Women and girls aged 10-59 face the highest levels of sexual violence

7 September 2024, 2:32 pm

By Regina Nassanga

Sexual violence among women and girls aged 10-59 is highest in the Central division, at 32%, according to research conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics in 2020.

This was highlighted by Clothilda Babirekere, a gender specialist at the Uganda Media Women’s Association, during a training session for media professionals, survivors of violence, members of civil society organisations, police officers, and health service providers on addressing violence against women and girls.

Speaking during the training, Clothilda noted that the prevalence of physical violence among women and girls in the Kawempe division stands at 14%. She further stated that recent studies reveal that one in three women is a victim of physical or sexual domestic violence at least once in their lifetime.

The training, organised by the Uganda Media Women’s Association in collaboration with the Austrian Development Cooperation, emphasised the need for the media to take responsibility in combating social injustices such as violence against women and girls.

Clothilda urged the media to prioritise such issues on the national agenda and to play a watchdog role in raising awareness and advocating for change.