25th November 2022
Press Release on the Launch of 16 Days of Activism
Today, the Women’s Probono Initiative (WPI) joins the rest of the world in the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the commemoration of International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women. These days are designated specifically to vigorously raise awareness and strategically campaign to end violence against women and girls. This year’s theme is “UNiTE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”. Based on the fact that violence against women and girls is among the most prevailing human rights violations to date, the theme seeks to ensure that government institutions, civil society organizations, women’s rights activists, schools, and media all come together to show support and solidarity in ending violations against women as well as to resist the rollback on women’s rights.
According to the 2021 Police Crime Report, there was a total of 17,533 domestic violence cases, 1,486 cases of rape, 14,570 cases of Defilement, and 16,373 sex-related crimes registered. This only speaks to what has been documented.
This is a call to action for all stakeholders to #UNiTE and invest in efforts to achieve a world free of all forms of violence against women. We acknowledge the efforts geared towards the elimination of this violence through policy and legal reforms, program developments, and community engagements but more can be done.
We, therefore, urge the government and other duty-bearers to:
1. Create an enabling environment for civil society actors to partner and meaningfully participate in efforts to champion and protect the rights of women.
2. Invest resources through gender-responsive budgeting and make good on their commitments to address economic inequalities that further perpetuate violence against women.
3. Follow up on the reformation, and revision of laws and policies that discriminate against women and foster an environment of hostility against women and girls.
United we can achieve a society free of violence against women and girls. #16DaysofActivism
For more details, kindly contact us on our toll-free line: +256(0) 800- 220645 OR email us directly at:info@womenprobono.org or wpiugandaltd@gmail.com
WPI Press Release on 16 Days Of Activism 2022