Abstract

This study assessed the effect of capacity development of Non- Traditional Allies on their engagement in inclusive GBV prevention and response in Bugesera, Gicumbi, Nyanza and Rutsiro Districts in Rwanda. These are institutions running at grassroots level and have the capability to play direct role and/or influence GBV and justice service providers. The results of the pre- tests conducted by Rwandan organization of women with disabilities indicated  low level of understanding of disability, the rights of PWDs and G/WWDs, GBV, GBV against G/WWDs in particular, factors of GBV against G/WWDs, barriers faced by G/WWDs while accessing services. Only 47.9% had attended a conference about disability mainstreaming. In this line, the Organization planned training for upholding their level of understanding and engage them with commitments towards the common goal of having a society where G/WWDs are free from violence and are fully integrated in all sectors of social economic activities. The trainings were conducted at cell levels where the non- traditional allies live and operate. Most of the evaluation questions were asked in form of five level Likert scale. 482 non- traditional allies across 13 sectors of 4 districts namely Rwamagana, Muhanga, Nyabihu, and Musanze were surveyed. The results indicated that the non- traditional allies with Very confidence and Confidence levels of understanding of disability increased by 36.7% and 6.7% respectively; Very high and High knowledge about the rights of PWDs increased by 9.3% and 26.3% respectively; Very high and High level of understanding of GBV against G/WWDS increased by 10.8% and 24.9% respectively. Those with Vary confident and those with Confident levels in understanding of factors of GBV against G/WWDS  increased by 34% and 11.2% respectively; and those with Very confident and Confident levels of understanding of barriers limiting G/WWDs access to GBV services increased by 33.8% and 11.2% respectively. Those with Very confident and Confident levels in understanding of mechanisms for G/WWDs protection against GBV increased their understanding by 36.5% and 9.4% respectively. The training ended by a series of commitments defined by the participants as actions to be undertaken by themselves in line with the implementation of the knowledge training acquired through the training. Some commitments include: Timely reporting GBV cases; Conducting advocacy in favor of G/WWDs; Assisting in accessing services any G/WWDs experiencing GBV;  Awareness about laws and policies protecting PWDs and G/WWDs in particular; Sensitizing colleagues paying more attention on the issue of GBV against G/WWDs and providing quick services to them; Talking about disability mainstreaming though community meetings where I live; Sensitizing families and the community owning the issue of GBV against G/WWDs and combat it from the root; Visiting families of PWDs and teaching them their rights; Teaching G/WWDs and sensitize them self- confidence; Organizing mobilization opportunities in favor of PWDs with focus on G/WWDs;  Improving service delivery at workplace to G/WWDs and PWDs; Advocating for prosthesis; Identification of G/WWDs in my cell; assessing their problems and contributing to those falling under my capacity; Improving listening to G/WWDs. The research recommends strengthening these institutions through the provision of more trainings on different aspects of social life to increase their capacities to deal with social issues; budgeting the awards for the best performing as motivation factor; and promoting youths in these institutions to build sustainable peaceful society.