In recent years, the world has witnessed the devastating effects of climate change, leaving no corner untouched. However, amidst the rising temperatures and extreme weather events, it’s often the most vulnerable who bear the worst of these changes our children.
Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in rural Uganda remains a pressing issue, affecting theeducation and well-being
Child forced marriages [ CFM] remain a significant challenge in Uganda, with many girls being forced into marriage before the age of 18.Statistics from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) of 2016 indicates that the prevalence of child marriage in Kiruhura district is 34 percent, which was higher than the national average of 27 percent. According to the UDHS, child marriage was more common in rural areas, were poverty and low levels of education persistent. This harmful practice disproportionately affects girls preventing them from living their lives free from all forms of violence. We take a look at Kiruhura district in Western Uganda where we interacted with early marriage survivors, local leaders and organizations advocating for the rights of children. The interaction with the leaders and different stakeholders gave an opportunity to the child rights advocates to clearly understand the drivers behind the rampant cases of child marriages and how they can be minimized.
Child marriage is a pervasive issue in many parts of the world, with a multitude of contributing factors, one of which is toxic masculinity. To combat this harmful practice, it is essential to promote positive masculinity among men, encouraging them to be respectful, responsible, and empathetic.
Violence against children is a pervasive and devastating problem in Uganda. It takes many forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect and exploitation. These forms of violence have long-lasting and detrimental effects on children, impacting their physical and mental health, as well as their ability to learn and thrive. In order to address and ultimately eradicate this issue, it is imperative to engage communities in the effort to end all forms of violence against children in Uganda.
Child marriage is a global issue that affects millions of young girls every year. In Uganda, child marriage is a prevalent problem, with 34% of girls getting married before the age of 18. This practice not only robs these young girls of their childhood but also limits their opportunities for education, health, and a bright future. However, there is hope as organizations in Uganda are collectively working towards ending this harmful practice.
Child marriage is a harmful practice that violates the rights of children, particularly girls. It robs them of their childhood, education, and opportunities, and exposes them to increased risks of violence, abuse, and exploitation. While child marriage is an issue that predominantly affects girls, the role of men and boys in ending this harmful practice is crucial and cannot be overlooked.
The 6th National Girl Summit aims at convening several delegates including children, youth, officials from different Ministry Department Agencies, UN agencies and other development partners, district leaders, faith and cultural leaders, private sector such as school administrators, media and CSOs plus voices of children to reflect on the progress made in ending child marriage and teenage pregnancy both at regional and national level.
Child sexual abuse refers to the involvement of a child (person less than 18 years old) in sexual activity. Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a violation of the fundamental rights of a child and is deeply rooted in harmful gender norms. It is exacerbated by poverty, insecurity, displacement, drug abuse, conflicts, natural disasters and mental health problems. CSA has remained both pervasive and persistent despite existing legislative, policy and practice initiatives to address it. The majority of CSA cases remain hidden, are heavily under-reported and some even never investigated to a great extent.
Uganda Young Positives and Joy for children Uganda is implementing a ‘Babies Living Optimally and Opportunely with Mothers’ (BLOOM) project in Kyenjojo district, Rwenzori sub-region, Toro region in Western Uganda in five Sub-counties namely Nyabuhaburwa, Nyatungo, Kyenjojo TC, Kigarale and Butiiti (two villages per sub-country). Kyenjojo is one of the highest HIV prevalence districts in Uganda, with a prevalence of 7.4% in 2022, higher than the national prevalence of 5.8% (UPHIA 2020).
