Events

On November 15, 2024, Joy for Children Uganda (JFCU) convened a critical dissemination meeting to unveil findings from a research study on the legal frameworks governing child marriage in Uganda. The event, held in collaboration with the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), sought to highlight legal gaps and propose reforms to strengthen protections for children against early marriages.Child marriage is a deep-rooted issue in Uganda, with approximately 34% of girls married before the age of 18 and 7% before 15. The prevalence varies across regions, peaking at 59% in northern Uganda. Drivers include poverty, harmful traditional practices, and societal norms that view girls as sources of wealth through dowry. This practice has devastating consequences, including higher risks of maternal death, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and curtailed education opportunities for girls. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, with school closures leading to a 25% annual increase in child marriage cases, according to UNESCO projections.The Legal Landscape and Persistent Challenges Uganda has made significant strides in establishing legal protections for children. The Constitution unequivocally sets the minimum marriage age at 18 and mandates free, informed consent for all marriages. However, challenges persist due to conflicting provisions in other legal frameworks, limited enforcement,…

On November 14, 2024, Joy for Children Uganda (JFCU) organized a transformative community awareness session in Bukoto, Kampala, focusing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), prenatal and postnatal care, and family planning. This initiative aimed to address pressing health challenges in Kampala slum communities, where limited access to healthcare, education, and economic Opportunities perpetuates cycles of poverty and vulnerability, particularly for women and girls. Kampala slums face numerous socio-economic challenges, including poverty, inadequate housing, and limited access to essential services. A significant concern is the lack of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health knowledge, leading to high rates of teenage pregnancies, STIs, and maternal healthcomplications. Joy for Children Uganda strives to bridge these gaps through awareness campaigns, health interventions, and economic empowerment programs.The event featured insightful discussions, interactive sessions, and healthcare services, emphasizing the following topics:1. STI Prevention and HIV Awareness:Participants learned about transmission, prevention, and treatment methods for HIV and other STIs. A special focus was placed on promoting condom use and encouraging regular testing. Female condoms were introduced as an empowering tool for women.2. Cervical Cancer Screening:The session provided education on cervical cancer prevention, emphasizing the importance of HPV vaccinations and regular Pap smears. On-site cervical cancer screenings were conducted…

Joy for Children Uganda (JFCU) hosted a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on September 26th and 27th, 2024, aimed at strengthening the communication skills of the Girls First Fund (GFF) grantees. This workshop was designed to equip these community-based organizations with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively communicate their work in ending child marriage and advocating for children’s rights. With 43% of girls in Uganda married before the age of 18, according to the 2016 Demographic Health Survey, the need for impactful communication has never been more pressing. Effective communication strategies can help amplify the message, mobilize community support, and influence policy changes. Throughout the workshop, participants were introduced to key communication topics, including social media management, storytelling for advocacy, and digital content creation. Facilitators guided the grantees through practical sessions on using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to reach larger audiences and engage effectively. Tools like Canva and Piktochart were introduced, allowing participants to design visually appealing and impactful content. The importance of crafting clear, persuasive advocacy messages was emphasized, alongside the need for consistent messaging across various platforms. A unique feature of the workshop was its interactive approach, where participants were tasked with creating social media…

Joy For Children Uganda (JFCU) with support from Girls First Fund convened a stakeholder dialogue at Pacific Hotel, in Lira district, focusing on laying strategies to end child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Lango sub-region. The dialogue brought together a diverse group of participants, including cultural leaders, Lira District officials, representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), and religious leaders, all united in their commitment to tackling this pressing issue.

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.

The Day of the African Child (DAC) is commemorated annually on June 16th in honor of children who participated in the Soweto Uprising of 1976. DAC is of significance to African children and calls for serious introspection and commitment towards addressing the numerous challenges facing children across the continent. Governments, NGOs, and other multi-sectoral stakeholders gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the full realization of the rights of children in Africa. This year we are celebrating DAC under the theme: “Promoting and Protecting Children’s Rights in Schools”