In a collaborative effort between Mukamira Community Based Organization (MCBO) and Never Again Rwanda (NAR), women representatives from various levels of the National Women's Council (NWC) across Musanze District recently participated in a capacity-building training. Held at Auberge Ikaze Hotel on July 8, 2024, this training aimed to equip 50 women leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster human rights advocacy, participatory governance, and conflict resolution through the innovative Tubategamatwi Advocacy Program.
Building Capacity for Human Rights and Governance
The training began with an acknowledgment from a member of the District Council, who praised MCBO for its partnership with Musanze District and encouraged participants to engage fully in the session. MCBO's Executive Director then introduced the Tubategamatwi Program, highlighting its success in Nyabihu District and its potential to positively transform communities in Musanze.
The Tubategamatwi Program empowers local leaders to actively listen to the issues facing their constituents and address them through advocacy. Participants learned to assess which community concerns require urgent action and how to approach these issues with empathy and leadership. Through this program, conflicts are viewed as part of human nature, and solutions are aimed at reducing, rather than eliminating, disagreements within the community.
Understanding Gender Equality and Advocacy
One of the focal points of the training was gender equality. MCBO’s Executive Director emphasized that equality extends beyond fulfilling responsibilities and includes breaking down traditional gender roles. Participants were encouraged to challenge the cultural norms that often confine women and men to specific roles in their communities, with the ultimate goal of creating a more inclusive society.
Thierry Bizimungu, another facilitator, delved into the legal framework of gender equality, educating participants on Rwanda's laws that protect both men and women. He stressed the importance of understanding the law in order to better advocate for the citizens they serve.
Interactive Group Discussions and Outcome
Participants engaged in group discussions, where they shared personal experiences and challenges related to gender equality in their areas. Issues such as poverty and ingrained beliefs were identified as obstacles to achieving equality. By the end of the training, participants felt empowered to educate others in their communities on the importance of gender equality and committed to submitting reports on time to improve advocacy outcomes.
One participant, Madam Ufitinema Valentine, expressed her newfound understanding, stating, "I didn’t know that the principle of equality concerns both male and female. I was thinking that it only defends females. Now, I understand it defends all people, and I will educate others in my community about this."
Women’s and Special Groups' Engagement
Throughout the session, women participated equally alongside men, and their contributions were pivotal in reaching the training’s conclusions. Special groups, including youth and people with disabilities, were also actively involved, with no barriers preventing their participation.
Lessons Learned and Future Recommendations
The training highlighted some practical challenges, such as participants bringing their children into the session, causing distractions. In future trainings, it was recommended that a separate space be allocated for children. Participants also expressed the need for basic materials like books, papers, and pens to improve their ability to submit quality reports on time. MCBO was urged to organize additional training sessions focused on women’s roles in resolving family conflicts.
Conclusion
The training concluded successfully, equipping participants with essential skills to address gender equality, human rights, and participatory governance in their communities. The participants left with a renewed commitment to applying the Tubategamatwi approach and gender equality principles in their daily responsibilities. MCBO and NWC’s coordinator in Musanze District closed the session by thanking all participants and organizers, and encouraging further opportunities for capacity-building in the future.
This training is just one step toward a future where Rwandan communities, led by empowered women, embrace equality and harmony, driving positive change across the country.