Path for Health, in collaboration with Mildmay Uganda and the Ministry of Health, marked the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” with a series of activities aimed at raising awareness and taking action to eliminate violence against women and girls. The event took place on 24th and 25th November 2020 at Luwero District Local Government.
The international campaign, observed annually from 25th November to 10th December, is a global call to action to address gender-based violence as a violation of human rights. Under the theme “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect,” this year’s campaign focused on the alarming increase in violence against adolescent girls and young women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Uganda continues to face high rates of violence against women and girls. Disturbing statistics reveal that 22% of women aged 15-49 in Uganda have experienced some form of sexual violence, 40% of girls are married before the age of 18, and 55% of ever-married women and 44% of ever-married men have experienced spouse violence.
The objectives of the activity included eliminating unsafe hazards and sexual harassment faced by girls in various settings such as workplaces, homes, schools, markets, and advocating for separate toilets for boys and girls to prevent rape and defilement. The event aimed to identify gaps in communities and workplaces that contribute to sexual harassment, engage male champions to actively support the cause, and involve different stakeholders in the fight against gender-based violence.
To commemorate the 16 Days of Activism, Path for Health Uganda, along with partners, conducted a social media campaign using the hashtag #16DaysOfActivism to raise awareness about sexual harassment and its impact on adolescent girls and young women in institutions and communities. On 24th November, a television program on Record TV led by the Assistant Commissioner of Gender was broadcasted to create further awareness. On 25th November, a high-level dialogue was held in Luwero district, featuring representatives from various sectors including District Health Officer, Community Development Officer, Probation Officer, FIDA, Police, and Mildmay Uganda.
During the dialogue, District Community Development Officer (DCDO) Mrs. Florence Catasi highlighted the policies and guidelines implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development to combat gender-based violence. She emphasized the importance of incorporating these strategies into the work of implementing partners and fostering a multi-sectoral approach to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence.
District Health Officer Mr. Nkonwa Innocent shed light on the prevalence of adolescent pregnancies and the trauma experienced by survivors, including postpartum hemorrhage and fistula. He urged for increased support to survivors, including emergency contraceptive pills and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV transmission.
Probation officers and police stressed the need for physical security measures in communities, better handling of reported cases, and youth-friendly services offered by the police. Mildmay Uganda emphasized the role of families in preventing gender-based violence and requested NGOs to support education and reintegration of children into schools.
Path for Health Uganda, represented by Asiimwe Bridget, the Team Leader, expressed gratitude to the district team for their cooperation and encouraged a focus on community cases and the GBV referral pathway. Collaboration among stakeholders and prioritizing the survivor’s health before addressing the criminal offense were emphasized.
The event was attended by Commissioner of Gender Mrs. Angela Nakafero, District Health Officer Dr. Nkonwa Innocent, and a survivor of gender-based violence, Miss Shakira.
Challenges identified included corruption among perpetrators and stakeholders, lack of information on human rights and GBV, poverty hindering access to justice, and insufficient knowledge of the GBV referral pathway.
The recommendations put forth included utilizing existing GBV platforms, implementing the SASA methodology for prevention, sharing work plans among district implementing partners, and fostering collaboration between various sectors and the District Health Officer’s office.
Path for Health and its partners remain committed to addressing gender-based violence and creating safer environments for women and girls in Luwero District and beyond.
For more information, please contact:
For more information, please contact:
The Communications Department,
Path for Health Uganda
Email: info@path4health,org
Telephone: +256393246587