AGEBAV is actively working to address gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. Gender-based violence is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in Uganda. Gender-Based violence knows no social, economic or national boundaries. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a life-threatening health and protection issue. When people flee their homes, they are often at greater risk of physical, sexual and psychological violence, such as rape, sexual abuse, trafficking and forced prostitution. Although anyone whether women, girls, men and boys can fall victim to violence simply because of their sex or gender, women and girls are especially at risk. It is estimated that one in three women will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime.
Over one-third of women and girls nationally will experience some form of violence in their lifetime. However, this rate is higher in emergencies, conflict, and crisis, where vulnerability and risks are increased and most often family, community, and legal protections have broken down.
Harm caused by GBV can be visible or hidden, and it also includes the threat of violence. GBV can take many forms, including: physical violence, such as assault or slavery; emotional or psychological violence, such as verbal abuse or confinement; sexual abuse, including rape; harmful practices, like child marriage and female genital mutilation; socio-economic violence, which includes denial of resources; and sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse.
While GBV most often refers to violence against women and girls, it can also affect other marginalized groups when violence is used to reinforce or maintain oppressive gender norms.
Gender-based violence can happen to anyone. However, it disproportionately affects women and girls. Those in crisis settings are at a double disadvantage due to their gender and their situation.Women and girls from other diverse and marginalized communities face an even greater risk where gender inequality intersects with other forms of oppression.
AGEBA helps communities understand the concept of intersectionality—that a person faces different kinds of discrimination and risks due to a combination of their identities like gender, race, religion, or age. These parts of a person’s identity combine and affect how they experience life. GBV is often associated with violence against women and girls because gender inequality is one of the most widespread and deeply rooted forms of discrimination.
