What's going on in Uganda?
For over twenty years, a brutal civil war raged in northern Uganda. The violence of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) left a deeply traumatized population in its wake. Although Uganda is much safer now, life remains difficult, especially for women. The scars left by the conflict run deep.
Violence against women
The civil war has significantly contributed to the worsening situation of Ugandan women. Many women in Uganda suffer from violence. Girls are often married off at a young age, and although female genital mutilation is legally prohibited, it remains a persistent issue. Cultural and religious beliefs about gender roles also play a major role. Women have few places to turn when they become victims of violence.
Wat do we do to address the problem?
Religion is very important in Uganda, providing a source of stability, especially in times of conflict. Religious leaders hold a significant role; you could even call them influencers. That’s why we choose to strengthen the position of women by collaborating with these leaders.
This is how we strengthen the position of women:
- Training religious leaders to use their influence positively;
- Educating women who perform female genital mutilation about its dangers;
- Connecting local community and municipal leaders who are already working to combat sexual violence;
- Providing local leaders with information on supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence;
- Raising awareness among boys about the importance of gender equality.
Want to know more?
Would you like to find out more about this programme? Contact us via the button below.
Related articles
“There was a lot of distrust at first, but through dialogue we started breaking down those walls”
A conversation with Nageeba Hassan Tegulwa In conflict-ridden Uganda, a young Nageeba Hassan Tegulwa started her career as a teacher, determined to make a difference. However, she soon realized that teaching alone was READ ARTICLE >
Transforming communities through Nonviolent Communication
In a world marked by division and conflict, finding ways to build understanding and foster empathy is more urgent than ever. At Mensen met een Missie, we use Nonviolent Communication (NVC) as one READ ARTICLE >
Building Bridges: The Power of the Interfaith Experience
Mensen met een Missie is dedicated to fostering peace and understanding through its innovative program, the Interfaith Experience (IFE). This transformative initiative is designed to break down barriers between different religious groups and READ ARTICLE >
Reducing domestic violence in Uganda
In Uganda, it's common for only boys to attend school. Men are seen as the heads of the family, while women are expected to serve and eventually become housewives. To assert their dominance, READ ARTICLE >
Fatherhood groups to reduce violence against women in Uganda
Many development programs that work to reduce domestic violence and gender inequality focus primarily on women. In Eastern Uganda, however, our partner organization Terelepar takes a different approach. Their MenEngage program offers fatherhood READ ARTICLE >
A brave choice
Thirty-five years ago, Agnes Atok (67) fled the civil war in South Sudan after her husband was killed. With her daughter and grandchildren, she sought safety in the Kiryandongo region of Uganda, where READ ARTICLE >