Y.E.A.H Initiative and its partners launched the prevention of Violence Against Women (VAW) campaign on 8th November 2011 at the People’s Space, Hotel Africana. VAW is the third campaign under the True Manhood Campaign banner subsequent to the faithfulness and responsible drinking campaigns, which were addressed by Y.E.A.H in the first two phases of the True Manhood campaign. The Guest of honour was Dr. David Kihumuro Apuuli, Director General of the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), the champions of the Y.E.A.H initiative.

The campaign aims to convince young men to speak out against violence against women and to educate men and women about the new Domestic Violence Act. Ultimately, the True Manhood campaign aims to influence young men to reject violence in their relationships.

In her remarks, Anne Gamurorwa the Executive Director, Y.E.A.H said that Y.E.A.H is focusing on VAW because: according to research, VAW is widespread; it increases men’s and women’s risk to HIV; causes more problems beyond HIV e.g. disfiguring, injuring, humiliation and killing of women by their partners;  women do not speak out against violence because they think it is normal or they do not want to see their men go to prison and the men who know that VAW is not right do not speak out against it with their families and friends. “I call upon men to stand up and refuse to accept VAW, work out their differences non-violently and to respect women as their equal with equal rights to a peaceful existence”, said Ms. Gamurorwa

While launching the VAW campaign, Dr. Kihumuro Apuuli said that Violence Against Women is an important reason why HIV has continued to spread in Uganda. “Women in abusive relationships less likely to tell their partner if they test positive, less likely to ask partners to use condoms, or even to test together for HIV”, added Dr. Kihumuro. He urged fellow men to behave respectfully towards women, reject violence in their relationships, speak out to others about violence in relationships and seek to know the Domestic Violence (DV) Act 2010. He also encouraged the women to seek protection from the LC system, police and other duty bearers if experiencing violence using the DV Act.

The prevention of Violence Against Women campaign was launched at regional level in the districts of Mbarara, Jinja, Luweero and Lira.

The Violence Against Women (VAW) Campaign materials include:

• The 2010 Y.E.A.H Survey Highlights: Young People’s Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Assessment Tool
• Rock Point 256 Comic book:
• Fact sheet on VAW
• Billboards and Posters