Gasabo District: Community outreach Awareness campaign in the Kinyinya Sector
On September 23rd, 2024, Certa Foundation, through the Center for Justice and Advocacy, successfully conducted a community outreach awareness campaign in the Kinyinya sector, Gasabo district. Under the theme “Combating Sexual Gender-Based Violence, Enhancing Reporting Mechanisms, Evidence Collection, and Preservation for Effective Handling of Cases for Justice Delivery.”
The day's discussions covered critical topics including grooming, indicators of child defilement, crime scene conservation, and the importance of timely reporting by both victims and justice personnel. Ms. Dative Uwizeyimana, Senior Pro Bono Lawyer at the Center for Justice and Advocacy, highlights concrete evidence preservation and reporting mechanisms to community members including Irondo security personnel as important first responders to GBV/SGBV also emphasizes the significance of not just reporting incidents but doing so in a manner that facilitates justice. She said that “It’s not only about reporting; ultimately it’s about reporting in a way that creates ease to get justice. On-time and with un-corrupted evidence.”
The campaign attracted over 300 attendees, primarily comprising key first responders to SGBV crimes. This included gender champions, local law enforcement personnel (such as Irondo personnel), DASSO, and child protection officers. Their presence underscored the community's commitment to addressing GBV effectively.
Mr. Charles Havuguziga, the Executive Secretary of the Kinyinya sector, applauded Certa Foundation’s initiative to educate local communities and key responders on essential mechanisms for reporting and evidence collection. He urged participants to disseminate this vital information within their homes and communities to enhance awareness and prevention efforts.
This outreach campaign aligns with Certa Foundation's ongoing efforts to strengthen community engagement in combating sexual gender-based violence. By equipping local stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and tools, Certa Foundation aims to improve conviction rates for perpetrators and foster a safer environment for all community members.
Certa Foundation remains dedicated to advocating for justice and support systems for victims of GBV, ensuring that every voice is heard and every case is handled with the utmost care and urgency.