NEWS – Speaker of the 11th Parliament of the Republic of Uganda, Rt Hon Anita Annet Among has advocated for united efforts to swiftly eliminate gender-based violence, emphasizing its impact on the nation’s human capital.
Amidst the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, themed “Ending violence against women is possible, but only if we act together, now,” Among urges vigilance against violence towards women.
She stresses that only through collective action can this pervasive issue be eradicated.
Through her X-Twitter handle, Among calls on Ugandans to unite against violence and encourages women facing silent suffering to speak out against patriarchal pressures and prejudices normalizing such violence.
Here is the Speaker’s complete statement on the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence:”
Fellow Ugandans,
Today marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.
The theme for this year’s campaign, “Ending violence against women is possible, but only if we act together, now” couldn’t have come at a better time.
The Police Crime Report of 2022 highlights a surge in domestic violence, intricately linked to gender-based violence, predominantly affecting women.
To unlock the nation’s full human capital potential, we must collectively commit to abruptly ending gender-based violence, treating it as an urgent matter requiring our full dedication for complete eradication.
Poverty, especially in rural and urban poor areas, disproportionately affects women, subjecting them to societal frustrations and making them targets for gender-based violence.
Our efforts must address both fronts: combating violence against women comprehensively while vigorously alleviating poverty, fostering a happier and more peaceful society for women.
On behalf of Parliament, I pledge to prioritize any legislation, motion, or petition aimed at immediately ending violence against women.
I implore all citizens to stay vigilant against violence towards women and align efforts, recognizing that only through collective action can we bring an end to this issue.
To women enduring silent suffering, I urge you to speak out. Resist patriarchal pressures and prejudices that normalize violence against women. The success of our collective efforts hinges on your willingness to speak out.
In this year’s campaign, let us all commit to ending violence against women. It is possible with collective effort.
