Violence against women and children (VAWC) is one of the most systemic and endemic human rights issues which disproportionately affects women and girls in Uganda. VAWC takes many different forms. It can include physical, sexual and psychological/emotional violence, economic abuse and exploitation. According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, more than half of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence at least once since age 15.
The Spotlight Programme is a global initiative on VAWC funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented under the United Nations (UN) Division of Labor as a Joint Programme. In Uganda, it is being implemented in four priority districts: Amudat, Kasese, Kitgum, and Tororo. NTU is currently supporting the institutional area of this Programme in 2020-2021 (Provision of technical support to national ministries and districts to implement the EU-Spotlight Initiative for ending violence against women and children in Uganda, using the socio-ecological model - institutional strengthening pillar).
MORE THAN
1000
PARTICIPANTS IN OUR ACTIVITIES
(CONSULTATIONS, WORKSHOPS TRAINING)
How we are doing it
The main conceptual framing of our assistance is underpinned by the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) which seeks to understand the needs of communities and individuals to develop context-specific solutions to overcome violence. The approach utilises social mobilisation for behavioural change and communication at different levels: a) Individual level focusing on knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and interpersonal relationships (families, friends, social networks), b) Community level (Community leaders) c) Organisational (organisations/ social institutions) d) Policy/Enabling Environment (national, state, local laws).
The socio-ecological model considers the complex interplay between the individual, relationship, community, and societal factors. Through participatory approaches, NTU is enhancing the capacity of local government to understand the range of factors that put people at risk of violence or protect them from experiencing or perpetrating violence.
In addition, NTU supports the development of the implementation plans, training materials and Quality Assurance system for training, mentorship and coaching for sub-county, parish and village-level future training providers.
Impact
To date, NTU has delivered:
- Stakeholder consultations and workshops over understanding the behavioural patterns and change strategies
- 4 district trainings for the officials in charge of implementing the programme further on the district level – which is of key importance for the sustainability of results of NTU intervention
- Needs assessment, Training Guide and materials for lower level training – which are key tools for behaviour change at individual and community level.
The concrete impacts resulting from these actions will be analysed when the project is more advanced.
Workshop in Tororo, Uganda, on Communication for Development (C4D) for Violence Against Women and Children (VAW/C)