UMWA Hosts Dialogue to Review Progress on GBV Project and Appeal for Continued Funding

The Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA), in collaboration with the Austrian Development Cooperation, recently hosted an interactive dialogue to assess the progress of their project aimed at addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against women and girls. The dialogue brought together media practitioners, survivors of violence, and other stakeholders to evaluate the impact of the initiative and discuss the way forward.

UMWA’s Executive Director, Margaret Ssentamu, highlighted the urgent need for continued funding, especially in light of the rising cases of GBV. “GBV and inequality persist, and we struggle to secure donors following the closure of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF),” Ssentamu said. She emphasized the importance of sustained financial support to ensure that efforts to combat GBV are not undermined by a lack of resources.

The Deputy Director of the Austrian Development Cooperation, who attended the dialogue, commended UMWA’s dedication and affirmed her organization’s commitment to exploring continued funding options. “This will enhance a survivor-centered approach,” she said, noting that cultural factors are significant contributors to gender inequalities. “Cultural settings often lay the groundwork for inequalities by assigning roles based on gender, some of which must change because they contribute to the suffering of women.”

Margaret Ssentamu expressed her gratitude to the Austrian Development Cooperation for their timely support and appealed for ongoing partnership. The dialogue concluded with a renewed sense of commitment among all stakeholders to collaborate in addressing GBV, challenging cultural norms that perpetuate inequalities, and ensuring that survivors receive the support they need.

The interactive dialogue underscored the importance of collective action and sustained funding in combating GBV. UMWA and its partners remain dedicated to empowering survivors and advocating for systemic changes to promote gender equality in Uganda. By continuing to work together, they can foster a safer and more equitable environment for women and girls across the country.