KIGALI, August 6, 2014—The World Bank Group and the Government of Rwanda today signed a financial agreement of US$15 million to provide community and health services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) by expanding the Isange One Stop Centers while promoting gender equality, behavioral change and violence prevention in Rwanda.
The financial credit is part of a US$107 million regional project, the Great Lakes Emergency SGBV and Women’s Health Project, approved by the Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors on June 26th to Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda as well as the International Conference to the Great Lakes Region, to help survivors of gender based violence.
“The developmental impacts of sexual violence are high and require an integrated approach to support some of the most vulnerable populations in the Great Lakes region as well as Rwanda. This Project is the first IDA operation of the World Bank Group to support comprehensive services for survivors of sexual violence in the Africa region” said Carolyn Turk, the World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda.
The Great Lakes Emergency SGBV and Women’s Health Project will benefit directly over 29,000 women and girls in Rwanda and support and complement the ongoing efforts from the Rwandan government and its partners, including UN agencies, the Netherlands, DFID and the Swiss Development Cooperation operating in the country.
“Rwanda remains committed to fight Sexual and Gender Based Violence to ensure that GBV is drastically reduced and that victims access appropriate services which free all Rwandans from all forms of violence and discrimination,” said Claver Gatete, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning for Rwanda.
In May 2013, President Jim Yong Kim announced US$1 billion in new Bank Group regional support for the countries of the Great Lakes while visiting the war-torn area with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Delivery of this support is on target. The new project reflects the institution’s commitment to support the three countries as they reduce poverty and promote shared prosperity by focusing especially on women, who are among the most vulnerable groups in the region.
