Muhanga: ISANGE One Stop Center Supports Over 700 Survivors of Gender-Based Violence Annually

The ISANGE One Stop Center at Kabgayi Hospital continues to play a critical role in supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), receiving more than 700 victims each year. In the past three years alone, the center has assisted 2,271 individuals, including men, women, and children, who have suffered various forms of abuse.

This information was shared with a delegation of Rwandan lawmakers during a visit to Muhanga District. Members of the Rwandan Women’s Parliamentary Forum (FFRP) and the Parliamentary Forum for Public Welfare and Development (RPRPD) met with ISANGE officials to understand the scope of services provided.

Judith Uwizeyimana, head of the ISANGE One Stop Center at Kabgayi Hospital, disclosed that between 2022 and 2024, the center has treated 818 children, both boys and girls, who were sexually abused before reaching adulthood. Additionally, she revealed that since 2023, 270 teenage girls became pregnant due to sexual violence, highlighting the urgent and persistent nature of the problem. “The number of children and adults subjected to sexual and gender-based violence is alarming. It is a societal challenge that requires collective action,” Uwizeyimana emphasized.

Eric Bizimana, Deputy Mayor in charge of Economic Development in Muhanga, said that the ISANGE Center works closely with Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) officers to ensure that perpetrators are investigated and brought to justice. “Many perpetrators have already been taken to court, and our efforts continue until this crime is eradicated,” Bizimana said.

Lawmaker Jean Sauveur Kalisa underscored the importance of public awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to educate communities on the new Law Governing Persons and the Family and to teach young people about sexual and reproductive health. “Even one case of abuse is too many. No one should ever be subjected to violence. We must unite to condemn and fight against perpetrators,” Kalisa stated.

The ISANGE One Stop Center, established in 2014, has so far assisted 244,922 residents from Muhanga, Kamonyi, Ruhango, and Ngororero districts.

During a two-day field visit, parliamentarians held discussions with district authorities, Kabgayi Hospital, and Gitarama Health Center. They also met with teenage mothers from Cyeza Sector and toured youth services at Nyamabuye Sector, aiming to understand how support systems for young survivors are implemented at the community level.