The Uganda Police Force has joined the ‘16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign, aimed at preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls in Uganda and world over.
The campaign was launched by the Chief Political Commissar AIGP Asan Kasingye at Kampala Railway Grounds under the national theme “From peace in the home to peace in the nation: Male engagement for the safety of women and girls”.
This event showed solidarity with the worldwide movement to end violence against women by highlighting innovative strategies. The 16 days campaign is expected to present the pledges and commitments gathered and present its vision to engage with other like-minded groups and seek institutional commitment to end violence against women.
Kasingye thanked all stake holders that include the following: UN Women Uganda, HIV Health Initiative in Workplace USAID, International Justice Mission, UGANET, Forum for African Women Educationalists, Iranian Embassy, Agape house of Ministries, WOUGNET, Concern for A Girl Child, Moslem Centre for Justice and the Law, Uganda Prisons Services, Nabisunsa Girls School, Kalinabili Secondary School, Child Ambassadors of Spring Valley Primary School and other participants that have for so many years extended support to the Uganda Police Force in order to enhance the capacity of police officers in preventing and responding to Gender Based Violence.
”Our major aim as Uganda Police Force through our Child and Family Protection unit is providing services to women and children affected by domestic violence , including shelters, free legal and medical aid, and livelihood training for reintegration of survivors back into society. Our teams also engage with communities to challenge discriminatory attitudes against women”, Kasingye said.
It should be noted that in all its forms remains a critical human rights, public health and economic concern with severe, long term negative impacts on the physical sexual and mental well being of the victims, families and communities. However it’s important to note that men too face gender violence too therefore there is need for a stronger partnership in order to address it at different levels.
According to Susan Olegede, gender-based violence grows out of a culture that devalues women and girls and femininity—through sexist jokes, derogatory language and media messages that objectify women and girls. Despite remaining a significant barrier to gender equality, it is preventable.
She further elaborated that bringing awareness to this form of violence at a young age helps youth realize the role they can play in ending it.
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