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By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/ KMA Updates.
Kampala, Uganda: Uganda is home to 5 million child brides. Of these, 1.3 million married before age 15. Source: UNICEF global databases, 2020.
In that reports show that Uganda loses over UGX1.6 trillion towards ending violence against Women and Girls.
Ugandan Journalists pose for a group photo with facilitators from Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) after a 2-day training on survivor centered reporting on child marriage at Fairway Hotel, Kampala on Thursday. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
In an exclusive interview with Diana Nansumba, Programs Officer at Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) said that it’s critical for stakeholders to play their role if we are to bring to zero violence against Women and Girls.
“For example if you’re police and a woman brings in a case, don you handle her issue as an emergency or you just say that those things happen and why would you bring bedroom issues to public?”. Diana asked.
Diana Nansumba, Assistant Programs Officer at Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) is seen facilitating at the training. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
“Why would you ask such yet if she is bitten in the bedroom, the whole world gets to know from the bruises she has sustained”. Diana wondered.
She informed that whatever happens in the bedroom, spreads in the public as well therefore there is need for consideration of matters without ignoring any.
“We are calling upon all stakeholders, government!, What is your commitment towards ending child marriage? Are you allocating enough funds? , Are you holding perpetrators of violence accountable?” .She added.
She showed her discontent with issues of case backlog especially on defilement, rape are not given priority when presiding over them which is dangerous as it delays justice.
“To the public, what are you doing to prevent violence against Women and girls? Are whistle blowing, are you speaking up against such acts, are you reflecting on your unbecoming behaviors toward them?.
Journalists are seen paying attention to a facilitator from Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) during the training. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
She revealed that it is everyone’s responsibility to maintain the dignity and safety of women and girls everywhere at any time regardless who you are regardless of what people will say.
Diana gave these remarks at the climax of a two day training on Gender Sensitive reporting on Child marriages because there has been a lot of victim blame.
She says that often times when cases of child defilement and rape come out, it is usually the victim or survivor that is blamed and that doesn’t speak to justice at all.
So we thought this will help journalists execute their duties particularly in these areas by maintaining their dignity, avoid being sexiest, ensure their safety, help them access medical care even when handling their investigations in addition to put to task stakeholders to intervene where necessary.
Grace Namataka, National Advocacy Officer at Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) speaks during the training. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Josephine Kamisya, Senior Programs Officer at Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) facilitates during the training. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Jessica Nwafa an internee at Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) gives her views during the training. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.