Enhancing Access to Justice for SGBV Survivors in Kirehe District: A Multi-Stakeholder Commitment
On 06th August, the Center for Justice and Advocacy at Certa Foundation, in collaboration with The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, recently hosted a transformative two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) in Kirehe District. The training focused on strengthening institutional responses to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and advancing a more survivor-centered justice system.
This initiative convened a diverse network of actors from across the justice and social service sectors, including:
- Officers from the Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB)
- Judges from the Intermediate Court of Kirehe
- Civil status registrars, gender and good governance officers, and Ministry of Justice representatives
- MAJ staff and the Director of Education in Kirehe District
- Faith-based actors, NGOs, and partners such as Save the Children and Partners In Health
Their joint presence underscored the importance of a multi-stakeholder commitment to addressing the complex challenges SGBV survivors face in accessing justice.
Day 1 was led by Me Uwizeyimana Dative, Program Coordinator for Access to Justice at Certa Foundation. She introduced Certa’s community-driven approach to justice, calling for a shift from reactive to proactive institutional responses. Through interactive sessions, participants reflected on how SGBV cases intersect with their daily responsibilities, whether in police reporting, school management, hospital intake, church counseling, or administrative services. Discussions revealed systemic challenges such as underreporting due to stigma, limited forensic capacity, delays in case resolution, and coordination gaps.
The day concluded with a compelling address from the Mayor of Kirehe, who commended Certa Foundation for bridging the gap between law and community realities.
Day 2 was facilitated by Mr. Byaruhanga Joshua, a social worker from Save the Children International. He provided a detailed overview of SGBV typologies, physical, emotional, economic, and sexual violence, while grounding the discussion in Rwanda’s legal frameworks. A standout session focused on evidence collection, emphasizing trauma-informed interviewing, safeguarding survivor testimony, and best practices for handling medical and physical evidence without causing re-victimization.
The training reaffirmed Certa Foundation’s commitment to equipping justice actors with the knowledge and tools to deliver dignified, timely, and effective support to SGBV survivors across Rwanda. By fostering collaboration between institutions and communities, the initiative represents a step forward in creating a justice system that is not only accessible but also responsive to survivors’ lived experiences.
We extend our gratitude to The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation for their invaluable support, to the facilitators and participants for their active engagement, and to the partners and authorities in Kirehe District for their unwavering dedication to justice and equality.