Elimination of GBV needs collective effort- USAID boss
Police’s head of child and family protection department ACP Maureen Atuhairwe, noted that the recent 2023 annual police report indicated a total of 12,771 defilement cases were reported in Uganda, of which only 5,564 reached court.
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- Police’s head of child and family protection department ACP Maureen Atuhairwe, noted that the recent 2023 annual police report indicated a total of 12,771 defilement cases were reported in Uganda, of which only 5,564 reached court.
The Mission director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Uganda, Ms Danielle Nyirandutye, has said that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) will only be eliminated if everyone in the country collectively works towards ending it.
While officiating at the East and Southern Africa (ESA) Regional Youth Leaders Symposium on GBV Shelter Policy and Sustainability in Kampala, Ms Nyirandutye said families, communities, government, and other partners need to play their part in stopping GBV which she said is affecting many.
“Every 10 minutes, one woman dies globally due to domestic violence. We need to come up with urgent means to combat GBV,” she said.
She called for accessible financial and healthcare services for women, especially expectant mothers to mitigate vulnerabilities.
Police’s head of child and family protection department ACP Maureen Atuhairwe, noted that the recent 2023 annual police report indicated a total of 12,771 defilement cases were reported in Uganda, of which only 5,564 reached court.
She also underscored the need for a collaborative approach involving police, stakeholders, and communities to address GBV effectively.
The Symposium was held by the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) under the theme: Breaking Barriers: Integrating SRHR, GBV Care, and Mental Health Services Access in ESA Shelters for Lasting Impact.
It aimed at shedding a spotlight on the frustrations survivors of GBV face in accessing shelters and services.
Speaking at the event, Ms Faith Mairah, Chairperson of YALI Alumni Uganda underscored the importance of bridging gaps in shelter access and developing integrated care services for survivors.
The symposium, she said, will produce a position paper to inform the African Union's process of domesticating the Convention on Ending All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and Girls.
The 2022/23 Teso region Miss Tourism, Enid Amoding advised the youths to seek help in overcoming drug abuse and addictions which she described as disease that will affect their lives and also intensify GBV.
The CEO Miss Tourism Teso, Ms Jessica Sheila Ogeuna urged religious and cultural leaders to use their powers and preach against GBV since it is affecting all societies.
The symposium is part of the activities being held by multiple organizations and governments as Uganda joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 16 days of activism against GBV campaign which are running between November 25 and December 10 under the theme: Unite to end violence against women and girls.
During the launch of the 16-day campaign on November 25, the Gender and Culture State Minister urged activists and the government to denounce the practice that demeans women and puts them in inferior status.
She also condemned the rising sexual, emotional, and economic violence which men have now reportedly replaced with outdated physical violence.
Delegates at the Symposium have unanimously emphasized the need for united efforts to combat GBV
Ms Nyirandutye reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting women through financial and health resources.
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