Local Non Governmental Organisations And Women Empowerment In Fighting Gender Based Violence : A Case Study Of Kinyinya Gender Based Violence Project In Rwanda Women Network

Abstract

The main focus of this study was the Contribution of local NGOs on women empowerment in the fighting against gender based violence. In which the problem that necessitated the study was that the violence anywhere is detrimental, but that on women has much effect that spans more than physical injury as it has socio economic effects. Different non-government organizations are engaged in fighting GBV through empowering women and measuring the contribution on one such NGO would be important. The study aimed at investigating the extent to which local NGOs, particularly RWN contribute on women empowerment in the fight against GBV. The objective of the study was to find answers to the following questions; how is the advocacy being done by RWN for GBV victims? What kind of technical support offered by RWN to empower women to fight GBV? To what extent women in Kinyinya are participating in community development as a result of empowerment through RWN? To what extent beneficiaries of RWN are knowledgeable on GBV issue? The scope of the study considered activities done by RWN from 2006- 2009 where RWN was implementing its women empowerment for the fight against GBV project. This study focused only to Kinyinya sector due to the accessibility of this area. The third chapter focused on the methodology of study to be used. These included research design (descriptive and explanatory) as they both complement each other, the target population was 366 that comprised of the beneficiaries who were members of the Rwanda Women Network and gained in one way or another, police representatives handling gender based violence, executive secretary. The sample was selected purposively and also using the simple random design. To ensure that the requisite data is gathered, the researcher used questionnaire and interview guide. The analysis was done on the same data so as to obtain information for conclusions and recommendations. Descriptive statistical approaches were used varying from objective to another, where aggregation and used of likert scale was used to measure the extent of contributions made on the issue. Findings indicated that local NGOs have done a lot in women empowerment and reduction in Gender Based Violence in Rwanda through sponsoring trainings, providing financial assistance and counseling services as reflected in the conceptual framework. It was thus concluded that women empowerment is desirable in RWN and it is achieving a very remarkable progress in the areas of efficiency in fighting against gender based violence. However the approach and implementation of women empowerment is crucial and critical in determining the final results. Therefore it was recommended that Rwanda Women Network should reposition itself in the fight against gender based violence by: Strengthening its image which is concerned with encouraging married partners to always share the burden of family responsibilities, come up with strategies to clear the problem of husbands who force their wives into sex, encourage people to voluntarily go for HIV tests
 sensitize men to always treat and accept children of all sexes as equally important which would restore peace in families.