and engendering the role of CSOs facilitating the aforementioned;
vii. Accelerate the finalisation of the Protocol Extending the Jurisdiction of the East African Court of Justice;
viii. Carry out wide consultations with a broad base of stakeholders such as CSOs in the vetting and appointment of individuals to Human Rights mandated bodies;
ix. Increase the involvement and participation of community leaders and elders in the enforcement of human rights be guaranteed and appreciated;
With a view toward enhanced democracy, elections and governance;
i. Establish a regional elections standards body to monitor regional elections;
ii. Institutionalize shadow governments in the governance systems at the national level in order to promote political pluralism;
iii. Fully observe the principles of freedom of association and speech;
iv. Expeditiously develop the EAC Peace and Security architecture in particular, giving attention to the Early Warning System with a view to curbing election related violence.
v. Developing mechanisms at the EAC aiming at compelling its Partner States to sign, ratify and domesticate and implement, continental and regional instruments on governance, elections and corruption;
To promote gender equality and protection against gender based discrimination we urge;
i. Partner States to protect individuals against Gender Based Violence and Discrimination;
ii. Promote health as a basic human right;
iii. EAC partner States to sign, ratify, domesticate and implement all regional and continental treaties on gender equality;
iv. EAC Partner States to adopt a regional gender protocol;
v. Partner States to further promote public-private partnerships on promoting gender issues;
vi. EAC Partner States to involve the community in elimination of bad and harmful traditional practices;
vii. Partner States to enhance the technical and human capacity at the EAC dealing with gender issues;
Partner States to allocate 15% of their respective national budgets toward health in accordance with the Maputo Protocol; We Members of the East African Civil Society Organisations’ Forum Commit to;
i. Our intentions to align and harmonize civil society actions towards achieving both national and regional governance and development objectives;
ii. Constructive engagement in national, regional and international development initiatives and with other regional bodies such as the African Union and the East African Community;
iii. Offering effective collaboration and support during the development of the Shared Values, their implementation and monitoring of processes.
iv. Enhancing efficient, effective, transparent and accountable practices as evidenced by the ongoing process of developing guidelines and principles for the legal and operating environment for Civil Society at the EAC.
RWAMREC participates in EACSOF SHARED VALUES MEETING IN ARUSHA
From 16 to 17 October 2010, EACSOF in collaboration with the Centre for Citizens Participation in the African Union (CCP - AU) organized a 2 day consultation meeting themed SHARED VALUES IN THE EAC TOWARDS ENHANCED GOVERNANCE AND DEMOCRACY” to elucidate the concept of shared values as it is articulated and prioritized by CSOs in the region for the purpose of contributing to the development of Continental shared values.
RWAMREC as a member of the EACSOF governing council was invited to that consultation meeting and was represented by RWAMREC chair Person Mr Fidele Rutayisire who is also a member of the EACSOF Governing Council.
The meeting was held at Snowcrest Hotel, Arusha-Tanzania and all civil society organizations from the 5 member states of the EAC were represented.
OBJECTIVES OF THE MEETING
The primary objective of this meeting was to elucidate the concept of shared values as it articulated and prioritized by CSOs the region for the purpose of contributing to the development of Continental shared values. Specific objectives of the meeting include the fo
- Provide the basis for collective reflection on the theme of the January 2011 AU Summit, Shared Values, as well as creating synergies between regional realities and continental priorities;
2. Procure recommendations from the EAC CSOs on the region shared values on good governance, human rights and democracy to be included as part of the African Union shared values on governance and democracy that will be channe
3. To create awareness amongst CSOs and citizens of the East African Community, on the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and Human Rights Strategy for Africa (HRSA) and its importance in promoting good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, accountability and transparency in the region and Africa at large;
OUTCOME OF THE MEETING
1. Participants developed a regional shared values for the East African community on governance and democracy and these shared values will be forwarded to the EAC Secretariat for further action by the EAC Council of Ministers and to the AUC for potential inclusion in the overall conceptualization of Shared Values;
2. The meeting provided awareness to CSOs on the progress made on the development of the African Union shared values, the AGA/AGP and the HRSA;
- Participants gave recommendations on the EAC shared values to be included in the African shared values;
- Participants recommended the EAC to involve men in all gender agenda.
- The meeting ended up with a communiqué as well as a press release with recommendations.
The meeting identified EACSOF shared values inherent in the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African within the areas of human rights, democracy, elections governance and gender.
RWAMREC chairperson chaired the second day session of the meeting and played an important role especially in arguing to put gender among key shared values.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Vacancy Announcement
RWAMREC with the support from CARE Rwanda would like to solicit applications from qualified, dynamic and highly motivated candidates of high moral character and professional integrity to fill the position of Field Officer for its impact evaluation study project. He/she will be based in Southern Province of Rwanda at CARE Rwanda Huye Sub-Office.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Field Officer will be responsible for:
- Planning, coordination and implementation of the field framework for the impact evaluation study project on VSL focusing on male engagement.
- Conduct situational analysis in collaboration with the existing VSL groups to determine the training needs with the Male engage focus and the status of VSL groups within area of assignment.
- Identification and training of community based trainers and resourceful persons as opinions leaders’ community based trainers in the community.
- Through the Impact Evaluation Project conduct economic opportunity analysis and market surveys and in partnership conduct technical skills training and especially in the area of Gender considering the Male Engage.
- Train ISARO Project staff members on gender related issues with a focus on engaging men in ending SGBV.
- Liaise with the CARE/VSL and RWAMREC Offices to gather information and materials for presentation to VSL's Beneficiaries.
- Participate in periodic activity assessments as guided by the CARE/ICRW program work plan.
- Make periodic reports on mainstreaming male engagement activities of CARE/VSL beneficiaries.
- Works closely with the Capacity Building Office and CARE/VSL officers in areas of program development and reporting.
- Works within an agreed work plan, meeting ISARO and Impact Evaluation Project requirements and priorities.
- Supports the effective day-to-day running of RWAMREC`s activities of the CARE/ICRW Impact evaluation project.
- Assure quality of services and reports
- Other duties assigned by the direct supervisor
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- At least a Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences, Public Health, Community Health, Education or any other relevant field.
- At least 2 years of experience in training in gender issues.
- Demonstrated capacity in community mobilization
- A minimum of 3 years doing similar work
- Experience in adult learning and child learning.
- Varied experience in developing learning materials and delivering trainings and other capacity building initiatives.
- Ability to maintain effective working relations both as a team member and team leader and ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan.
- Proven ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
- Excellent communication skills with demonstrated commitment to participatory approaches.
- Excellent written and spoken English, French and Kinyarwanda.
- Ability to use ICT to access information and prepares reports.
- Ability to promote and market projects, producing a range of publicity materials.
- Willingness to work in Huye District.
- Possess a driving permit (Category A).
How to apply
Applications (application letter, a copy of notified academic testimonials and detailed CV and names and contact of 3 references) must be addressed to the Chairman, RWAMREC, Avenue de la Justice, Nyamirambo, PROFEMME building, 1st floor or at recruitment@rwamrec.org no later than 29/10/2010 at 5h00 PM local time. Only short listed candidates whose background and experience corresponds to the above criteria will be contacted for further consideration.
Monday, October 4, 2010
RWAMREC conducts trainings in Gakenke District
RWAMREC with the sponsorship from UNIFEM conducted a series of training in GAKENKE District from 20th September 2010 on "Engaging men as partners to women in preventing violence and promoting healthy families in Rwandan communities". Training series are expected to be conducted throughout September till end of November 2010.
The objectives of the trainings
- Enhance the culture of gender equality and equity in the Rwandan communities for effective prevention of GBV.
- Men and Women are empowered to fight GBV and this is demonstrated by their commitment through involvement in preventive actions in community and workplaces.
- Enhance partnership and dialogue between men and women to lead to consciousness-raising groups, gender awareness programs, advocacy campaigns, and mentoring programs for effective prevention of GBV and creation of positive male role models.
- To establish focal points/groups within Gakenke's community to sensitize their peers on fight against GBV.
The training series are designed and conducted by experienced trainers from RWAMREC in partnership with outside expert in Gender issues with extensive expertise in the fields of working with men and preventing gender based violence.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
RWAMREC hosts Prof Susan Kreston
On 22 September 2010, RWAMREC in partnship with the US embassy in
The guest speaker was Professor Susan Kreston who arrived at the invitation of U. S. Embassy for a five-day program (September 18 – 27, 2010). Prof Suzan Kreston is a Legal Expert and currently a leading Consultant to
The public lecture was attended by KHI and KIST students and staff, US embassy staff, RWAMREC staff an members. Were also present some representatives of the civil society.
Susan Kreston with her expertise in Law clearly stated the evolution and amendments/ratification of some law to incorporate Women and Children's right. She said that Women's right is not different from Human's right.
After Susan's presentation participants were given time to ask questions, these are some of the questions raised:
- Does the law punishing the perpetrators take into consideration the fact that the perpetrators committed violence while under alcohol and drugs if it happens to be the case?
- Does the infidelity leading to high rate of outside marriage new born babies seen as a new trend for GBV and if yes how the international law is is prepared to face this issue?
- What is the difference between civil law and criminal law? What are the causes or case of trafficking and what can be done to eradicate GBV based on trafficking?
- What are the strength and limitations of human rights framework?
Susan's answers to raised questions immeasurably contributed to participants' understanding. However, due to time constraint, participants couldn't ask enough questions as they wished and Susan promised to participants to stay in touch via email whereby they could ask for information and discuss on question which remained unanswered.
To view the presentation of Prof Suzan Kreston, click here.
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
On 1st 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,
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.
RWAMREC organises a training on Get Moving Program Phase 2
Get Moving Phase two with its general objective of supporting each other through creative sessions and readings for strengthening our analysis of GBV prevention brought together 7 RWAMREC Staff and 2 RWAMREC Members on
The Chairman of RWAMREC who opened the training started by thanking the GBV Prevention Network's Movement Building Initiative for their invaluable financial and technical support that made the Get Moving phase one and two possible. He went on reminding the staff the fundamental philosophy behind the creation of the GBV Prevention Network's Movement Building Initiative.
He mentioned that the network was created with an aim of providing to GBV prevention activists a room for reflection, analysis and action that lead to a deep transformative change at individual, organizational and community levels.
In addition, in his opening remarks he called upon all staff present to openly and actively share views, explore and meditate on the various topics of the three sessions.
The training methodology used was participatory whereby each of the staff members led and facilitated a session or a subject of the session.
A group of two facilitators started by discussing the three objectives of the get moving which are:
-To encourage personal reflection and learning among members to understand and be committed to a rights-based, feminist approach to GBV prevention.
-To foster reflection at an organizational level on values that include power sharing, shared authority and decision making.
- To create strategies with member organizations for reaching out to others with a rights-based analysis of GBV prevention.
They went on facilitating the power beliefs and root causes of power imbalances session.
Another group of facilitators (two for each session) presented on Human Right Based Programming and Feminism and Women's rights approaches to GBV.
Based on the contents of the topics, it was revealed that most of the time we never do human rights-based programming but a need-based programming approach and we never mind power imbalance in our own personal and professional lives, especially at workplace. Owing to the negative effects of this power imbalance and our own contribution to this power imbalance that fuels GBV, RWAMREC Staff decided to change our power dynamics to empower each other and feel powerful together instead of using our powers to abuse others. The staff also resolved to change its attitudes and practices in our daily work to uphold rights-based attitudes and language. The various exchanges and discussions helped the participants to get a better understanding of some critical things we take foEnregistrer en mode Brouillonr granted and which were used in a wrong way with good faith. For example, feminism was seen as something that has got a negative connotation related to radicalism, selfish interests, exclusion and hatred geared at revenge against men. However, our understanding is that they fight for a just cause that we all aspire to, they deal with issues that all of us have a stake in, and the benefits of women empowerment is beneficial not only to men as well but also to the entire family and community, and the world at large. So, this justifies our decision to work with and support feminist movements and ensure that the rights of women are respected and promoted in our work. RWAMREC staff reiterated the importance of working in partnership with women in all steps of GBV prevention and promotion of positive masculinity in
Through the evaluation of the day, all the staff mentioned that this training presented several opportunities for them to reflect and think of follow on actions that will be taken as a result of this better understanding. The staff is now committed to nurture and demonstrate this change in the personal and professional life at workplace and home, or everywhere in order to make a difference. In the context of the organization's work, all staff committed to apply the skills acquired as a stepping stone to foster community reflection on equal rights between men and women and the need to become GBV prevention activists.
In conclusion, the get moving phase two was a success for us as it helped us think twice on things we take for granted, our everyday language, our attitudes, our understanding, etc. And reflected on way forward in efforts of ending GBV in partnership with other actors and partners in
RWAMREC participates in Get Moving session in Kampala
From 28 September to 1st October 2010, RWAMREC Executive secretary and the Program coordinator attended a regional workshop on sharing experiences on the Get Moving initiative in Kampala Uganda .
RWAMREC is currently partnering with the Gender Based Violence Prevention Network and its 8 member organizations from 8 countries to build and strengthen a GBV prevention movement in the region. All the regional that are getting Moving! Have linked up in Kampala to discuss values related to GBV prevention work and further enrich the process.
What is the Get Moving! Initiative?
Get Moving! Utilizes reflection sessions, exercises and readings, designed to stimulate personal and / or organizational reflection about GBV prevention work.
Get Moving! Objectives
1. To encourage personal reflection and learning among members to understand and be committed to a rights-based, feminist approach to GBV prevention.
2. To foster reflection at an organizational level on values that include power sharing, shared authority and decision making
3. To create strategies with member organizations for reaching out to others with a rights-based analysis of GBV prevention.
How is the Get Moving! Process organized?
Any group or organization interested in thinking more about the ideas and values that underpin GBV prevention work and what it would take to truly prevent GBV in the region can undertake the 3 phases.
Each phase of Get Moving! Includes a series of sessions meant to be facilitated within a group as well as readings and suggestions for journal writing that participants can do independently.
Let’s Get Moving!