Mentoring and Empowerment Program for Young Women (MEMPROW) has launched Bridging Feminist Voices, a two years project, which will be implemented in West Nile districts of Zombo and Arua, and parts of Kampala.
The project, under the Strong Voices: Uganda Against SGBV (sexual and gender-based violence) Together for Women’s Rights and Civil Society Resilience program, aims at strengthening feminist movements, amplify civil society voices and foster collective resilience in the fight against SGBV.
Sunday Kayom, Project Officer at MEMPROW, explained that the project will build capacity of women and strengthen structures that manage SGBV cases in the two districts, including for police and health workers.
Lillian Draleru Tiyo, a retired health worker and resident of Arua District, welcomed the project, saying it will boost their efforts in addressing cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
However, a gender activist in West Nile, Concy Minzira, explained that despite efforts to ensure SGBV cases are reported and addressed, many survivors continue to suffer in silence. She emphasized the need for increased sensitization and greater attention from relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, Zombo District Principal Assistant CAO, Ephraim Komakech, pledged the district’s support in empowering communities through this project to address SGBV cases. Komakech emphasized that success will require collaboration with other stakeholders across West Nile.
Several survivors of SGBV in West Nile do not report cases, citing pressure from cultural norms, fear of retaliation from partners or relatives and concerns about delays in the legal process after reporting to authorities such as the police-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
