GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN KABALE MUNICIPALITY, KABALE DISTRICT

Abstract

This study set out to investigate the extent and effects of gender-based violence (GBV) on the rights of women and girls in Kabale District and Kabale Municipality. 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. 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. In order to produce relative frequencies and summary statistics, quantitative data was analysed using Excel and SPSS, while qualitative data was examined using the storytelling technique. Findings show that 55.6% of respondents agreed that increasing the capacity of duty bearers and those in charge of putting laws, policies, and programs into place reduces GBV, 51.4% agreed that campaigns to raise awareness and promote women's and girls' human rights and prevent GBV also contribute to GBV prevention and reduction, and 50.6% agreed that empowering women and girls to pursue secondary education enhances their knowledge, skills, and opportunities to escape GBV in Kabale Municipality, 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. Gender-Based Violence is remains a human rights challenge women and men in 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.