Gender Based Violence

What is Gender Based Violence

Gender-Based violence is a major issue facing Uganda today. It is pervasive and affects individuals and families across all socio-economic classes. Although it is difficult to quantify the extent of Gender-Based Violence’s impact on socio-economic transformation, it significantly affects women and girls from diverse cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, and age groups. While the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence can vary widely among communities and societies, it remains a widespread problem.

Traditionally, certain cultural beliefs held by some individuals or groups perpetuate harmful practices that justify or normalise acts of Gender-Based Violence, such as:

Female genital mutilation,
Child marriage,
The notion that a husband has the right to physically discipline his wife.

This has allowed Gender-Based Violence to persist as a serious societal issue that requires collective action for prevention and resolution.

It is essential to challenge these harmful Gender norms and promote equality and respect for all individuals. We affirm our commitment to oppose and condemn any statements that endorse or promote Gender-Based Violence. By raising awareness and advocating for change, we can help create a safer and more equitable society for everyone.

Since the formation of various bodies to combat the vice, a multitude of cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) have been reported, and efforts have been made to rank communities or societies that are least or most affected by Gender-Based Violence. This has helped to illuminate the true meaning of GBV, its causes, the magnitude of the problem, and how it can potentially be reduced. The trend of Gender-Based Violence in Uganda is evidenced by a substantial percentage of women and girls experiencing some form of GBV, including

physical,
sexual,
Emotional violence.

It remains unclear to many Ugandans that GBV continues to be a persistent challenge in the country. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that involves tackling underlying social and cultural factors, strengthening legal frameworks, and providing support to survivors. This mentality and these attitudes must change, and the time is now.

Effects of Gender based Violence

A loss of family values and spirituality. Both less and highly educated individuals are increasingly becoming non-God-fearing and less compassionate. This perception has caused our country to lose direction in many aspects. There is no longer sufficient meditation and reflection on our country’s motto, “For God and My Country,” and the God-given National Anthem, “Oh Uganda, May God Uphold Thee.”

Appearing unpatriotic and more self-centered,
viewing others merely as a means to an end.
Gender-Based Violence often results in
Physical injuries,
Chronic health conditions,
Mental health disorders,
And suicidal ideation.
It also leads to a loss of productivity, causing economic losses for individuals and households,
Increased health costs,
Reduced economic opportunities,
Stigma and discrimination,
Relationship breakdowns,
Intergenerational trauma.

Yes, there are instances of people taking advantage of Gender-Based Violence in Uganda. This can occur in various forms, including: perpetrators exploiting vulnerabilities, where individuals who commit acts of gender-based violence continue to exploit the fear, shame, or lack of support experienced by victims to continue their harmful behaviors. Certain people, have in some cases taken advantage of the justice system being slow or ineffective in responding to Gender-Based Violence, allowing them to evade consequences and potentially re-offend, and harmful social and cultural norms that condone or minimise Gender-Based Violence continue to create environments where victims feel pressured to remain silent or accept abuse.

The situation is even worse in certain instances, where there are economic disparities that continue to make it difficult for victims to leave abusive situations or seek help, as they may be financially dependent on their abusers. It’s now important to note that these are complex issues that are influenced by a variety of factors, and addressing them requires a multifaceted approach involving legal reforms, social awareness campaigns, and support services for victims.

It is therefore imperative that PhiphyMak Rehabilitation Home (PhiphyMak) addresses this problem with a view to promoting community outreach, supporting the incorporation of GBV Education into school curricula, emphasising Healthy Relationships, consent, and respect, using media channels to raise awareness about GBV and challenge harmful Gender stereotypes, creating support serve systems particularly shelters and safe spaces to victims, medicalcare and counselling services from religious leaders and aother stakeholders, while engaging the victims in productive activities like farming. By combining a host of strategies, PhiphyMak Rehabilitation Home can make a significant contribution to addressing gender-based violence in Uganda and creating a safer and more equitable society for all.

Our efforts in fighting Gender Based Violence

The strategy adopted by PhiphyMak Rehabilitation Home may not completely eliminate instances of Gender-Based Violence in the country, but it aims to significantly reduce them. The Organisation is determined to combat Gender-Based Violence by raising awareness and challenging harmful stereotypes, providing support services such as shelters and counseling, advocating for policy changes, and holding perpetrators accountable. Additionally, we hope to strengthen community responses, build partnerships, and conduct research to inform policies and interventions in Uganda. These efforts are expected to produce several positive outcomes, leading to a significant reduction in Gender-Based Violence, improved safety for individuals, and a more equitable and just society.

Target beneficiaries

The fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) aims to protect and empower individuals at risk of, or who have experienced, GBV. The primary beneficiaries include :

survivors of GBV
Individuals who have faced any form of Gender-Based Violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse
As well as those at risk of GBV. This at-risk group may be vulnerable due to factors such as age, gender identity, sexual distortion, disability, or socio-economic status.

Development objective

The creation of a society where gender equality is achieved and all individuals, regardless of their gender, are free from violence and discrimination. enhancement of spiritual life, patriotism, societal values and responsible citizenship for all people.