Last year, the YALI Network’s first-ever #16days campaign raised awareness and encouraged positive action against gender-based violence (GBV) across Uganda. During the months of November and December 2016, more than 100 YALI Network members held events across the Uganda to discuss and educate members of their communities about GBV.
This year, we look forward to more YALI Network members hosting their own #16days events. Read below to learn about the different types of inspiring events that took place last year.
YALI Network member Hellen Businge hosted a day-long event that focused on GBV amongst girls with special needs. Attended by 30 young women with special needs, the program focused on the particular problems their demographic faces, including sexual harassment, early forced marriages, and community rejection. The girls were educated on how to report sensitive cases and were given guidance on how to communicate with responsible personnel to receive appropriate assistance. They then took part in skill-building workshops that included tailoring and craft building. The program concluded with a dance performance at the Ugandan National Theater in an effort to raise awareness about gender-based violence against those with special needs.
The Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) held an event for 50 students in Kampala. Nulu Namuyombya, a 2015 Mandela Washington Fellow and successful Ugandan entrepreneur, shared her experiences as a successful businesswoman with her program entitled “How to turn tough life into success.” This program educated the participants on overcoming struggles and turning challenges into successes. Phionah Barungi, a Ugandan author, and activist, shared with the group the importance of communication, especially in dealing with traumatic events. The event benefited the students who later raised papers in support of the campaign “Ending Gender-Based Violence is Everyone’s Responsibility.”
YALI Network member Carolyne Nakeeto facilitated a #16days event that educated community members about the issue of gender-based violence. The program began with a skit about violence against women that highlighted the fact that GBV is often ignored in rural communities. Participants then discussed issues such as domestic violence, violations of children’s rights, and gender discrimination in education. The event built a sense of empowerment among women participants and benefited the whole community in understanding GBV.
The YALI network was strongly represented throughout this campaign. Fatuma Mutaasa, YALI network member, hosted multiple events to educate her community about GBV. After personally taking GBV awareness classes, Fatuma realized that her knowledge on GBV was limited. Knowing that knowledge about GBV would be more limited in her community, Fatuma started a community-based learning event to raise awareness about different kinds of GBV, including political disenfranchisement and denial of independence. She then hosted events for male boda boda drivers, urging them to drop discriminatory practices like trading transportation for sexual favors. Through her events, men realized the role they have to play in stopping GBV and how ending GBV can improve their families, communities, and country.
You can no to gender-based violence and join YALI Network’s #16days too! Get started by visiting yali.lab.dev.getusinfo.com/16days.