...

Unite for Change: Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Gulu City

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, city officials, representatives of development partners, Civil Society Organisations, cultural and religious leaders, and members of the press.

 

I am deeply honoured to stand before you today on behalf of the Civil Society Organisations in Gulu City as we mark the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) under the theme: “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”

 

This global campaign underscores our shared responsibility to unite against the pervasive and persistent scourge of violence against women and girls (VAWG). It is a clarion call to action, one that resonates strongly in our local context, where GBV remains a grave concern.

 

Globally, VAWG remains one of the most widespread human rights violations, affecting one in three women in their lifetime. Uganda is no exception. According to the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, 36% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while one in four have endured sexual violence in their lifetime.

 

In northern Uganda, the statistics paint an even bleaker picture. Data from the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report (2023) reveals that northern Uganda reported over 6,000 cases of domestic violence and 1,200 cases of defilement last year alone—some of the highest rates in the country. In Gulu City, these challenges are compounded by harmful cultural practices, economic inequalities, and the lingering effects of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) conflict.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated GBV cases, leading to increased domestic violence, child marriages, parental neglect, and sexual exploitation during lockdown periods. These figures underscore the urgent need for coordinated, sustained, and collective efforts to combat GBV in our communities.

 

Civil Society Organisations in Gulu City have been pivotal in addressing GBV through survivor-centred, innovative, and community-led approaches. These efforts align with national frameworks and complement government initiatives. Allow me to highlight some of our key interventions:

  1. Community Awareness and Sensitisation
    • Facilitating dialogues, media campaigns, and school-based programs to challenge harmful norms and raise awareness about GBV.
    • Partnering with cultural and religious leaders to champion positive practices that protect women and girls.
  2. Provision of Shelter and Support Services
    • Establishing safe shelters for survivors, offering psychosocial counseling, legal aid, and healthcare.
    • Gulu City’s primary shelter has supported over 500 survivors annually, showcasing the critical importance of such facilities.
  3. Economic Empowerment of Women
    • Providing income-generating skills to foster financial independence and reduce economic violence.
    • Supporting savings and credit groups to strengthen women’s economic resilience.
  4. Advocacy for Justice and Accountability
    • Collaborating with law enforcement to ensure timely investigation and prosecution of GBV cases.
    • Training police officers and judicial officials in survivor-friendly procedures.
  5. Youth Engagement
    • Promoting initiatives like “Boys for Change” to involve young men and boys in advancing gender equality.
  6. Research and Data Generation
    • Conducting studies to document GBV trends and their impacts, providing evidence for effective policy advocacy.
  7. Strengthening Referral Pathways
    • Enhancing coordination among service providers to ensure survivors receive timely and holistic support.

 

Our achievements are a testament to the strength of partnerships. CSOs in Gulu City have collaborated with government agencies, UN entities such as UNFPA and UN Women, and development partners like CARE International. Initiatives such as the Spotlight Initiative have significantly scaled efforts to combat harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).

 

Despite these successes, challenges remain:

  • High levels of impunity for GBV perpetrators.
  • Limited resources for GBV programming and shelter operations.
  • Stigma and cultural resistance to reporting GBV cases.
  • Stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding GBV and VAWG.

However, there are promising opportunities:

  • The ongoing review of the Beijing Declaration provides a platform to strengthen commitments to gender equality. As local actors, we must localize this declaration to suit our context and ensure its principles reach every community member, including local leaders.
  • Youth engagement and partnerships with cultural and religious leaders offer hope for transformative change.
  • Strengthening local partnerships promotes community ownership of the campaign and amplifies its impact.

 

As we embark on this year’s 16 Days of Activism, I urge:

  • The government to prioritise funding for GBV interventions and enforce accountability mechanisms.
  • The private sector to invest in survivor-centred initiatives and promote safe work environments.
  • CSOs to sustain innovative approaches and expand their reach.
  • Community members to challenge harmful practices and support survivors in seeking justice.

Ending GBV is not the responsibility of a few; it requires the collective effort of everyone.

 

In conclusion, the 16 Days of Activism is not merely a campaign but a reaffirmation of our commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity. Together, let us unite in action to create a society where women and girls live free from violence and fear.

Thank you, and may this campaign inspire meaningful change in Gulu City and beyond.

 

Ojok Michael

Executive Director and Co-founder

Hashtag Gulu Initiative

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Seraphinite AcceleratorOptimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.