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From a Shy to a Brave Young Advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

My name is Catherine Nassanga, and I am 23 years old. While volunteering with MildMay in 2021, I was introduced to CEHURD through a friend. Growing up as the only girl in my family, I used to be shy, which negatively impacted my self-esteem. However, through CEHURD’s interventions, I gained confidence and now speak to many fellow young people as an advocate.

CEHURD trained me in advocacy for young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including budgeting, gender-based violence, gender justice, human rights-based approaches, and HIV/AIDS. In my community, young girls often faced early pregnancies, forced early marriages, or unsafe abortions due to a lack of SRHR knowledge and support.

After being empowered by CEHURD and learning about the right to demand better health services, I gained the confidence to support girls facing SRHR challenges. CEHURD’s interventions also helped me decide to pursue a course in counseling and guidance to speak to young people from a more informed background.

The advocacy spaces CEHURD provided have given me a platform to reach out to young people with SRHR knowledge and engage with policymakers to voice issues affecting youth. I have actively participated in budgeting processes, raising young people’s priorities for the national budget. During a Universal Periodic Review meeting, I argued that denying young people access to contraceptives does a disservice to them, as many are secretly or forcefully engaging in sexual activities.

I call upon other civil society organizations to provide advocacy spaces for young people to raise issues to responsible stakeholders. I also hope that CEHURD continues to support young people with this crucial information. This year, I set a target to reach out to at least 50 young people per day with SRHR knowledge and information through my youth corner at the Mildmay facility in Lweza Kajjansi, and I have reached over 7,000 young people so far.

I envision a society where gender-based violence against girls ends with my generation.

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Empowering Youth Through Health Advocacy

My name is Semanda Anthony, and I am 26 years old. In 2022, I got to know about CEHURD, where I learned about the right to health and advocacy for young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Initially, I was unaware of my health rights, but CEHURD clarified this by explaining the process of health service delivery using the triple AAA framework.

Before joining CEHURD, I lacked knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and rights, relevant laws, referral pathways, and advocacy for young people’s SRHR. CEHURD has empowered me by enhancing my skills as a peer educator, allowing me to confidently share information with my peers.

I conduct training sessions for young people in various suburbs of Kampala, such as Namuwongo and Mbuya. I teach life skills, including how to be assertive, how to create healthy social and sexual relationships, and the use of different contraceptive options. Additionally, I have provided survival skills through joint savings initiatives.

I proudly advocate for condom use, educating young people on proper usage and disposal. Bravery, a value instilled in me by CEHURD, is something I hold dear. Currently, I serve as the youth chairman in my village of Nsambya, where I raise young people’s issues with relevant stakeholders.

Thanks to CEHURD’s support, I have taken on leadership roles, including my position as a coach with TACKLE Africa, where I share SRHR information with young people through football.

I am grateful to CEHURD for creating opportunities that have enhanced my social capital and positively influenced my career path. I am now working as a peer educator and football coach.

Lastly, I urge all stakeholders to empower boys as much as girls, ensuring that initiatives aimed at the girl child are equally extended to the boy child.

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From VHT to Male Champion: Nelson’s Mission to Create Positive Change in His Community

Nelson, a Male Champion trained and empowered under the Promise II Project-DFPA, stands as a beacon of hope in his community, earning commendation for his tireless efforts. Nelson has embarked on a mission to sensitize people on the importance of gender equality while fearlessly speaking out against Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and other gender-related injustice.

While the inclusion of women remains paramount in advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and gender justice, the engagement of men and boys is equally essential for achieving lasting change.

In the countryside of Kyabigambire Central, one Sunday Nelson is breaking stereotypes by assuming the proactive role of a male champion, advocating for SRHR and gender justice. Dismantling the notion that SRHR and gender equality are solely women’s issues.

Serving as an influential role model who is challenging harmful gender norms and stereotypes within his community.

Sunday Nelson’s dedication to this cause goes beyond mere advocacy and awareness rising; he immerses himself in the community, actively engaging men and boys in crucial conversations about gender issues and empowering couples and families to embrace gender equality and justice. He has demonstrated that supporting gender equality is not only beneficial but also essential for creating healthier and more equitable societies.

Drawing from his past experience as a VHT, Nelson transitioned into his role as a male champion, now collaborating with local leaders to challenge traditional notions of masculinity that perpetuate harmful behaviors and attitudes. His unique ability to navigate through complex issues with compassion and understanding has earned him praise and admiration from those he has helped.

By redefining what it means to be a man, Nelson has encouraged other men to embrace values such as mutual respect, consent, accountability and equality, reaching accountability and collective action.

In an interview with me, Nelson stated;

“I’m passionate about creating change in my community. I believe sensitizing communities on gender equality and SGBV is key to fostering positive change, sparking meaningful dialogue and action. As a committed male champion, selected by the community, I’m engaging men in discussions about gender issues to strengthen families and communities. The Promise II project has been a turning point for me, offering training and fostering personal and professional growth. I’ve undergone a remarkable journey of growth and advancement.”

As Nelson continues to make a positive impact in his community, his story serves as a testament to the transformative power of dedication, compassion, underscoring the importance of community empowerment, mobilization, and meaningful participation. Meaningful participation from men and boys is crucial for challenging and dismantling patriarchal structures that perpetuate inequality, discrimination and denial of services. By actively involving men and boys in advocacy efforts, male champions emphasize that achieving gender justice is a collective responsibility that benefits everyone.

“With Nelson’s and the LC’s support, my wife and I successfully addressed our recent marital issues. Our disagreements had resulted in violence, but Nelson’s guidance helped me become a better husband. The positive transformations are now evident in our home.” – stated one of the beneficiaries.

Stereotypes have long permeated our perceptions of gender roles and responsibilities, often relegating men to certain societal expectations that limit their ability to engage in issues such as sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender justice. One of the primary reasons for involving male champions in advancing SRHR and gender justice is their unique ability to resonate with other men. Research indicates that men are more likely to listen to and heed the advice of their male counterparts.

By Fatiha Nkoobe

Communications Officer,

Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD).

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Fighting a Monster that Guards My Community’s Gate

A story of a GBV male champion Samuel Muhumuza from Hoima District, Uganda trained under Promise II project (DFPA).

“Of course, I’m a man. How can I be seen cooking or doing any home chores meant for women?” – Sam

Samuel Muhumuza is a Gender-Based Violence male champion from Kigorobya Northern Ward, Hoima District. His passion of being a Gender-Based Violence champion is derived from his personal experience and the trainings he has numerously had with Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD). In my interview with Sam, he passionately shares how he finds it prestigious to do the kind of work he does and how he never wishes to go back to his previous life of being a politician.

“I knew I was a man. Certain gender roles weren’t for me however much they were affecting me. How could I be seen cooking? I would rather die of hunger than cook for myself or for my children even in the absence of their mum. But this narrative changed”. Says Sam

When change knocked Sam’s door, he embraced it and he’s now impacting his community. In Sam’s home, gender roles are shared amongst individuals be it male or female, and he does this openly so that his community can be able to pick a leaf from him.

“I have cows at home, with no herds man. My wife and I share this role. I also collect water for my family, and I have never lost my hands since I started doing so”. Says Sam

As a Gender-Based Violence champion, Sam has had to go head-to-head with some of his notorious cultural norms that spark of Gender-Based Violence. Much as he does his best to change his fellow men’s mindsets in his community, at times he’s looked at as a person trying to erode away his culture. Among the Alurs where Sam grew up from, women are not supposed to eat with men, they instead serve them, sit down and await on them as they eat until when they get done. After the man has gone, then a woman can eat after. Furthermore, a woman has no right to say no to sex if a man requests, regardless of her health condition. Cultural norms in Sam’s community are highly respected and this is something Sam has to deal with each and every day. He fights a monster that happens to safe guards his community.

Sam comes from a community where some people still believe that Gender-Based Violence cases happen in homes because of sorcery, woman’s delay to open the door for the man returning home past midnight is a sign of disrespect and all these can spark-off a fight. But as a champion who has gone through trainings, he clarifies to his community the major causes of Gender-Based Violence and breaks the myths and misconceptions around it.

In spite the criticism towards Sam’s work, he never stops what he does because it gives him a lot of joy. One of the things he proudly delights in is being able to reconcile breaking families through mediations. He even goes further to offer himself as a surety to suspected fellow men of Gender-Based Violence, with hope that when they’re out, he will talk to them and they change. This is a bold move, right? And surely, at least the two men he has stood for have not disappointed him.

“Much as fighting Gender-Based Violence is tedious and resolving its conflicts take a while, it is a worthwhile experience and this gives me pride and joy” – Sam says.

Sam therefore calls upon cultural leaders to join the mantle of putting an end to Gender-Based Violence and the government to be intentional on sensitizing communities on the dangers of Gender-Based Violence, since illiteracy and cultural norms happen to be the leading causes of Gender-Based Violence. He also urges other fellow men who have embraced change to be extemporary to others as he has been to his community.

 

By Faith Nabunya

Communications Officer,

Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD)

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The Unfulfilled Commitment; Eight years since the government committed to providing menstrual health products to girls

A UNESCO report indicates that in Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 1 in 10 girls misses school during their periods due to stigma and discrimination. On average, a menstruating girl loses 13 learning days of school every school term. Additionally, an estimated 23 percent of adolescent girls aged 12 to 18 drop out of school following the onset of menstruation. 

Girls in Uganda face a multitude of challenges in managing their menstrual health. Alarming statistics on school dropout rates among menstruating girls underscore the urgent need for intervention. The absence of menstrual hygiene supplies in schools stands as a major barrier leading to many girls missing out on education, due to period-related challenges.  

Along with other challenges; including inadequate infrastructure and limited information/awareness, the scarcity of essential supplies like sanitary pads is a critical issue that has not received adequate attention. Social stigmas and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation further exacerbate these challenges, making it difficult for girls to seek the support and information they need.  

Well knowing that economic disparities have exacerbated period poverty, with only the privileged able to afford menstrual products. The less fortunate often resort to desperate measures, including risky behaviors to raise funds for pads. Young people often depend on their parents for these supplies, who are already burdened with numerous responsibilities. High levels of poverty worsen the situation, as the price of a pad ranges from 3,000 to 9,000 shillings, an amount that could cover part of school fees for a daughter in some regions. This disparity undermines the fundamental goal of ensuring equal opportunity for all, as girls face unnecessary barriers that hinder their educational advancement and overall well-being. It is imperative that governments and stakeholders prioritize initiatives that address menstrual health as a core component of women’s rights and empowerment. 

It’s been eight years since the government committed to providing menstrual health products to school-going girls, a promise outlined in the 2016–2021 Manifesto of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, with the objective of addressing school dropout rates and supporting menstrual hygiene, dignity, and the well-being of adolescent girls in primary and secondary schools. However, this pledge remained unfulfilled by the end of the term. 

The implementation of the pledge was anticipated in the Financial Year 2017/2018; however, the initiative has remained only on paper, eight years since President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni made the pronouncement. In April 2020, First Lady Janet Museveni, Minister of Education and Sports, announced plans for a sanitary pad manufacturing factory to distribute pads in schools nationwide at no cost. However, this plan is yet to materialize.  

As we mark Menstrual Health Awareness Month, I take this moment to remind the government of this important commitment outlined in the 2016–2021 Manifesto of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government. Every May of each year is Menstrual Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to create awareness on MHM and amplify/challenge key issues on periods, among them the unfulfilled pledges on MHM. This campaign culminates into the commemoration of International Menstrual Hygiene Day celebrated 28 may. May is the 5th month of the year, and the average length of menstruation is 5 days every month. 

Whereas Uganda has demonstrated commendable efforts in advancing women’s empowerment and leadership through various policies, programs, and affirmative action measures, there remains a notable gap in addressing menstrual health management among girls, which directly impacts their ability to compete equally with boys in education.  

Investing in menstrual health for girls is not only a matter of health and hygiene but also a critical step towards advancing toward an equal future. While strides have been made in promoting gender equality and empowering women in other areas, the critical issue of providing adequate support for menstrual health has often been overlooked. 

Menstrual Health Management (MHM) should be promoted as a critical aspect of gender equality and women’s rights. We have to ensure that menstruation is not a barrier to education, work, or participation in society. Menstrual Hygiene (MH) is a key and a fundamental concern that specifically touches on the existence, productivity, performance, and well-being of girls in school. 

Whereas the legal framework in Uganda is alive to maternal and reproductive health rights, like Articles 30 and 34 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda which provides for the right to education to all persons of Uganda and imposes the responsibility of providing children with basic education on the state and the parents, Uganda in its aspiration to provide maternal and reproductive health services for girls and women and specifically on Menstrual Hygiene, still faces social, economic, and cultural challenges leaving a lot to be desired. 

It is imperative that MHM is recognized and promoted as a critical aspect of the broader movement towards achieving equality and justice for all women and girls. The inability of girls to compete on a level playing field with boys due to menstrual health challenges – highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and policies. By implementing comprehensive menstrual health programs in schools and communities, we can ensure that girls receive the support and resources they need to manage their periods effectively, stay in school consistently, and fulfill their academic potential.  

Recognizing that Menstrual health is a critical aspect of women’s empowerment, particularly for adolescent girls, as it directly impacts their education, health, and overall well-being. By advocating for comprehensive MHM policies, we can contribute significantly to breaking down barriers that hinder gender equality and women’s rights globally. Promoting Menstrual Health Management (MHM) is not just about managing periods; it is about promoting gender equality and women’s rights on multiple fronts. Addressing access to menstrual health management products for school-going populations is a crucial step towards improving overall MHM. 

Menstrual Health Management (MHM) should be promoted as a critical aspect of gender equality and women’s rights. We have to ensure that menstruation is not a barrier to education, work, or participation in society. Menstrual Hygiene (MH) is a key and a fundamental concern that specifically touches on the existence, productivity, performance, and well-being of girls in school. Finally, I want to state that, access to essential supplies is a matter of equity and social justice, as many individuals, particularly in low-income communities, cannot afford basic necessities. Let’s help girls to realize their full potential and participate equally in society. 

Menstrual health management remains a time-consuming challenge for girls, hindering their academic success. 

 Fatiha Nkoobe, the writer is a Communications Specialist and Activist, working with the Center for Health, Human, and Development. 

nkoobefatiha@gmail.com 

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