Enhancing Rural Girls' Education and Wellbeing

Report on GBV Community Sensitization among adolescent girls and young women (12^th /January 2025).

Introduction

Hope for Children’s Health Uganda (HCHU) has been at the forefront of addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through extensive community sensitization initiatives. These efforts aim to raise awareness about the harmful effects of GBV and empower community members to take action in combating violence. The organization recognizes that GBV is a critical issue affecting the health and well-being of individuals, particularly women and children, and therefore emphasizes the importance of community-based solutions.

The community sensitization programs conducted by HCHU are designed to educate and mobilize community members, including men, women, youth, and local leaders, about the causes, consequences, and prevention of GBV. The programs include workshops, focus group discussions, and interactive sessions that provide a platform for open dialogue and knowledge sharing. By involving the entire community, the organization ensures that awareness of GBV issues is spread across all demographic groups.

Implementation

Key topics covered during these sessions included; understanding the different forms of GBV (physical, emotional, sexual, and economic), recognizing signs of abuse, and the available resources for support and reporting. Moreover, HCHU emphasizes the importance of community support systems in providing victims with the necessary assistance and protection. 10 Local leaders were also trained to respond to incidents of GBV, ensuring that cases are handled sensitively and in accordance with the law.

Impact

The impact of these sensitization efforts has been significant, with increased awareness among 65 community members about the harmful effects of GBV. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable increase in the reporting of GBV cases (1-3 per week), indicating a shift towards greater accountability and support for victims. HCHU remains committed to continuing its work in fostering safer, more supportive communities for all.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the community sensitization programs by Hope for Children’s Health Uganda play a pivotal role in addressing GBV, promoting healthy relationships, and creating safer environments for women and children. We thank our donors for their support toward projects.

Prepared by John Mwesigwa-Project Leader.

• Report on GBV Community sensitizations among Women (PDF)