Empowering Educators to Combat School-Related Gender-Based Violence in Uganda
Kampala, Uganda – In a significant move towards addressing the pressing issue of School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV), the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), in collaboration with EI Africa, with the financial support from the National Education Association (NEA), convened a high-impact training workshop for 98 male and female union representatives from secondary schools across Kampala.
The workshop aimed to enhance participants' understanding of SRGBV and to empower them as advocates for safer, more inclusive learning environments.
A Sobering Reality
Deputy General Secretary Duluga Buni Phillip opened the workshop with a stark reminder of the gravity of SRGBV, stating, “It is not just a global concern, but a daily reality for many of our learners here in Uganda.” Mr. Duluga emphasized the dire consequences of SRGBV, including school dropouts and poor mental health, which perpetuate harmful cycles of violence. He called on educators to embrace their roles as “duty bearers, mentors, and protectors,” noting that what learners experience profoundly shapes their values and futures.
Understanding SRGBV
The first session of the workshop, led by UNATU Gender Officer Joan Aja, delved into the various forms of SRGBV, including sexual, physical, and psychological harm. Participants were presented with sobering statistics, revealing that globally, over 115 million children experience SRGBV annually, with Uganda seeing corporal punishment rates exceeding 74% in government schools.
Mrs. Aja provided teachers with essential tools for addressing these issues, including reporting procedures, engaging legal and child protection structures, and utilizing the Sauti 116 Uganda Child Helpline. She urged educators to become visible advocates for safe, inclusive schools, integrating gender responsiveness into their teaching practices.
UNATU and EI’s Commitment
The second session reinforced the commitment of Education International Africa and UNATU in combating SRGBV. Since 2016, UNATU has been a leading force in Africa for implementing EI’s SRGBV campaign, supported by NEA-USA and other partners. The program aims to prevent violence that drives learners out of school and jeopardizes educators' safety.
UNATU reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards any teacher who violates a student’s rights, urging participants to apply their learning within their schools and communities, ensuring that all children are protected, whether in school or out.
A Unified Call to Action
In her closing remarks, Branch Chairperson Rubaga, Nakiryowa Annet, thanked the participants for their engagement and urged them to adopt new teaching methods. “Violence is a huge problem that should never rob our students of their future,” she stated. She encouraged attendees to act as ambassadors against SRGBV, emphasizing the collective responsibility to create safe, inspiring, and empowering educational environments.
Education International Africa stands firmly behind this initiative, committed to championing the rights of learners and ensuring that every school is a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive, free from violence. Together, we can make a difference and pave the way for a brighter, safer future for all learners in Uganda and beyond.