Men Tasked to Join Fight Against Violence of Women

Men have been challenged to take up and intensify the fight gender inequality as the world observes 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence. This year`s campaign is themed as Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”

Jolly Acen, the head of UN Women office in North and Eastern Uganda says men are in most cases the perpetrators of the violence against women and girls and if the inequality is to be won, they must take up full responsibility. 

According to records in the Acholi sub-region, over 20,000 women and girls were sexually abused with most of the girls getting pregnant during the COVID-19 lock down. 

According to Acen, during this year`s 16 days of Activism, the major focus is men mostly those within the urban areas such that they get to appreciate and understand the dangers and impact of violence against women and girls.

  

//Cue in: "Men at work…

Cue out:....woman and girl"//.

Acen says that as women, they have failed to push and change the mindset of the men to end violence against women and girls. She, however, observes that during the 16 days campaign, they will also involve the cultural institution to also play a key role in ending violence but promoting peaceful co-existence which will then lead to prosperity and development in the communities.

//Cue in: "Implementation of laws

Cue out:...over on being men"//. 

Emmy Ocen, the Speaker Gulu District Boda Boda cyclist's association says much as they are blamed for violence against women, some men are also silently undergoing violence against them by their wives and girls in the community. Ocen for example says during the lockdown, some wives abandoned their husbands due to financial hardships.

According to Ocen, the law enforcers should also be fair to both genders saying in most cases, the police and other organizations tend to support the female gender criminalizing them even when they are right.

//Cue in: "wan wa ngeyo

Cue out:...pe ki lenge"//.

James Komakech, a Boda Boda cyclist in Gulu City says in most cases violence erupts in the families because one is not respecting the other.

//Cue in "Miti pa mon

Cue out:... pa Boda Boda"//.

Jimmy Patrick Okema, the Aswa region Police Spokesperson appeals to the members of the community to take advantage of the Professional Standards units ensure that their fair enforcement of the laws.