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:
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:
However, there are promising opportunities:
As we embark on this year’s 16 Days of Activism, I urge:
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
Tee Olam village, Paicho, Gulu District
Town Office:
Plot 75/79 Jomo Kenyatta Road,
Behind Elephante Commons,
Pece-Lukung, Laroo – Pece Division,
Gulu City
+256 (0) 393 243 139
+256 (0 777 361 943
info@hastaggulu.org
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