Remarks at National Launch of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence

Salutations:

• Honourable Minister for Gender Labour and Social Development;
• Honourable Ministers, Members of Parliament, and other Government Representatives;
• Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and Heads of Missions;
• Traditional and Religious Leaders;
• UN Heads of Agencies;
• All Distinguished Participants.

On behalf of the United Nations family in Uganda, it is an honour to join you today as we launch the national campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence under the theme “UNiTE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls” – which will focus on the important role of women’s rights organisations.

This year marks not only the 33rd year of this campaign but also a pivotal moment for advancing gender equality and the protection of women and girls in all spheres of life, including the digital environment. Globally, and in Uganda, unacceptable levels of violence persist despite commendable efforts by the Government, civil society, and women’s rights organizations. These efforts include legal reforms, enhanced access to justice, improved services, and a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the issue.

The Reality of Gender-Based Violence in Uganda

In Uganda, we see remarkable strides in gender equality, yet challenges persist. A 2021 UBOS (Uganda Bureau of Statistics) report found that 95% of women and girls have experienced some form of violence —physical, sexual, emotional, or economic.[1] These numbers are not just statistics; they represent individual lives, hopes, and futures affected by violence.

We know that gender-based violence not only devastates individuals but also tears apart families, communities, and the broader socio-economic fabric of the nation. Women and girls bear the heaviest burden, yet men, boys, and gender-diverse individuals are also affected.

We celebrate the areas of progress that Uganda has achieved - including the reductions in women's experience of both physical and sexual violence from 56% in 2016 to 44% in 2022; and significant reductions in men's experience of domestic violence from 44% in 2016 to 34% in 2022[2]. However, we must also acknowledge where trends have reversed, and we need to redouble our efforts. Notably, women’s experience of domestic or intimate partner violence remains unacceptably high, overall stagnating at 58%, and increasing from 39% in 2016 to 43% in 2022 of ever partnered women experiencing domestic violence in the 12 months preceding the survey. This is contributing to the overall stagnation in Uganda’s progress toward the SDG 5 targets on gender equality.

We also acknowledge the multifaceted and emerging ways in which women and girls experience violence, harassment, and abuse.  On 15 December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/77/193, titled "Intensification of efforts to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in the digital environment." This landmark resolution emphasizes the urgency of addressing violence that women and girls face in the digital space—a critical frontier in the fight against gender-based violence.

Similar to the global figures, 49% of women in Uganda report experiencing online violence and harassment.[3] Globally, 300 million children have faced online exploitation. 

This reality underlines the necessity of protecting rights in the digital environment, bridging the gender digital divide, and leveraging technology for empowerment. As this resolution highlights, technology can play a transformative role in improving decision-making for women, as well as enhancing access to education and healthcare for girls. This digital space must be safe and free from violence.

The digital era presents unprecedented opportunities for empowerment but also introduces unique risks. The threats of cyberbullying, online harassment, exploitation, and misinformation disproportionately affect women and girls. We must act decisively to make digital platforms safer and more inclusive, ensuring they become spaces for opportunity rather than harm.

Here in Uganda, we commend the government, civil society, and communities for their steadfast efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls. Initiatives such as addressing harmful gender norms, legal reforms, expanding access to justice, and supporting survivors are crucial milestones in this journey. However, the persistence of unacceptable violence calls us to intensify our collective efforts.

Men in places of authority and cultural custodians play a pivotal role in the fight to end violence against women and girls. Their influence in challenging harmful norms, promoting gender equality, and fostering accountability is invaluable. By leveraging their voices and leadership within communities, they can drive transformative change and create a culture of respect and inclusion. Engaging these allies alongside women and girls is essential to dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring a future free from violence.

The UN System in Uganda remains steadfast in supporting national efforts to tackle all forms of violence against women and girls, including in the digital environment. We will continue working with government partners, civil society organizations, and communities to uphold the commitments enshrined in this resolution and ensure no one is left behind. 

As summarized by the UN Secretary General in his message during the kick-off for the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence 2024, (Quote) 

“The epidemic of violence against women and girls shames humanity. Every day, on average, 140 women and girls are killed by someone in their own family. Around one in three women still experience physical or sexual violence. No country or community is unaffected. And the situation is getting worse” (End of quote)

As we embark on these 16 days of activism, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to creating a future free of violence for every woman and girl. Together, we can turn the promises of international resolutions into transformative action on the ground. The UN System is currently in the process of designing its next UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework with Uganda, in support of Uganda’s fourth National Development Plan. The United Nations pledges its unwavering commitment to continue to support initiatives to end violence against women and girls and partner with stakeholders to drive transformative action. Together, we can turn the promises of international resolutions into impactful change on the ground.

Thank you.

[1] UBOS. 2021. Uganda Violence Against Women and Girls Survey 2020. Uganda 

[2] UBOS. 2024. Uganda Demographic and Health Survey. Uganda. Women’s experience of physical violence reduced from 56% in 2016 to 44% in 2022 and of sexual violence from 26% in 2016 to 17% in 2022. Men’s experience of domestic violence reduced from 44% in 2016 to 34% in 2022.

[3] UBOS. 2021. Uganda Violence Against Women and Girls Survey 2020. Uganda