ADVOCACY FOR SEXUAL GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (ASGBV)

Summary:

This programme plans to promote the reduction of the high increase of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (especially forced marriage of young girls and women) ; the provision of sexual reproductive health services and strengthening the livelihood, communication and advocacy skills of 300 affected young girls and women in rural communities of Kabarole and Ntoroko districts, Rwenzori region  to gain spiritual, social, political and economic relevance and resist Sexual Gender-Based Violence, engage in policy advocacy and hold policymakers accountable.

Challenge:

There are more than 400 vulnerable girls (10-18 years of age) in Ntoroko and Kabarole districts who are sexually abused while others are forced into marriages. Assessment report of 2017 on SGBV in Ntoroko District indicates 102 girls given to marriages; 98 cases of rape and 20 cases of other sexual offences. Cases of SGBV are reported in homes, farms, workplaces and schools. Forced-marriages of girls is reportedly high; while information about reproductive health services is lacking. Poverty is prevalent, there is no viable and sustainable economic productivity to engage these teen mothers.

Intervention:

The Programme will raise awareness amongst youth and women groups, communities, schools, leaders, and policymakers on the consequences of SGBV and the lack of reproductive health services. It will hold policymakers accountable to ensure the reduction of SGBV and provision of sexual reproductive health services at all health facilities and rural communities. The programme will be training 350 young girls in agribusiness, basic fundamentals rights and advocacy strategies and support the girls to participate in advocacy and resist SGBV. #AVoiceforthe voiceless.

Long-Term Impact:

1. The project will build sustainable livelihood and advocacy skills of 350 young girls, empowering them to gain social, political and economic relevance and resist SGBV.
2. It will also involve the policymakers for girls to access comprehensive reproductive health services.
3. Seeks to engage law enforcers (local political leaders, police and judges) to ensure that girls are no more forced into marriage in Ntoroko and Kabarole districts.