Children’s experiences of gender based violence in Gasabo District Rwanda

Abstract

The study examined the children’s experience of gender based violence in Gasabo District in Rwanda. Due to inadequate in supporting actions towards gender based violence, the study was therefore guided by the following objectives; to examine the children’s understanding of gender based violence, to assess the types of gender based violence by the children and lastly to compare the gender effects of gender based violence experienced by children in Gasabo District all to address the need to reduce gender based violence among children. Methodology: The research study adopted both qualitative and quantitative analysis of research. Face to face interviews, survey questionnaires, focused group of discussion were used in analysis of the data. The sample size was 93 respondents which comprised of (Akagoroba k`ababyeyi programme), Police Officers, Local Leaders and stake holders. A descriptive statistics was adopted and used through qualitative and quantitative analysis through Statistical Package for Social Scientifics (SPSS) and Microsoft excel. Findings: From the study results show that a rate of 12.5% experience gender based violence. Much as the government set up laws and strategic plan for reducing gender based violence, all is effective in action. The findings reveal that the local community of Gasabo district is aware and some individuals who are ignorant on issues concerning GBV on children’s experience. Therefore, the study indicated a relationship between children’s experiences and gender based violence. Conclusion: children in observation, there are the most vulnerable to gender based violence in Gasabo district; this was due to the fact that they aware that children experience gender based violence during their growth to maturity level. The study noted the inefficiency of the government to enforce the existing laws that control gender-based violence within the families. Recommendation: Government should be involved in the settlement of family wrangles and the prevention of gender based experience among the children as an important aspect of work to reduce exposure to GBV. Children’s experience needs programs intended to provide parents teaching and guidance, government law enforcement and community involvement to the families of children with less care or facilities in an effort to support the growth and development of children who need to be put in place as a road to end the dire situation of the child victims of GBV.