Empowering SGBV Victims in Kirehe: Enhancing Legal Awareness, Access to Justice, and Support Services
On 18th Sept, Center for Justice and Advocacy in collaboration with the Canadian High Commission, hosted a training for over 40 victims of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Kirehe District. The initiative formed part of the project “Empowering SGBV Victims: Enhancing Legal Awareness, Access to Justice and Support Services for Healing and Reintegration.”
The training created a safe and supportive space where victims gained knowledge on legal rights, justice pathways, trauma-informed care, and access to psychosocial, health, and social protection services. Victims actively shared experiences, built peer-support networks, and formed a survivor-led advocacy group, marking a key step toward healing and reintegration.
Opening the event, Mr. Charles Hakizimana, Director of Gender and Family Promotion in Kirehe District, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protect victims and ensure justice. He encouraged participants to use the knowledge gained to break cycles of silence and become agents of change. From Certa Foundation, Me Uwizeyimana Dative emphasized a proactive, community-driven approach to justice that places victims at the center.
A highlight of the training was a session led by Mr. Jean Pierre Ntirenganya, District Chief Investigator at RIB, who explained SGBV case procedures and stressed the importance of timely reporting to preserve evidence. He outlined available services, including medical support, temporary shelter, and psychosocial care, while underscoring that victims should never feel ashamed to report cases.
Challenges identified included a lack of adequate shelters, entrenched stigma, limited trauma-informed training for justice actors, and persistent underreporting.
Key recommendations focused on strengthening referral pathways, expanding psychosocial services, improving forensic capacity in rural clinics, and conducting community sensitization campaigns. Sustained collaboration among local leaders, justice actors, and civil society was emphasized as essential for long-term impact.
The training concluded with renewed commitment from all stakeholders to support victims’ healing and reintegration. Participants left with enhanced confidence, stronger peer networks, and practical tools to champion victim-led advocacy in their communities.
Through this initiative, Certa Foundation and its partners reaffirm their dedication to restoring dignity, advancing justice, and building inclusive communities where survivors of SGBV can heal, thrive, and lead change.