Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has said that debates over women’s clothing can never justify harassment, including touching a woman without her consent.
Nduhungirehe called on Rwandan men to help promote a culture that respects women, stressing that gender-based violence, whether committed online or in person, is a serious crime punishable under Rwandan law.
In a message shared on social media, the minister emphasised that a woman’s clothing should never be used as an excuse to demean, intimidate, harass or touch her inappropriately.
“Being a good man is indeed essential for every Rwandan man. I would like to remind everyone that gender-based violence against women, whether online or in person, is a serious crime in Rwanda,” he said.
Nduhungirehe maintained that no man has any right over a woman’s body and that clothing cannot be cited as a justification for mistreating women.
“No man has any right over a woman’s body, and no form of clothing can justify men insulting, harassing or touching women,” he said.
The minister said Rwanda’s law-enforcement institutions would not tolerate such conduct and that perpetrators would be held legally accountable.
“Our law-enforcement institutions will never tolerate such acts, and those responsible will be held accountable,” he said.
Nduhungirehe added that although Rwandans may discuss appropriate clothing and conduct in public, the priority must be ensuring that women feel safe wherever they are and remain confident as they conduct their daily activities.
He also called on parents to raise boys who respect women, particularly their bodies and rights.
His remarks followed public debate about clothing and behaviour in public spaces. Nduhungirehe stressed that such discussions must never be used to justify targeting, harassing or abusing women.
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