16 Days of Activism in Fort Portal City: Uniting to End Gender-Based Violence and Break Barriers to Nutrition
From November 7th to 11th, 2024, Fort Portal City became a hub of action and collaboration as it joined the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign. This year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Violence Against Women: Break the Barriers to Good Nutrition,” highlighted the intersection of gender-based violence and nutrition, setting the stage for impactful community-driven activities.
Through the coordinated efforts of local leaders, media outlets, and community members, the campaign aimed to raise awareness about the causes and impacts of GBV, empower women and girls, and foster sustainable solutions. Key organizations like YAWE and the CASCADE project played a pivotal role in driving community engagement and delivering impactful insights.
A Week of Impactful Activities: Raising Awareness and Driving Change
1. Radio Talk Shows: Amplifying the Message
The campaign kicked off with engaging radio talk shows on KRC Radio and Voice of Tooro (VOT FM). These programs reached thousands of listeners, focusing on the critical link between GBV and nutrition and the urgent need for collective action. By providing a platform for education and open dialogue, these broadcasts laid the groundwork for deeper community engagement.
2. Focus Group Discussions: Empowering Voices
Four focus group discussions brought together diverse participants, including youth, women of reproductive age, and health workers. Held at locations like the YAWE youth safe space and Kagote HCIII, these sessions provided a safe environment for sharing experiences and insights. Facilitators used innovative methods like storytelling and problem tree analysis to explore the root causes of GBV, its impact on families, and the role of harmful cultural norms in perpetuating violence.
3. Community Dialogues: Building Local Solutions
Community dialogues in Kagote and Butebe further deepened the conversation. Guided by local leaders and gender champions, these sessions addressed the societal roots of GBV and identified practical steps communities could take to combat it. Leaders symbolically pledged their commitment to ending violence, reinforcing the idea that change begins with action.
Key Insights: Uncovering the Roots of GBV
The campaign revealed the deep-seated nature of gender-based violence in the community while also highlighting the potential for change through collective action. Participants identified critical drivers of GBV, including:
- Unemployment and poverty
- Harmful cultural practices that perpetuate male dominance
- Lack of awareness about the link between GBV and nutrition
One of the most eye-opening discussions centered on nutrition. Participants learned how GBV affects not only physical and emotional well-being but also access to food and health resources. For example, cultural norms that restrict women from eating certain foods—like eggs or chicken—were cited as clear examples of gender inequality in daily life.
Achievements and Success Stories
Despite the challenges, the campaign achieved significant milestones:
- Empowered survivors to report GBV cases to authorities, with many directed to support services like the Family and Child Protection Unit.
- Community-driven strategies were brainstormed, including awareness campaigns and the creation of safe spaces for survivors.
- Increased awareness about the intersection of GBV and nutrition, paving the way for more inclusive and equitable practices.
A Call for Continued Action: Sustaining the Momentum
While the week’s activities inspired hope, they also underscored the need for ongoing efforts to address the root causes of GBV. Key areas for future action include:
- Strengthening support systems for survivors of GBV.
- Raising awareness about women’s rights, particularly land ownership and access to resources.
- Engaging men as active allies in the fight against GBV.
- Regular community monitoring and follow-ups to ensure lasting change.
Conclusion: Building a Future Free from GBV
The 16 Days of Activism in Fort Portal City highlighted both the challenges posed by gender-based violence and the potential for meaningful change when communities unite. Through collaboration, education, and practical interventions, the campaign laid a solid foundation for continued efforts to address GBV and its impact on nutrition and overall well-being.
With the support of organizations like YAWE and CASCADE, as well as the active participation of community leaders and members, Fort Portal City has taken a significant step toward ending GBV. However, achieving lasting change requires consistent commitment—from dismantling harmful cultural norms to empowering survivors and fostering gender equality.
The path forward is clear: sustainable change through education, awareness, and community-driven action. Together, we can break the barriers to good nutrition and create a future free from gender-based violence.
