The Gender Monitoring Office in collaboration with Western Province on Thursday 30^th November 2023 concluded gender accountability dialogues in Nyabihu district that discussed the role of local leaders in promoting gender accountability and enhancing Gender -Based Violence service delivery.

The dialogues were conducted in collaboration with Nyabihu district with the support of the UN Women and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, in the framework of Gender Accountability Month conducted across all districts of the province.

The dialogue was attended by the Minster of Gender and Family Promotion Dr Valentine MUJAWAMARIYA, the Governor of Western Province Mr Dushimimana Lambert, Chief Gender Monitor Mrs Umutoni Gatsinzi Nadine, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Governance Board Dr Usta Kayitesi, Vice Mayor in Charges of economic affairs of Nyabihu District HABANABAKIZE Jean Claude, all Village leaders in Nyabihu district, Executive secretaries of cells, executive secretaries of sectors, district officials, Provincial leaders, Security and Justice Organs at district Level, non-governmental institutions as well as faith-based organizations.

The dialogue aims to create a community of practice around gender accountability and good governance for increased effective gender-responsive service delivery at the local level. It is anticipated that Village leaders will understand their critical role in the prevention and elimination of gender inequalities and gender-based violence in their respective communities as well as institutionalize gender principles in their daily work to ensure equitable social-economic development "leaving no one behind".

The dialogue has been an opportunity for local leaders to share experiences in promoting gender equality and accountability in their respective communities. They particularly discussed effective ways to respond to GBV-related issues once they happen in their respective communities. They committed to ending GBV in their respective place and timely sharing of information in combating Gender Based Violence and other injustices.

The Chief Gender Monitor Umutoni Gatsinzi Nadine thanked local leaders in Nyanza districts and the leadership of Western Province for their commitment to promoting gender equality and fighting gender-based violence to ensure that men and women get equal rights and opportunities.

While closing the dialogue, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Dr Valentine Uwamariya requested the attended local leaders to play a big role in having a safe family where there is zero violence and strive to promote gender equality in their respective families