Empowering Young Mothers: Community Unites to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Olumini Cell, Driwala Ward, Ayivu Division, Arua City. A collaborative engagement raises awareness, fosters dialogue, and builds a safer future for child mothers.
On 18th March 2025, a collaborative effort between Selfless Compassion Initiative, Justice Center and Women Empowerment for Inclusive Development (WEID), brought together young mothers for a day of empowerment, education, and strategic planning. The primary goal was to address the unique vulnerabilities this group faces and to co-create pathways for prevention, support, and response.
Key Activities of the Day
The engagement was designed to be participatory and impactful, moving from raising awareness to developing concrete strategies.
- Awareness Raising Session: Facilitators from WEID provided clear, accessible information on the different forms of GBV—physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse. The session emphasized that violence is never the victim's fault and outlined the harmful effects of GBV on individuals, families, and the entire community.
- Open Dialogue and Storytelling: In a safe and confidential space created by the Selfless Compassion Initiative team, participants were encouraged to share their experiences and concerns. This peer-to-peer dialogue was a powerful moment of solidarity, helping to break the silence and stigma that often surrounds GBV.
- Developing Strategies for Prevention and Response:The participants, supported by facilitators, worked together to develop practical strategies. This included:
- Identifying Trusted Support: Mapping out local individuals and structures (local council officials, religious leaders, health workers) who can be first points of contact.
- Knowledge of Rights and Resources: Educating on their legal rights and available services, including how and where to report incidents of violence safely.
- Economic Empowerment Discussions: Recognizing the link between economic dependence and vulnerability, the group discussed initial ideas for future income-generating activities.
Outcomes and Next Steps
The engagement was a resounding success, marked by active participation and a renewed sense of agency among the child mothers.
- Increased Awareness: Participants expressed a much clearer understanding of GBV and its warning signs.
- Stronger Support Network: The event forged new connections among the mothers, creating an informal support network where they can look out for one another.
- Action-Oriented Plans: The group developed a preliminary community-specific action plan, which the partnering organizations will help to refine and implement.
"This is just the beginning," said a representative from Selfless Compassion Initiative. "Our work now is to support these brave young women in implementing the strategies they designed. We are committed to walking with them to ensure Olumini Cell becomes a model for GBV prevention and response."A representative from WEID added, "Sustainable change happens when the community owns the solution. Today, we saw the power of that ownership. The voices of these mothers are the most critical tool we have in the fight against GBV."
A Call for Continued Support
The fight against GBV requires sustained effort. Selfless Compassion Initiative and WEID are committed to building on this momentum with follow-up workshops, ongoing psychosocial support, and advocacy for stronger community protection mechanisms. We extend our gratitude to the local leadership of Olumini Cell and, most importantly, to the courageous child mothers who shared their time, stories, and hopes for a violence-free future. For more information on how to support this initiative, please contact:
- Selfless Compassion Initiative: 0782786007, 0772845110, email: selflesscompassioninitiative23@gmail.com
Together, we can end gender-based violence.
A day of strength & solidarity in Olumini Cell! Our collaborative engagement with child mothers on addressing GBV was a powerful step towards a safer community. Huge thanks to all the participants, Selfless Compassion Initiative, Justice Center & WEID for their incredible work. The dialogue has begun the journey to empowerment!
#EndGBV
#GenderEquality
#AruaCity
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#WEID #SelflessCompassionInitiative #JusticeCenter
