Youth Members of ‘We Got Your Back’ Receive Training on Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence Prevention

On Friday, February 22, 2019, members of the youth organization ‘We Got Your Back’ gathered for a training on gender equality and the balance between men and women, as well as on preventing gender-based violence. The phrase “We Got Your Back,” an English expression, is used to convey support and willingness to help someone in need.

The organization, which was founded on July 25, 2018, consists of members, including students from the former Kigali Institute of Education (KIE). The training aimed to build the capacity of the ‘We Got Your Back’ members. A total of 32 members participated in the training, which took place at the University of Rwanda’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), formerly KIE.

During the two-day training, the members were educated on gender equality and the harmonious relationship between men and women. They were also taught how to prevent gender-based violence. The training emphasized how both partners in a marriage should respect their roles and work together in mutual understanding.

Anastase Ndagijimana, a student at the University of Rwanda’s Faculty of Education and the leader of ‘We Got Your Back’, spoke to Inyarwanda about how the training enhanced their understanding of the topics discussed. He shared that the knowledge gained will help them teach others. He said, “Yes, it’s productive because we have understood the issues ourselves, and it will be easier to help others understand. The impact is significant because we realized that some things we knew were not correct, and now we’re going to change them.”

‘We Got Your Back’ is already involved in activities to combat gender-based violence and other forms of violence, focusing particularly on women, children, youth, vulnerable individuals, and those with special issues. They also educate the youth about preventing teenage pregnancies. The members expressed that the training provided them with advanced knowledge that will help them improve their work.

The training was conducted by RWAMREC, a non-governmental organization focused on encouraging men to understand that women have equal rights. The members of ‘We Got Your Back’ expressed their deep appreciation for the training provided by RWAMREC and called on Rwandan society and various organizations to support them and provide any form of assistance to improve their work.