Bugiri: As the world celebrates the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Busoga subregion are voicing concerns about unfair treatment in their communities.
PWDs, especially girls and women, claim that they are not given the same opportunities as boys and men. This is due to deeply held beliefs about what women and girls should and shouldn’t do in their homes and communities.
During a one-day GBV and Disability Symposium organized on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the Executive Hotel in Bugiri District, the focus was on promoting community-based solutions to mitigate GBV against both PWDs and non-disabled individuals.
“We are here to push for systematic change to address the intrusion of Gender-Based Violence in our communities. It is prevalent everywhere, especially here in Busoga,” said Ms. Anna Aparo, the chairperson of the Busoga GBV and Disability Rights Network.
The symposium was organized by the Busoga GBV and Disability Rights Network, which includes a range of civil society organizations advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. These include Integrated Disabled Women’s Activities (IDIWA), Multi-Community Based Development Initiative (MUCOBADI), Women Rights Initiative (WORI), and Women and Girls with Albinism (WAA), among others.
“No one is free from violence until everyone is free. Break the silence, and include every voice,” emphasized Ms. Aparo, highlighting the event’s theme: “Breaking Barriers: Amplifying Voices and Advancing Disability Inclusion in the Fight Against GBV.”
According to IDIWA, Busoga records a high number of GBV cases, particularly against women and girls with disabilities. Mr. Abdurahman Mujoma, a legal officer at IDIWA, said the organization has established a team of paralegals to support survivors with disabilities and facilitate reporting mechanisms.
“Those paralegals are local focal points in communities, and they report these cases to us. Our role is to take legal action against the perpetrators,” Mr. Mujoma noted. He further explained that while mediation is attempted between victims and perpetrators, legal steps are pursued if the mediation fails.
Mr. Deogracious Mwondha, a Senior Probation Officer for Bugiri District, attributes violence to poor parenting, as many parents fail to effectively nurture their children. According to him, 83 percent of Bugiri’s children do not live with their biological parents.
“You find that a child is living with a sister, aunt, uncle, or even a family friend. These days, people lack discipline and cannot impart it to young children. As a result, these minors grow up thinking that violence is normal because they experience it,” Mr. Mwondha explained.
He further elaborated that culturally related barriers have also promoted GBV, where the female gender is still regarded as inferior. He cited how women fear contesting certain political positions, claiming they belong to the opposite sex.
However, the Probation Officer noted that the government recognizes the disadvantage caused by GBV, which has reportedly undermined some government initiatives. As a result, laws have been established to advocate for justice for GBV victims.
Emphasizing empowerment, Ms. Shamim Wokobera, a PWD leader under the Girl Power Community Uganda, expressed concerns about limited access to education due to physical barriers in schools. These include inaccessible infrastructure and the lack of assistive devices.
“We cannot ignore the negative attitudes and discrimination from teachers and peers, which have led to school dropouts for many, including some of us here today who have had this painful experience. There is also a lack of inclusive education policies and practices, which has allowed parents to neglect their responsibilities in educating children with disabilities and supporting them in schools,” Ms. Wokobera said.
The high rates of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) are a major issue today. This is exacerbated by the high vulnerability of PWDs to abuse due to physical and cognitive impairments, lack of awareness about sexual health and rights, and limited access to justice and disability-inclusive support services for survivors of SGBV.
Ms. Wokobera also lamented the denial of economic empowerment, as there are still limited opportunities for employment and income generation. She highlighted the lack of skills training, vocational rehabilitation services, and workplace discrimination.
An alliance of girls and young women with disabilities, formed from the She Leads Project implemented by IDIWA and Girl Power Community Uganda, is committed to promoting the rights and well-being of girls and young women with disabilities.
Owekitibwa Kaawo Kawere Naayi, the Prime Minister of Bukooli Chiefdom in Busoga Kingdom, explained that “People have a misconception about culture, believing it is the main cause of GBV. We are pushing for education about culture. Culture does not mean that a man should box his wife because she failed to meet her responsibilities at home.”
The cultural leaders also pointed out that GBV is not only physical but also psychological, where individuals are mentally tortured. They advocated for fair treatment of people within communities.
Social exclusion and stigma, driven by negative stereotypes and misconceptions about disability, have led to limited social participation and opportunities.
Mr. Paul Mwidu Kalikwani, the Bugiri Resident District Commissioner (RDC), stressed the importance of collective efforts in combating GBV, noting that the government has played its part by extending empowerment programs to people with special needs.
“The government has introduced the Parish Development Model (PDM) for you. PWDs make up thirty percent of the district. If you have groups, go for that funding and start transforming your lives,” the RDC said.
Mitigating GBV, especially among PWDs, remains a significant campaign. The marginalized community continues to advocate for the amplification of the voices of Girls and Young Women with Disabilities and their participation in decision-making processes.
“Nothing about us without us. By working together, we can create a more just society where all girls and young women, regardless of their abilities, can thrive in all spheres of life,” said Joan Kirabo, a young girl with a disability.
