Support 1,000+ Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Uganda

Nyaka is actively involved in the ongoing 16 Days of Activism global campaign, a powerful movement against Gender-Based Violence. This annual international initiative commences on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concludes on December 10, Human Rights Day. During this period, organizations worldwide bring attention to the alarming crisis of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), which has unfortunately intensified amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Kambuga, Kanungu District, the Nyaka community demonstrated remarkable unity as we launched our own 16 Days of Activism community campaign. Our call for increased investment in preventing violence against women and girls echoed through the community, marking a powerful display of solidarity.

Although 16 Days of Activism is not over for a few more days, staff has already reached out to many members of the community to call for discussions and changes. The Nyaka field staff held a very deep discussion regarding the Global theme “Invest to prevent violence against women and girls” they discussed what the theme meant to them and what they think the best actions should be moving forward within the Nyaka community.

Bosco, our Community Outreach Coordinator, played a crucial role in Nyamirama Sub County, Kanungu, conducting SGBV community education sessions. Engaging with boda boda (motorcycle) drivers – predominantly male – he encouraged them to hold themselves accountable for preventing violence against women. Bosco emphasized leveraging their mobility to raise awareness and support survivors. The SGBV Program team highlighted the responsibility boda boda drivers hold in ensuring the safety of our students as they transport students home for holiday break..

Additionally, the SGBV Program team met with students to emphasize the importance of preventing violence against women and girls. They empowered students to become advocates against violence, creating a community where everyone plays a role in creating a safer, more equal world.

Through our collective efforts, we are forging a powerful force that advocates for a world where safety and equality prevail. Together, we are making a difference!

Links:

• Nyaka Website

Nyaka’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) program was launched in 2015 as a response to the needs of a nine-year-old female student who had suffered abuse with no place to turn for help. Like the rest of our programs, we take a holistic, multi-faceted approach to advocating for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) including providing medical care, mental health care, legal support, and community outreach. To date, We have supported over 600 survivors, facilitated prosecuting over 200 perpetrators in the courts of law, and have carried out training and awareness raising activities in partnership with the community as a whole. 

Through the community outreach portion of this program, over 500,000 people have received training and awareness messages to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) since 2015. A large number of these people have been reached through our annual Walk Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. Nyaka’s annual walk was birthed in July 2018, out of the urgent need to widely respond against the escalating situation in Kanungu.

On July 21st, our 4th Annual Walk to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence attracted over 2000 people to the Rukungiri District. The event commenced with the official opening of Nyaka's newest Healing Center at Kebisoni Health Centre IV, led by Chief Walker, PEPFAR Country Coordinator, Mary Borgman, and Nyaka Founder, Twesigye Jackson Kaguri. This center will serve as a crucial support hub for survivors of SGBV. We were graced with special appearances from public figures such as Crowned Miss Uganda 2023 who walked to show her support and to stand in solidarity of our mission. 

Together, we are paving the way towards a future where every individual is safe, respected, and protected.

Links:

• Nyaka Website