Child marriage is a human rights violation; girls are at a higher risk compared to the boys. Girls who are married off at an early age are likely to drop out of school, become child mothers, endure complications from child birth, and often experience gender based violence.
On the International day of the Girl child, October 11th 2021, Joy for Children-Uganda recognizes the rights of girls and the challenges they face every day.
May 2020 will forever remain in the minds of the people of Kasese district in western Uganda The district was hit by disastrous floods that happened on the 7th of May and peaked on the morning of May 10th. Another disaster followed on May 21st in the areas of Mpondwe-Bwera where flash floods and landslides further destroyed bridges and infrastructure leading to the death of more than 10 people
Children with special needs are most marginalized and their concerns are often ignored. They face pervasive barriers that limit their participation in education.
As the second wave of the corona virus infections continue to rise in Uganda with 92,490 and 2,557 Deaths (Ministry of Health), Government put in place measures to curb the rapid spread of the deadly virus. The measures had an influence on both the young and the old but Children living in the slums have been affected the most.
It is not only adolescent Girls, who have been negatively impacted by the covid-19 pandemic but Women as well, the lack of information about menstrual hygiene management coupled with inadequate funds to purchase sanitary products.
On November 27th 2020, Girls Not Brides Uganda, Joy for Children Uganda in collaboration with World Vision, organized 3rd National Girl summit November 2020, under the theme “Securing Uganda`s future: enhancing collective Action to end child marriage in the face of covid 19”.
Around the world, marriage is often perceived as a way of ushering in love and happiness, but for young girls below the age of 18 years ,getting married is one of the most unpleasant things that can happen to them,34% of girls in Uganda are married off before the age of 18 and 4% are off before their 15th birthday.6% of boys are married off before the age of 18.(UNICEF 2017)
While data on Gender based violence and violence against women in humanitarian contexts is still limited, the 2016 Uganda Demographic and health survey revealed that up to 22% of women aged 15 to 49 in the country had experienced some form of sexual violence. The report also revealed that annually, 13% of women aged 15 to 49 report experiencing sexual violence.
Violence against Children includes all forms of violence against people under the age of 18 whether perpetrated by parents, relatives, peers, teachers, employers, caregivers or strangers. Violence can be in form of maltreatment, sexual violence, bullying, and psychological torture.
