Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Alex Ashaba
Published on 2024-02-01 11:57:48
In the villages of Kitonya 1 and Kitonya 2, located in Bwanika Sub-county, and other neighbouring sub-counties such as Buraru and Kyabigambire in Hoima District, the community has been facing a significant increase in cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) for many years. These cases included defilement, early marriages, school dropouts, and various other forms of SGBV, which had inflicted considerable harm on the community and led to the collapse of many families. In some instances, fathers were reported to be sexually abusing their own daughters.
However, in recent years, a collective effort led by women has been underway to combat this alarming surge in SGBV cases. Women in the community formed different associations within their villages to fight the vice and bring about positive changes. One such association is the Kitonya Tukorehamu Women’s Group, consisting of more than 30 women and men, who have been actively involved in raising awareness about SGBV and promoting education within their community.
Ms Grace Agonza, the chairperson of the Kitonya Tukorehamu Women’s Group, highlighted the significant decrease in reported cases of defilement and other SGBV cases within families in recent years. This positive shift is attributed to the efforts of the women’s groups in raising awareness and instigating positive changes in attitudes and behaviors contributing to the prevalence of SGBV. The women have received comprehensive training on various topics such as HIV/Aids, SGBV, alcoholism, family planning, and the reporting of SGBV cases.
Through the collective efforts of the women, a sense of peace has been restored in the community, and positive changes have been set in motion. Many women who initially hesitated to report mistreatment at home have now started disclosing such incidents and seeking support from the community. The women’s groups also serve as saving groups after receiving seed capital, and their membership has expanded to include men.
Ms Farazia Alituha, another member of the group, highlighted the positive shift in the prevalence of SGBV in her village, attributing it to increased awareness about women’s rights. She shared a personal experience of discovering her husband’s positive HIV status and the measures they now actively take to protect themselves.
The women’s groups have not only focused on combating SGBV but also on ensuring that all women in their villages are aware of cancer screening and their HIV/Aids or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) status. The impact of these efforts is evident in the decline in reported incidents of SGBV, with community members now feeling more empowered to address and resolve such cases effectively.
Overall, the collective efforts of the women in the community have led to a significant reduction in reported SGBV cases and a positive shift towards more harmonious and empowered families. The women’s groups have not only raised awareness and instigated positive changes but have also addressed root causes of SGBV by involving men in discussions and decision-making. It is clear that the community has experienced tangible positive changes as a result of the women and men coming together to combat SGBV and promote a safer and more harmonious environment for all.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
