Sixteen Days of Activism drawing attention on GBV termed a 'shadow pandemic'

GVB|UN |COVID -19

In Uganda, 56% of women are getting subjected to physical violence from their partners and 22% are subjected to sexual violence, according to the 2016 Uganda Demographic Household Survey. 

The situation could be getting worse. Between March 30 and April 28, this year, when countries across the world introduced lockdown measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 3,280 cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) was recorded in Uganda, and from January to April this year alone10, 280 cases were reported, according to police statistics. 

 "Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data and reports from those on the front lines, have shown that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified," stated UN women as global activities were rolled off Wednesday to mark to make the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. 

The 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence will end on Thursday, December 10, 2020.

"This is the Shadow Pandemic growing amidst the COVID-19 crisis and we need a global collective effort to stop it," added UN Women in a statement. 

According to UN Women even before COVID-19 hit, violence against women and girls had reached pandemic proportions.  

"Globally, 243 million women and girls were abused by an intimate partner in the past year. Meanwhile, less than 40 per cent of women who experience violence report it or seek help," said UN Women. 

The cost 

In 2016, the global cost of violence against women was estimated by the UN to be US$1.5 trillion, equivalent to approximately 2% of the global gross domestic product (GDP), according to the report counting the cost: The Price Society Pays for Violence Against Women. 

In Uganda, the $22.2 million costs borne by providers of public services for domestic violence was 0.75% of the country's national budget in 2010/11, which was spent on treatment, legal proceedings, arrests and psychological support for victims. 

"As COVID-19 cases continue to strain health services, essential services, such as domestic violence shelters and helplines, have reached capacity. More needs to be done to prioritize addressing violence against women in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts," said UN Women. 

This year the global theme is ‘Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!'  

It is amplifying the call for global action to bridge funding gaps, ensure essential services for survivors of violence during the COVID-19 crisis, focus on prevention, and collection of data that can improve life-saving services for women and girls. 

The State Minister of Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo told journalist Wednesday that government has embarked on campaign that consists of various stakeholders to rally and sensitise communities on the impact of GBV and living harmoniously to end the vice, and spur national development. 

"The 16 days campaign is to raise awareness about GBV and its impact on national development," said Mutuuzo. 

For the 16 Days of Activism, UN Women has handed over the mic to survivors, activists and UN partners on the ground, to tell the story of what happened after COVID-19 hit.