EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: “Never touch anything with half of your heart”

By Rolf Rosenkranz 

It was an image that spoke volumes: On the fringes of last August’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, President Barack Obama welcomed heads of state to dinner at the White House. Most of the dignitaries brought their wives. Paul Kagame didn’t. 

The Rwandan president arrived with Ange Kagame, his only daughter, a now 21-year-old budding philanthropist who, in many ways, represents the next generation of promising African leaders — a generation that stands ready to shape a continent ripe with opportunity despite its long history of poverty, conflicts and other development challenges. 

Exclusive Interview on GBV with Roydah Ndhlovu

YOUR VOICE MATTERS: We feature Roydah Ndhlovu popularly known as Tariah Matthews. She is an upcoming gender activist and singer. 

WM: Tell us a bit about GBV. What is it? 

Roydah: GBV is the violence that is directed against a person on the basis of gender, it constitutes a breach of the fundamental rights of life, liberty, security, dignity and equality. It reflects inequalities between men and women. 

WM: Often time’s people use the term GBV, while others use violence against women. Could you tell us the difference? 

Roydah: There is a difference in the terms and the terminology matters, narrowing the language in the preamble to violence against women and vulnerability of women represents a step backward, it does not include all forms of violence that must be covered...GBV relates to social expectations and positions based on gender and can be committed by and aimed at both men and women though mostly GBV is committed by men directed against women and girls.