Gender discrimination occurs when one sex is favoured over the other, leading to disadvantages for the opposite gender. In our society, we frequently encounter such discriminatory situations between women/girls and men/boys. Globally, it is estimated that 736 million women—nearly one in three—have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner at least once in their lives, with 30% of women aged 15 and older affected (UN Women, 2023).
In the same report, most violence against women is perpetrated by current and or former or intimate partners. More than 640 million or 26 % of women aged 15 years and older have been subjected to intimate partner violence. Of those who have been in a relationship, almost one in four adolescent girls aged 15-19 years (24%) have experienced physical and or sexual violence from an intimate partner or husband. While 16% of young women aged 15-24 years have experienced this violence in the past 12 months. It’s important to note that, 56% of married women aged 15-49 years reported suffering physical and sexual violence by a husband (UBOS, 2021).
Saddening to note is that, our communities have held in high esteem some traditional beliefs and practices that seem to discriminate against a girl child. Unconsciously or consciously families, workplaces, leaderships, communities, and societies have promoted discrimination tendencies in the name of protecting, disciplining, nurturing, and preserving the dignity of a woman or girl-child. There are still many cases of battering, sexual harassment & exploitation/trade, defilement, rape and teenager pregnancies, early marriages, denial of provision & basic needs of life, denial of expression, limited or no control and power over family resources, limited decision- making and manipulation, micro representation, denial on succession opportunities and assaults/insults.
Women/girls have been left homeless, with many ending up in refugee camps, broken marriage relationships and sometimes with disability. The rate of depression, anxiety disorders, unplanned pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs), and HIV is high in women who have experienced violence compared to those who haven’t.
Most of the affected women/girls have never recovered from such a brutal, cruel, unkind, self-seeking vindictive, and arrogant mentality. They have suffered everlasting effects like; traumas, grief, hatred, revenge, isolation, sadness, suicide attempts, bed wetting, and sleeping disorders, Despite the numerous interventions and investment of resources by activists in advocacy work to highlight the status of women/girls. Gender-Based Violence(GBV) 42% are women and 41% men and on average 42 gender-based violence rank as the top women’s -rights issue that Ugandans want Government and Society to address (Afrobarometer Dispatch n. 792, April, 2024).
In the four Sub Counties of Kabonero & Rwimi (Bunyangabu District) and Kasenda & Harugongo (Kabarole District) respectively, the situation is no different! During the Men- Engage training of 40 model men about ‘Gender Equality in Decision Making among Women and Girls, in June 2024 organized & funded by KRC- Uganda and facilitated by Rwenzori Women’s Forum (RWOF), domestic violence was ranked the highest community issues that needs attention. School dropouts & low levels of education, high consumption of alcohol, non-joint money savings, and imbalances in handling domestic chores among men and women spouses. Among the actions, awareness of the communities was considered important across the two Districts to raise awareness within the communities of farmers as championed by the Model Men under the Men-Engage Approach taking the lead in influencing mindset change among men in their communities.
We have all, at some point, contributed to acts of discrimination against women and girls, whether in the workplace (such as in leadership or management roles and among peers), at home, in schools, marriages, businesses, or religious institutions. Therefore, it is crucial to reflect on the impact of the pain we have caused, whether intentionally or unintentionally, through our actions and attitudes. It is our collective responsibility to stand up for gender justice!
By: Murungi Jackline Mpaka
Gender Focal Person KRC-Uganda & Coordinator RWOF
