Generation Gender Uganda successfully organized a series of impactful community engagements in the regions of Namutumba and Iganga. These community engagements led by the Center for Health, Human Rights, and Development (CEHURD), served as a platform to foster dialogue, raise awareness, and advocate for gender justice and young people’s rights. Through interactive discussions with stakeholders, refreshers and awareness sessions, Generation Gender Uganda and CEHURD aimed to address the pressing issues faced by young people in these regions. The events in Namutumba and Iganga brought together diverse community members, including local leaders, activists, educators, youth representatives, and members of civil society organizations. Their collective participation and engagement ensured a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for gender empowerment in the respective communities.
Activity One: 2Dialogues between youths and their local council representatives
In the districts of Namutumba and Iganga, Generation Gender facilitated two impactful dialogues between youths and their local council representatives. These dialogues were driven by a shared objective to harness the collective potential of these two groups towards the creation of a gender-just and violence-free society with and for young people. By bringing together youths and local council representatives, we the sessions aimed to bridge the gap between key stakeholders and foster meaningful dialogue. These dialogues served as a platform for open discussions, where the voices and perspectives of both groups were valued and heard. The dialogues revolved around the pressing issues faced by young people, particularly in relation to gender justice and violence prevention. Through interactive sessions and facilitated conversations, participants were encouraged to share their experiences, concerns, and aspirations for a better future.
Activity Two: 2 refresher trainings in Namutumba District and Iganga for religious leaders and cultural leaders
Empowering community leaders is one of the ways to change attitudes and perspectives and shape the behaviors of communities. In pursuit of this goal, Generation Gender organized two refresher trainings in Namutumba District and Iganga for religious leaders and cultural leaders. These trainings focused on advancing gender justice and fostering a violence-free society with and for young people. The refresher trainings played a vital role in deepening the understanding of these community leaders regarding gender-related issues. By equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge, we empowered them to drive change and promote gender justice within their respective communities, ultimately contributing to the creation of a violence-free society for young people.
During the trainings, participants had the opportunity to share how they had applied the knowledge gained from previous training sessions. This knowledge-sharing fostered a sense of collaboration and allowed community leaders to learn from one another’s experiences and successes. Through these interventions, community leaders were able to enhance their understanding of gender dynamics and gain valuable insights into the ways in which gender inequality and violence can be addressed effectively. They developed a broader perspective on the importance of promoting gender justice and creating safe environments for young people to thrive.
Activity Three: Meeting with stakeholders and referral pathways actors of Iganga District
Empowering duty bearers and referral pathway actors regarding laws and policies is critical for the promotion and advancement of gender justice. Generation Gender had a meeting with stakeholders and referral pathways actors of Iganga District to present and discuss key issues and strategies on laws and policies that address gender injustices and prevent Gender-Based Violence in the #Busoga Region.
This exclusive gathering served as a platform to bring together influential stakeholders and referral pathway actors, including police officers, the RDC (Resident District Commissioner), the CAO (Chief Administrative Officer), the DCDO (District Community Development Officer), youth leaders, police surgeons, CHAs (Community Health Assistants), district leaders, and representatives from the Iganga District Local Government. During the meeting, our team disseminated our newly published and highly informative resource, titled “Legal and Policy Mapping for Prevention and Response to GBV in Uganda.” This comprehensive publication serves as a valuable guide for understanding the legal landscape and policy framework surrounding GBV prevention and response in Uganda.
Through robust discussions and interactive sessions, participants were able to gain a deeper understanding of the legal and policy dimensions of gender justice. They explored effective strategies and best practices for addressing gender injustices and combating GBV within their respective roles and responsibilities.
Activity Four: Radio talk show with young people and community leaders
In one of the evenings, Generation Gender facilitators were live on R-FM 91.1 Iganga for a Radio talk show discussing Uganda’s laws and policies on prevention and response to GBV, and how communities can contribute to creating a gender-just and violence-free society with and for young people.
❝ We must stand up against this prevalent issue. Ending GBV starts with reporting cases. Communities must report these cases to ensure justice and protection for victims. Reporting cases can help break the cycle and create a safer society for all.❞