SOS Children’s Villages has launched a campaign to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, highlighting the urgent need to address rising cases of violence against women and children driven by harmful cultural and social norms.
Speaking at an event in Nakawuka Trading Center, Kajjansi, Gender and Social Inclusion Officer at SOS Children’s Villages Uganda, Genda Gilbert, expressed concern about the growing prevalence of such violence.
“We did a gender and diversity inclusion analysis and we realized that there are a number of harmful gender norms that perpetuate violence against women. So we decided to bring here a project called Grow Equal,Her Right to a sustainable life,a gender project focusing to enhance equal opportunities for women and girls”,he remarked.
“We need to challenge the cultural and social norms that continue to normalize violence against women and children. Every stakeholder must step up to create safe spaces for these vulnerable groups,” Gilbert emphasized.
Child and women rights organizations have echoed these sentiments, urging communities to take collective responsibility for ending gender-based violence.
According to reports, entrenched societal beliefs often fuel unequal power dynamics in households, leaving women and children disproportionately affected.
As part of the campaign, SOS Children’s Villages is also urging men to actively participate in household chores to foster equitable relationships within families.
“Many men mistakenly believe that providing a little money is enough to fulfill their roles as husbands and fathers. This mindset often leads to neglect and, ultimately, violence,” said Francis Kiryowala, a Child Protection Officer at SOS Children’s Villages.
The event saw community leaders pledge to join the cause to fight all forms of gender-based violence with a call to raise awareness and advocating for behavioral changes at the grassroots level.
Local leaders and activists are being mobilized to promote gender equality and to educate families about the importance of mutual respect and shared responsibilities in reducing domestic tensions.