16 Days of Activism spurs calls to end violence against women and girls

By; Molly Kamakune.

A section of women and men in the Central Division of Fort Portal City have emphasized the need for joint efforts between men and women to end gender-based violence (GBV) in families. They said that working together is essential to eliminate this harmful practice, which has left many families torn apart.

During a community dialogue organized by  YAWE Foundation in partnership with Voice Of Toro Gender Desk to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence last week, participants stressed the importance of ending violence against women and girls, whose rights are frequently violated. The 16 Days of Activism runs annually from November 25 to December 10.

 

 

Kenneth Katungi, the Project Officer for the CASCADE Project at Yawe Foundation, said  that entrenched gender norms play a key role in shaping how resources are distributed within households, impacting women’s ability to access, control, and manage food.

“The unequal division of labor based on gender roles means that women often bear the burden of household responsibilities, including food production and preparation, without having equal access to decision-making power or resources. This leads to not only a scarcity of food but also a lack of proper nutrition, especially for women and children.”

Ms  Mujungu Betty, the Team Leader of the Voice of Toro Gender Desk, noted that one in every three women experience various forms of gender based violence, including sexual violence .

“during our different  engagements,  some women have reported marital rape. These forms of violence must be reported to the police, specifically to the Family and Child Protection Unit. Failure to report often leads to dire consequences, including cases where women suffer depression and rage and end up  killing  men, or resort to extreme measures like mutilating their partners. Victims must speak out or seek counseling services,” she said.

Ms Mujungu said that communication between couples is key to addressing GBV in families. “Couples must engage in regular conversations to resolve issues. If a concern remains unresolved and one party, especially the woman, suspects imminent danger, it is better to leave the family rather than risk harm or death,” she advised.

Ms Grace Mbabazi, the Fort Portal City Probation Officer, revealed that her office frequently receives GBV cases, predominantly from women. “Many men do not report incidents of violence; they remain silent despite having the right to seek justice,” she said.

Ms Mbabazi also pointed out that some men prevent their wives from working, fearing that earning more money might lead to disrespect. “However, when women earn, they contribute to the family’s welfare by providing basic needs. Men should stop discouraging their wives from working,” she advised.

Mr Joseph Mujuni a resident of Kagote expressed concerns about changes in family dynamics, noting that many women delegate domestic work to maids and spend much of their time on social media. “It’s as if they were married to their phones. When some men try to talk to them about this, they are reported to the police for alleged abuse,” he said.

“Some of us men have been denied our conjugal rights. Women spend much of the night on social media, and when you ask for intimacy, they refuse. We wonder what we should do,” Mr Mujuni added.

Ms Mbabazi, agreed with Mr Mujuni’s observations saying she has been receiving complaints from men about their wives spending excessive time on their phones, which has led to allegations of sexual neglect. She appealed to couples to use social media productively, such as for advertising products or enhancing their businesses.

Ms Mbabazi also cautioned men against letting football betting interfere with their families. In some cases, when men lose money through betting, they return home angry and neglect their responsibilities, leaving everything to their wives. This has caused some families to break apart.

Ms Cissy Mpudi from Kibimba noted that some women have cohabited for a long time without being formally introduced or married, leaving them vulnerable when their partners pass away.

“Many women lose out on property inheritance because they are not legally married. If they stay in cohabitation without following the right procedures, their in-laws often chase them away after the man’s death. Women need to ensure they are formally introduced or wedded to secure their rights,” she said.

Ms Rachel Kabasiita, a lawyer from Legal Aid, explained that there is no law in Uganda preventing individuals above 18 years of age from working. “Men who stop their wives from getting employed are violating their rights. Couples should instead focus on using their income productively,” she said.

She stated that anyone convicted of domestic violence can face imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of Shs 1 million, or both. “Couples must avoid engaging in acts of domestic violence, as the consequences negatively impact family growth and stability,” she warned.

Ms Kabasiita said that legal marriage is a requirement that even if one lived with a man for 40 years, without formal introduction, a wedding, or a marriage certificate, you remain unrecognized by the law.

She advised couples in cohabitation to agree on joint ownership of property when making purchases saying by registering property in both names, a woman can secure her rights and share in the property if the man passes away.