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VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN









Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread violations of human rights in Uganda and particularly in South-western Uganda. It includes physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse, and it cuts across boundaries of age, race, culture, wealth and geography. It takes place in the home, on the streets, in schools, the workplace and in farm fields, during conflicts and crises. It has many manifestations including domestic and sexual violence in refugee camps.

International and regional legal instruments have clarified the obligations of States to prevent, eradicate and punish violence against women and girls. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) requires that countries party to the Convention take all appropriate steps to end violence. However, the continued prevalence of violence against women and girls demonstrates that this pandemic in Uganda is yet to be tackled with all the necessary political will and commitment as well as resources.

In South western Uganda, Violence against women and girls has far-reaching consequences, harming families and communities. Gender-based violence for instance not only violates human rights, but also hampers productivity, reduces human capital and undermines economic growth. GWEFODE works on several fronts towards ending violence against women and girls by tackling its main root: gender inequality. Efforts are multiplied through advocacy campaigns and partnerships with governments and the civil society. Initiatives include working to end violence against women at the grassroots level, including ending conflicts in families. GWEFODE also trains paralegals to ensure access to justice for marginalized groups, provides psychosocial and medical support to survivors of sexual and gender based violence, conducts research to collect data on violence against women and facilitates new learning on Violence against Women in South Western Uganda.