Men rallied to join fight against GBV

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Men have been urged to take centre stage in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) targeting women and girls.

During the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV at Pope Paul Hotel in Ndeeba, Kampala on December 10, 2024, project co-ordinator for Advancing Women and Youth in Africa for Development (AWYAD) under the Spotlight Initiative, Proscovia Lamono, emphasised the critical role of men in combating GBV.

She called on men, who she acknowledged are often key in implementing GBV but also serve as its primary perpetrators, to actively engage in efforts to eradicate this vice that continues to devastate families and communities.

Francine Ziruka Mwozi, speaks to the press during the commemorations of the International Human Rights Day and conclusion of the 16 days of activism. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi)

“Where there is GBV, families cannot thrive,” Lamono stated, further explaining that GBV has far-reaching consequences, including the breakdown of families, increased numbers of children on the streets, and the stagnation of economic growth.

She urged men to collaborate with women, communities and the Government of Uganda in addressing this issue.

"Can we work together to stamp out this vice that is eating up our families? Men have the power to influence positive change and must step up to protect women and girls from violence,” Lamono said.

Lamono also expressed gratitude to various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Labour, Gender, and Social Development, for their support throughout the advocacy period, and the media for playing a pivotal role in raising awareness.

As the theme for this year’s Human Rights Day ‘Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now’ suggested, Lamono emphasized that addressing GBV requires immediate action and a collective effort.

“It’s your responsibility. It’s my responsibility. So together, let’s stand to fight gender-based violence against women and girls.” She concluded.

‘Men are violated too’

Cherubin Ntalhombon, a Congolese who has lived in Uganda for 16 years, acknowledged that men often face violence but remain silent due to societal pressures.

“We have men there in their families, in society who are tortured like women, but also they don’t come out to show their problem whether to the police or so,” he stated.

Cherubinn Ntalhombon speaks to the press during the commemorations of the International Human Rights day and conclusion to the 16 days of activism. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi)

He urged victims, regardless of gender, to come forward.

“Once you are tortured, come out. Let us hear your voice because you are going to help other people to know the situation they are going through, they have the right to report it,” he emphasized.

Ntalhombon also called on leadership and law enforcement to support victims of violence, particularly refugees, saying, “Once a person is a refugee and is tortured in their family, in their business, also is to add more pressure in his life.”

He emphasized the universal rights to life, education, and a hopeful future, particularly for refugees.

“Everyone has the right to life, has the right to education, and the right also for future,” he said.

Ntalhombon reflected on the experiences of refugees in Uganda, acknowledging the peace and opportunities they have found.

“As we are here refugees in Uganda for many years, we have been living in the urban area, we have peace, we go to school,” he shared.

Need to empower refugees

Bernard Mujuni, the equity and rights commissioner at the gender ministry, emphasized Uganda’s achievements and challenges in addressing refugee rights and GBV.

“Uganda has a very supportive policy framework and legal framework regarding refugees, especially in the urban setup but also in the surrounding communities where they live,” Mujuni stated.

Bernard Mujuni, Commissioner Equity and Rights, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development speaks during the commemorations of the International Human Rights Day and conclusion to the 16 days of activism. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi)

While praising Uganda’s humanitarian leadership, Mujuni pointed to the urgent need to address GBV, which disproportionately affects women and refugees.

“According to UBOS 2023, almost 85% of women in this country experience gender-based violence,” he said. Highlighting the vulnerability of refugees, he noted, “Most of the refugees in this country, almost 80%, are women.”

Mujuni linked GBV to broader issues of poverty and exclusion, which leave refugees susceptible to exploitation.

“One of the causes of human rights abuse amongst the refugees is poverty. The desire to break out of the chain of exclusion, to access services, to access goods, and the surrounding communities demanding tit-for-tat, in exchange for that, is where the abuse starts from.” He explained.

He urged a change in perspective regarding refugees, advocating for their economic empowerment.

“Empowering refugees to be economically active unlocks the potential of looking at them not just as refugees, but as a population dividend in this country,” he stated adding that denial of economic opportunities is violence itself.