On November 25 - December 10, 2024, UNFPA Uganda joined the global community in marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This year's theme: “Towards 30 Years of The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women” emphasized the urgent need to strengthen accountability for ending violence against women and girls, aligning with the Beijing +30 review priorities.
16 Days of activism high-level TV talk show
To kick-start the 16 Days of Activism, UNFPA partnered with the Embassy of Denmark, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET) to host a 90-minute TV talk on NTV under the theme: Towards 30 Years of The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women.
The panel, featuring Ms. Gift Malunga (UNFPA Uganda Country Representative), H. E. Signe Winding Albjerg (Ambassador, Head of Mission, Danish Embassy in Uganda), Dr. Angela Nakafeero (Commissioner, Gender and Women Affairs, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development) and Ms. Rita Aciro (Executive Director, UWONET), addressed the urgency of accelerating efforts to end gender-based violence, the importance of strengthened partnerships and accountability, and the need for increased resource mobilization. The programme highlighted the critical need for collaborative action to prevent and respond to GBV at the national level. The recording is available here: https://unf.pa/41F04Lx
High Level dialogue advocates for more investment towards ending gender-based violence
On 28 November, In collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, the Embassy of Austria, Parliament of Uganda and other stakeholders, UNFPA convened a high-level policy dialogue focused on strengthening accountability for ending violence against women and girls. A key component of the dialogue was the release of the findings from the Gap Analysis and Investment Cases of Population-Related Indicators and Issues in Uganda, which included a critical analysis of the economic cost of gender-based violence.
During the half-day dialogue, Mr. Daniel Alemu, UNFPA Uganda Deputy Representative, stressed that ending gender-based violence requires significant investment. He highlighted the key policy documents such as the National Development Plan (NDP IV) as a critical framework for strengthening accountability, calling for concrete actions, including holding perpetrators accountable and accelerating action through well-resourced national strategies and increased funding to women’s rights movements.
“The National Development Plan IV is a critical opportunity to end gender-based violence in Uganda. We can continue to accept the violence that plagues our communities, or we can invest in change by scaling up our interventions and investing in protecting our women and girls, which will also strengthen and increase the health and economic benefits,” Mr. Alemu said.
He emphasized the findings of the Cost of Inaction report, which revealed the substantial economic and social losses Uganda faces if GBV prevention interventions are not scaled up.
“According to the report, beyond the business-as-usual scenario, 370,000 cases of GBV will remain un-averted by 2030 under the achievable scenario, and 697,000 cases under the ambitious scenario. This would result in unrealized economic benefits totalling $4.72 billion and $8.61 billion, equivalent to 0.89% and 1.66% of GDP, respectively,” Mr. Alemu highlighted.
He concluded by urging Members of Parliament to translate these findings into budget commitments, allocating increased funding through the National Budget to achieve NDPIV targets.
“Without the costed resources, the planning document will remain unrealistic and women will continue to live in fear of violence,” Mr Alemu added.
In her remarks, Dr. Katja Yvonne Kerschbaumer, Head of Mission, Austrian Development Corporation, reaffirmed Austria's commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, including support for integrated services in underserved communities. She stressed the importance of eliminating barriers for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence to ensure comprehensive support.
The Stark Reality of GBV in Uganda
In Uganda, GBV remains a pervasive issue. The 2023 Uganda Annual Police Crime Report recorded a total of 14,826 sexual offenses, representing 6.5 percent of overall crimes. Of these, 13, 144 were defilement cases. Sexual violence is also a devastating manifestation of power imbalances and gender inequality. The 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey reveals that 44% of women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, 17% have experienced sexual violence, and 54% of ever-married women experienced emotional, sexual or physical violence from their current or most recent spouse/partner. Additionally, 35.4% of women and 44.8% of men who experienced violence did not seek care or report the incidents.
Through these initiatives and ongoing efforts, UNFPA continues to advocate for an end to gender-based violence, working towards a future where all women and girls can live free from violence
Written by Evelyn Matsamura Kiapi
