GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN KABALE MUNICIPALITY, KABALE DISTRICT

Abstract

Introduction and Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the scope and impact of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on women and girls rights in Kabale Municipality, Kabale District. The specific objectives of the study were (1) to establish the effectiveness of different advocacy strategies on GBV prevention and reduction, (2) to assess the impact of women's empowerment strategies on GBV reduction; and (3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the new laws and policies on GBV prevention and reduction in Kabale Municipality, Kabale District. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study that involved quantitative data collected using household questionnaire administered to 360 household heads to establish the quantitative contributions of different advocacy strategies and impact of women empowerment strategies on GBV prevention and reduction in Kabale Municipality, Kabale District. Qualitative data was collected from fourteen (14) purposively selected District level Key informants using interview guide to establish the qualitative contributions of different advocacy strategies, impact of women empowerment strategies on GBV prevention and reduction; and the contributions of the new laws and policies on GBV prevention and reduction in Kabale Municipality, Kabale District. Quantitative data was analyzed using Excel and SPSS to generate relative frequencies and summary statistics and Qualitative data was analyzed using the narrative technique. Results: Findings indicate that 55.6% of the respondents agreed building the capacity of duty bearers and those responsible for implementing laws, policies and programs reduces GBV, 51.4% of the respondents agreed that awareness and sensitization campaigns in GBV prevention and promotion of human rights of women and girls and contributed to GBV prevention and reduction and 50.6% of the respondents agreed that educational empowerment of women and girls to access secondary education improves the knowledge, skills and opportunities for women and girls to escape GBV in Kabale Municipality, Kabale District. Further 51.4% of the respondents cited awareness on women’s human rights has been achieved through educational initiatives and advocacy for women’s rights, 45.8% acknowledged improved communications and conflict resolution skills, 44.4% cited that women’s community support networks fosters solidarity and assistance among women within community groups in Kabale Municipality, Kabale District, 40.3% agreed women’s economic independence is enhanced consequently mitigating their reliance on their male partners in Kabale Municipality, Kabale District. Lastly, key informant respondents noted that the new laws and policies have done little to prevent and reduce GBV because of their ineffective enforcement, limited legal literacy among women and men, as well as rigid culture that do not consider women’s rights. Conclusion: Gender-Based Violence is remains a human rights challenge women and men in Kabale Municipality, Kabale District. Comprehensive measures for promoting gender equality, respect and safety should be put in place. Strengthening of legal and Policy frameworks through continuous reforms is needed. Capacity building for law enforcement and judiciary personnel, awareness campaigns, economic and education empowerment programs for girls, addressing cultural and customary practices, legal aid services to the victims of GBV can help combat GBV and promote gender equality.