Cheptegei remembrance drives sport’s GBV fight

 Sometime towards the end of last month, something unusual happened. A bunch of digital influencers and Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) released a video on social media.

The under-a-minute video featured former world 800-metre champion Halimah Nakaayi running on track at Namboole Stadium and then down to insecurity at home.

“On the track, she runs for gold. At home, she runs for her life,” read part of its caption. UOC Athletes’ Commission (AC) in partnership with Reach A Hand Uganda had rolled out the clip in a huge message to combat gender based violence (GBV).

The video release was the start of UOC’s participation in the global 16 days of activism against GBV. “Uganda recently experienced a high-profile case of GBV with the tragic murder of Paris 2024 Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei,” UOC AC’s chairperson Ganzi Mugula told this paper in an interview.

“This incident followed very recent similar high-profile cases in neighbouring Kenya, including the tragic murders of Agnes Tirop and Damaris Muthee. These events highlighted the urgency of addressing GBV within the sports community and the broader society. So, through the Athletes Commission of the UOC, I felt strongly that we should do something about it.”

The 16 days of activism against GBV ran from November 25 - December 10. Mugula’s plans with the UOC AC were aided by an organization called 1in3.org and they applied for funding from the Olympic Solidarity, a program of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that supports the development of Olympic sports.

“One in three women suffers GBV across the world.  Every 11 minutes, a woman is killed by a member of the family. These numbers are big. If we can use sports personalities to address this, we would have contributed to a global cause,” stated UOC general secretary Beatrice Ayikoru.

The idea to use Nakaayi in the video was particularly emotional and strategic. “The UOC AC involvement in the campaign gave it a real face of GBV,” noted Mugula, who was Uganda’s flag bearer at the London 2012 Olympics.

“We used Halimah, who is a well-known champion and Olympian and she was a childhood friend to Rebecca Cheptegei.” And the message went far.

The video attracted more than 100,000 views across different platforms on social media. On radio, over 11 million people across five radio stations in central and eastern Uganda as well as western Kenya were reached, according to Mugula.

“GBV affects everyone including athletes. The athletes in Uganda and globally need to rise up. We are happy many of our athletes are joining the cause. Rebecca should be the last athlete to have suffered GBV in sports. We urge many suffering silently both women and men to speak up. Uganda has toll free numbers for reporting GBV SAUTI 116,” stated Ayikoru.

Besides, UOC AC and the Gender, Equality and Diversity Commission conducted dual career training and incorporated safeguarding and GBV in sessions.  

This attracted athletes from every sport affiliate of the UOC for two days at Nob View Hotel Ntinda. Like UOC, several other organisations conducted activities around ending GBV during the 16-day period but sport’s amplification remained unique.

WHAT THEY SAID

Donald Rukare, UOC President: “Globally, the most dangerous place for a woman to be is in her home, where the majority of women die at the hands of men. Engaging men as allies is crucial to ending violence against women. Say no to GBV not only to the athletes but to everyone in our community. It’s every one’s responsibility to break the silence.”

Shida Leni, 400-metre Sprinter: “Demand stronger laws that hold perpetrators accountable.”

US Ambassador William Popp: “When we fail to confront GBV, we allow cycles of fear, inequality, and oppression to continue unchecked. The silence surrounding this issue often comes from stigma, shame or traditions that dismiss it as a private matter. Yet, if we aspire to societies where every person can live with dignity and respect, it is vital to address the barriers that enable GBV to persist. Acknowledging the “elephant in the room” is the first step toward creating safe spaces for survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.”

Halimah Nakaayi, 2019 World 800-metre Champion: “We should break this cycle of violence. Stand Up. Speak Up. Break the silence.”

Leonard Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator Uganda: “Men in places of authority and cultural custodians play a pivotal role in the fight to end violence against women and girls. Their influence in challenging harmful norms, promoting gender equality, and fostering accountability is invaluable. By leveraging their voices and leadership within communities, they can drive transformative change and create a culture of respect and inclusion. Engaging these allies alongside women and girls is essential to dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring a future free from violence.”

Joshua Cheptegei, 10000-metre Olympic champion: “GBV is a critical global issue impacting public health, gender equality and human rights affecting one in three women worldwide.”

Winnie Nanyondo, 2014 800-metre Commonwealth bronze medalist: “Be the all that survivors need. Listen, support and amplify their voices, ensuring that they are heard and believed.”

Michael Wokorach, Rugby player: “Engaging men as allies is crucial to ending violence against women and challenging GBV. Men have a crucial role to play as fathers, brothers and public advocates in speaking out against violence against women and girls.”