Four participatory community outreaches were organized by Advance Afrika in collaboration with CICD under the action, Protecting the Dignity of Women and Children in Ibanda and Buhweju districts with funding from the European Union. The outreach programs were conducted in Burere and Bihanga sub-counties in Buhweju and Kicuzi and Rukiri sub-counties in Ibanda to create awareness on need to end violence in the communities specially to fight VAW/C.
Stakeholders present shared their comments; Bakine Herbert Tumutendereze, CDO Kicuzi appreciated social workers and teachers who have been involved in the project advocating for an end to sexual violence and early pregnancies of teenagers. He encouraged pupils and students to report any cases of unlawful sexual activities to the authorities. The District Councilor of Burere, Hon. Byamukama Gerald encouraged the community to identify the root cause of GBV in each one of their homes (pointing out- alcoholism, unemployment) and later identify ways to resolve these problems at a household level. Other leaders including Mr Nuwagira Richard, the chairman LC 3 Bihanga and the OC, Bihanga police station noted they are still some cases of sexual violence and the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
Despite the success registered in the forum theater performances, the communities are still grappling with teenage pregnancies and forced marriages. The stakeholders pledged to lobby programs that involve more men in the struggle on how best to address issues of Violence Against women and children to realize a violence free society.
