KIGALI, Rwanda (BG) – Thousands of Kigali residents united on Sunday for a special Car-Free Day, using the platform to march and exercise as a collective statement against gender-based violence (GBV).
The event, held in alignment with the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, emphasized the theme of building families and societies free from GBV.
Kigali Car Free Day takes place every first and third Sunday of the month, where some roads are closed for motorized vehicles to be used only for walking and cycling.
Organizers and participants underscored the message that there is “#NoExcuse for Gender-Based Violence” and highlighted the importance of collective action in eradicating all forms of violence.
This Sunday’s event showcased initiatives promoting social well-being and financial inclusion, reinforcing the city’s commitment to holistic development.
Rwanda’s efforts during the 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign to eliminate violence against women and girls, align with the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025.
The declaration remains a foundational framework for achieving gender equality and upholding the rights of women and girls worldwide.
The urgency of addressing GBV is stark.
According to recent data, a woman or girl is intentionally killed by a partner or family member every 10 minutes globally.
Such statistics underscore the critical need for events like Kigali’s Car-Free Day, which serve as platforms to rally communities and decision-makers to commit to lasting change.
Kigali Car Free Day was initiated by the City of Kigali in 2016 to promote healthy living in the City, according to kigalicity.gov.rw
It is part of Rwanda’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability and encourage healthier lifestyles.
The initiative was designed to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion by closing certain roads to motorized vehicles on the first and third Sundays of every month, allowing residents to walk, jog, cycle, and engage in other physical activities.
This event also aims to foster a sense of community and raise awareness about the benefits of an active lifestyle.
