In Rwanda, persons with disabilities continue to face major challenges related to gender-based violence as well as discrimination targeting children and youth with disabilities. Although the country has made significant efforts to protect the rights of every citizen, many people with disabilities and their families say they still encounter stigma and are often denied appropriate services when they experience violence.
Sekarema Jean Paul, the Project Manager for Child and Youth Empowerment at NUDOR, says that persons with disabilities are more vulnerable to gender-based violence than others. He explains that many are targeted because they lack the physical strength to defend themselves or do not have access to information on how to identify and report abuse.
He said: “Some people with hearing or speech disabilities are abused without even knowing that what happened to them is violence. There are also cases driven by harmful beliefs where perpetrators think they can gain blessings or fortune by abusing a child with a disability. This resembles witchcraft and continues to harm communities.” He adds that there is a need for strong, inclusive awareness campaigns that ensure every citizen including those with disabilities understands their rights, how to report abuse, and how to access help.
Mukamurenzi Alexia, a mother of two children with disabilities from Rusatira Sector in Huye District, says discrimination and fear deeply affected her family. She recalls: “People used to call my children names that reduced their dignity. Others said our family had evil spirits. As a mother, this caused me deep pain.”
Even though one of her children completed vocational training, she says he still faces job denials from employers who believe he is incapable showing that disability-based discrimination remains widespread.
Sibomana Joseph, a student at the Catholic University of Rwanda with a physical disability, remembers the severe mistreatment he experienced in primary school. He said: “They used to call me ‘kajoriti.’ It affected my studies and made me feel different from everyone else.”
In secondary schools, the problem persists. Nyirabizimana Clementine, a Senior Two student with a physical disability, says some parents continue to devalue their own children with disabilities, telling them they will never achieve anything in life.
Clementine adds that stigma also appears within extended families. “I once visited my aunt, and people there started saying that no one in their family had ever been born like me. It was deeply hurtful and emotionally abusive.”
Murihonge Claudine, an officer at Isange One Stop Center at Kabutare Hospital, says delayed medical response is one of the most serious issues when gender-based violence occurs.
She explains: “A victim must be brought to the hospital within 48 to 72 hours so they can be treated for possible infections and protected from long-term consequences. But many parents bring their children too late, putting their health at even greater risk.”
Claudine confirms that persons with disabilities are abused frequently, but families often fail to seek help immediately.
Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) spokesperson, says persons with disabilities receive special assistance when reporting cases of sexual or gender-based violence. He stated: “There is a special procedure for handling investigations when the victim is a person with a disability. We must assist them differently to ensure proper reporting and protection.”
Dr. Murangira urges families and community members to report cases immediately, saying that failure to report allows perpetrators to continue harming vulnerable people and threatens community safety.
The stories shared reflect a persistent challenge of violence and discrimination against persons with disabilities in Rwanda. Advocates emphasize the need for continuous and inclusive awareness campaigns, changing community attitudes, protecting persons with disabilities at school, at work, and at home and Timely medical and legal services
Persons with disabilities have equal rights and deserve protection and dignified treatment. Ensuring they are not left behind and are protected from abuse is a responsibility shared by everyone.