KIGALI – In a firm declaration underscoring the country’s commitment to protecting women’s rights, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) spokesperson Dr. Murangira has issued a strong warning against all forms of harassment targeting women, stating unequivocally that a woman’s attire can never justify verbal, physical, or sexual abuse, whether online or offline.
The statement comes amid a heated national debate surrounding the enforcement of dress codes at public events and controversial remarks made by prominent figures, which critics say have fueled a culture of victim-blaming.
Dr. Murangira’s remarks reinforce Rwanda’s official zero-tolerance policy on gender-based violence (GBV), emphasizing that perpetrators, enablers, and participants in such acts will be held accountable. The warning serves as a clear rebuke to narratives suggesting that a woman’s clothing invites harassment, a stance that has been widely criticized by women’s rights advocates.
A Nationwide Debate on Decency and Enforcement
The RIB’s warning follows a week of intense public discourse triggered by a widely condemned crackdown on what authorities described as “indecent dressing.” The controversy erupted after a video circulated showing police officers forcibly apprehending a young woman wearing a mini-skirt at a bus park in Rubavu . The footage sparked outrage, with many questioning whether the enforcement had gone too far.
The debate had intensified days earlier when some women were reportedly turned away from a Diamond Platnumz concert in Kigali because security personnel deemed their outfits too revealing . Critics questioned whether a clear dress code had been communicated, warning that subjective enforcement could expose women to public humiliation or harassment .
In a rare move, the Rwanda National Police (RNP) later confirmed that the officers seen in the Rubavu video had been arrested and detained, while the woman was cleared . “All police officers have been given instructions and strongly cautioned to ensure that actions such as these do not happen again,” RNP stated .
Victim-Blaming Remarks Spark Outrage
The debate on women’s treatment was further inflamed by remarks attributed to businessman Sadate Munyakazi, which drew sharp criticism for what many described as victim-blaming attitudes. While Munyakazi’s comments primarily centered on regional relations, his public statements have contributed to the broader conversation on how women are perceived and treated in Rwandan society .
Zero Tolerance Policy Reaffirmed
Dr. Murangira’s statement reiterates that the government’s commitment to ending GBV remains unwavering. The RIB’s position aligns with Rwanda’s broader legal and policy framework, which criminalizes public indecency but does not prescribe a detailed dress code . This lack of clarity has been a point of contention, with critics arguing that vague rules can lead to arbitrary and degrading treatment .
The RIB spokesperson’s warning comes as Rwanda continues its efforts to combat gender-based violence, a issue that has been a central focus of national campaigns, including the annual 16 Days of Activism against GBV . The government has enacted significant legal reforms to address GBV, and the Rwanda National Police has been instrumental in promoting measures to combat the causes of crime and social unrest in collaboration with communities .
However, challenges persist. Studies indicate that while progress has been made, GBV remains a concern, with a significant number of women reporting experiences of violence . The latest statement from the RIB serves as a reminder that accountability for perpetrators is a key pillar in the fight against all forms of violence and harassment.
The RIB’s warning is a clear signal that while the debate on public decency continues, the protection of women from harassment and violence remains paramount, and clothing will never be a defense for abuse.
