Gender Based Violence: I sensitized about SGBV on International Women’s Day, & here is the Presentation!

Gender based violence is what I told the world about on the International Women’s Day. How did it happen? I (Miklah Life) was invited to share a talk on sexual and gender-based violence to a group of women, men, youth and adolescents that were convening at Fire Center Church, Kisaasi.

The event was being organized by Mutindo Network of my friend, Denis, The Economic Baraza Program, Atlast Network, Read-us Africa, and other youth organizations. I accepted the invitation and, on the exact day of International Women’s Day, I graced the event with my presence.

There were other amazing presenters besides me! For example, a young lady called Resty Nabaggala passionately delivered a talk about SDGs and clearly showed the nexus between SDGs and women empowerment. There were other topics like ‘managing family resources’ and others.

What is Gender Based Violence? How does it relate with sexual violence?

Well, when it was my turn, I delved into gender-based violence, differentiated it from sexual violence, and then tied them both together to give sexual and gender based violence (SGBV).

In my message, I made it clear that sexual and gender based violence is still common and is a roadblock to development and good health. I also made it clear that, just like women, men are also abused and their rights violated by their fellow men or women.

In my presentation, I shared startling figures regarding cases of defilement, rape, and other forms of violence happening in Uganda per year as reported in Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2022. Statistics are scary! We have cases of defilement and rape in thousands, and hundreds of lives have been lost due to various forms of sexual and gender based violence.

We also hinted on preventive strategies. Education or availing education prevailed as a serious remedy that empowers women and men alike. Nabaggala emphasized the need for entrepreneurship among youth as a tool for self empowerment and protection against violence. When young girls and boys can make money and provide for their own needs, various avenues and gaps through which sexual and gender based violence happens are closed off.

About men, we insisted on continuous reporting of the cases, and seeking help without fear of criticism and stigmatization.

Additionally, we recognized the value of innovations in fighting against SGBV. In my talk, I clearly made it clear that social media tools and other technological advances can help in prevention of SGBV, maybe in reporting, availing timely information, and assistance to those in need. There are so many things that are possible through innovations, and prevention of SGBV is one of them!

The rest of my talk about sexual and gender based violence, get the whole PowerPoint presentation here.