Uganda Launches 16 Days of Activism 2025 in Kasese, Renewing Commitment to End Violence Against Women and Girls

Uganda officially launched the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) 2025 in Kasese District, issuing a strong national call to accelerate action to end violence against women and girls. The launch convened government leaders, development partners, civil society, cultural institutions, youth, and community members—reaffirming a shared responsibility to build a safer, more equal Uganda.

The national launch was officiated by the Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, Minister of State for Gender and Cultural Affairs, who served as Chief Guest. Speaking on behalf of the Government, Hon. Mutuuzo emphasized that ending GBV requires collective and sustained action—addressing harmful social norms, strengthening prevention, and ensuring justice and comprehensive support for survivors.

“Violence against women and girls undermines our cultural values, our development goals, and the wellbeing of our communities. As Government, we remain committed to working with all partners to ensure that every woman and girl lives free from violence,” she said.

Observed annually from 25 November to 10 December, the global 16 Days of Activism campaign provides a platform to galvanize action. Uganda’s 2025 observance underscores continued alignment with national and international commitments, with a particular focus on community-led prevention, survivor-centred services, and accountability at all levels.

The UN Women Uganda Country Representative, Ms. Paulina Chiwangu, highlighted the growing threat of technology-facilitated violence:

“Digital violence is not just virtual harm—it is real harm. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is escalating, pushing girls out of school, limiting women’s participation in public life, and threatening livelihoods.”

She noted that the prevalence of physical violence against women in Uganda stands at 51 per cent—well above the African average—underscoring the urgent need for targeted prevention and stronger protection mechanisms. “Ending violence against women and girls requires collective action—from government, communities, the private sector, and technology actors—to ensure women and girls are safe in both physical and digital spaces,” she added.

Kasese District was selected to spotlight GBV prevention and response efforts in western Uganda, while amplifying the voices of women and girls in border and hard-to-reach communities. The launch featured cultural performances, community dialogues, and survivor testimonies—highlighting both the impact of GBV and the power of collective action.

Representatives from UN Women, government ministries, local authorities, and civil society organizations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination, investing in prevention, and scaling up programmes that protect the rights and dignity of women and girls.

As Uganda marked the 16 Days of Activism 2025, stakeholders called on communities, leaders, institutions, and individuals to move beyond awareness to action—challenging harmful norms, supporting survivors, and building a future where women and girls can live, lead, and thrive without fear.

Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in Sports

As part of the campaign, the African Women in Sports Summit 2025 was held from 26–27 November under the theme “Breaking Barriers for Gender Equity in Sports.” Co-hosted by the African Women in Sports Initiative (AWISI), UN Women, and the Spotlight Initiative, the summit highlighted digital safety for women and girls in sports while advancing gender equity and inclusion across the sector.

The two-day summit—organized under the theme “Uniting to End Gender-Based Violence”—brought together over 300 delegates from across Africa, including athletes, coaches, administrators, policymakers, media practitioners, and gender equity advocates. Discussions centred on creating safer, more inclusive sporting environments for women and girls.

Across two days of rich dialogue, participants shared lived experiences, elevated success stories, and addressed persistent challenges—from structural barriers to women’s leadership to the urgent need for protection frameworks that prevent abuse and discrimination. Panels and workshops emphasized practical strategies to strengthen governance, expand mentorship pathways, and mobilize communities and media to shift harmful norms. Delegates underscored that women should not only participate in sport but lead at all levels of decision-making.

Speaking on behalf of the UN Women Uganda Country Representative, Ms. Adekemi Ndieli, Deputy Country Representative, noted that one in five women worldwide experiences gender-based violence, calling for strengthened partnerships and sustained action to address the crisis.

Dr. Mariam Mpaata, President of AWISI, emphasized that conversations about gender-based violence should never be a source of shame, but a catalyst for action and accountability.

Strengthening Justice and Digital Safety

The 16 Days of Activism in Uganda concluded with the convening of justice leaders, technology experts, and civil society organizations at the Court of Appeal in Kampala to strengthen pathways to end technology-facilitated violence against women and girls.

In addition, UN Women Uganda convened an internal dialogue on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence at its Naguru office. Experts from the Uganda Police Force, NITA-Uganda, and FIDA examined legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and online safety measures—equipping staff and stakeholders with practical knowledge to prevent and respond to digital violence.

Together, these engagements reinforced a shared commitment to ensure that women and girls in Uganda are protected—offline and online—and that justice systems, institutions, and communities are equipped to respond effectively to emerging forms of violence.