Gender-Based Violence

Monday, 21 November 2011 04:36

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The IRCU Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention program started operating in December 2010. This pilot project: “Prevention and Mitigation of Gender Based Violence through Faith Based Structures” is implemented in partnershipwith the Irish Embassyand Ministry of Gender Labor and Social Development in Busoga sub-region.

The project empowers communities and religious leaders with information and skills to prevent, respond to and mitigate effects of Gender Based Violence. Religious leaders both ordained and lay, spiritual groups in their respective faith ought to unite, speak up and break the silence against Gender Based Violence in their communities.

OBJECTIVES

1. To improve access to GBV information and services to communities of women, men, girls and boys through faith-based structures.
2. To build the capacity of Imams, Reverends, Pastors and other religious groups to prevent, respond and mitigate effects of GBV.
3. To strengthen coordination of GBV interventions among FBO actors and other stakeholders for effective prevention and response to GBV.

ACTIVITIES

• Gender Based Violence awareness and sensitization among religious leaders and faith communities.
• Advocacy and media campaigns to prevent occurrence of GBV
• Inter-faith dialogue by religious leaders to mitigate GBV cases
• Pastoral home visits by religious leaders to follow-up on cases of GBV
• Training for religious leaders to respond to and mitigate GBV
• Referrals by religious leaders and spiritual groups to appropriate GBV services
• Production and dissemination of GBV IEC materials to raise awareness.
• Participate in local, national and international anti-GBV campaigns
• Network with other GBV actors (local and central government ministries and departments, media, civil society organisations).

GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE

The program is implemented in Busoga sub-region which covers: Namayingo, Bugiri, Iganga, Kamuli, Kaliro, Namutumba, Jinja, and Mayuge. IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH The program uses a Faith-Based Approach (FBA) where: -

1. Religious structures and institutions of the Ugannda Muslim Supreme Council, Seventh Day Adventist Uganda Union, the Catholic Church in Uganda, the Uganda Orthodox Church and Church of Uganda are mobilized and sensitized about GBV to respond to it.
2. Religious Leaders are equipped with knowledge and skills to be able to identify and support survivors of GBV, as well as refer them to relevant basic social services.
3. The scriptures in Holy Bible and Holy Quran are used to mobilize followers to condemn, prevent and manage GBV issues.
4. Scientific knowledge(evidence-based) is acquired and used to advocate against GBV. For example GBV is a driver of HIV/AIDS, causes physical and psychological harm and loss of life.
5. Self- control skills to restrain individuals from GBV is emphasised

TARGET AUDIENCE

The program targets religious leaders; both ordained and lay leaders;religious groups and faith communities within the religious institutions.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

• Increased awareness about GBV among religious leaders and spiritual groups in the region.
• GBV prevention activities have been integrated in activity schedules for the faith communities
• Airing of an interactive media campaign on radio and TV by faith community members
• Carried out a capacity assessment of religious leaders and institutions on GBV responsiveness
• Compiled and interpreted relevant verses for use by religious leaders to prevent and respond to GBV from Quran and Bible.
• Networked with relevant partners