The executive director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Winnie Byanyima, has said everyone has a role to play in fighting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the world.

"Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there has been a spike in reports of violence against women. #16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is an opportunity to make a difference for the better," she wrote on her Twitter handle Tuesday, November 23.

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said Monday, November 22 that violence against women and girls must be treated as an emergency it is, with resources, laws and political will.

Uganda commended

Last month, the United Nations Population Fund Country Representative, Suzanne Mandong commended Uganda for the overall success in eliminating GBV, especially Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) whose prevalence now stands at 3% down from over 50%.

She emphasized that it was achievable for the country to eliminate FGM to zero percentage by 2030.

State minister for gender Peace Mutuuzo, who held a meeting with Mandingo, underscored the need for GBV shelters across the country, where survivors can access a string of support services in the line of prevention, response and management of GBV.