www.reachahand.org/igd
REPORT OCTOBER 3RD, 2015
Nurturing & Strengthening linkages between the young & older generations to address the current SRHR needs in Uganda
#IGDUG15 Supported by:
The 2015 Inter gener ational Dialogue
CONTENTS 2 FOREWORD AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 3 INTRODUCTION 4 FM Radio Poll 5 Guests 6 Opening session 8 Remarks by RAHU Representative 9 Key Note Address by Edson Muhwezi(UNFPA) 12 13 22 28
BREAKAWAY SESSIONS Session One Session Two Session Three
34 34 35 38
POSTER PRESENTATION IGD AND NEW MEDIA AFTERNOON SESSION Closing Remarks
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FOREWORD AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS It’s really fulfilling to work with young people. It always takes us back to how we were at that stage and how we would have appreciated getting the knowledge we give the youth today. Many a child has fallen through the cracks because they made a wrong choice that could have been avoided had they known better. Many young girls have wound up pregnant and are shocked because to them, pregnancy could not happen to anyone as young as they are. We’ve been asked questions like, “What if we have sex while standing, will my girlfriend get pregnant?”, “What if we have sex in the swimming pool, can I get pregnant?”,”Why should I test for HIV yet I look and feel healthy? I’ve never even had sex.” We erase such myths everyday among young people, a role that many adults have conveniently avoided, as these topics are termed as ebyenshonyi. The truth is we all have an inherent curiosity, which many times will influence our actions. This is why young people need to be guided, lest they stray.
without inciting a glare from the young pharmacist, who probably thinks “Why should this very old man buy condoms? Why is he even still having sex at that age?” The IGD 2015 was conceptualised by the team at Reach A Hand Uganda. Two months prior to the IGD the team at Reach A Hand Uganda held two meetings to come up with a theme as well as concept for the dialogue. Three planning meetings were held with partners to review
In a bid to bridge the gap between young people and other SRH stakeholders like the reproductive health practitioners, policy makers, religious leaders, counsellors, parents, community leaders, the annual Inter Generational Dialogue was birthed. The inaugural IGD in 2014 was themed “Strengthening Effective and Meaningful Involvement of a Young Nation in Sexual Reproductive Health.”At the end of the dialogue, there was unanimity from the audience that discussions such as these were vital in sharing information and contributing to policy formulation. Young people expressed their need for reproductive health knowledge and youth friendly health services to the policy makers and service providers. The dialogue took a twist when an older person said they too need friendly health services, as he cannot go to a pharmacy to buy condoms
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the theme and concept, come up with a program, panelists, guests, general guest list, and strategize on resource mobilisation. Represented partner organisations included Rutgers, Help Age International, UYAHF, DSW, UNESCO, Open Space and the SRHR Alliance. The planning committee was created in consideration of each partner’s expertise and each partner gave valuable insight that contributed to a successful dialogue.
INTRODUCTION Today nearly half of the World’s population, around 3
The 2015 dialogue was
billion people –are under the age of 25.As these young
organized under the theme
people transition into adolescence and their bodies kick
“Nurturing and strengthening
start the process into adulthood, sexual and reproductive
linkages between the young
health concerns comeup and the necessary services are
and the older generations
increasingly under pressure. Menstruation, unplanned
to address the current SRHR
pregnancies and unsafe abortions, societal gender
needs in Uganda”
suppositions and HIV Infections can significantly impact young people’s lives. Against this backdrop, ReachA Hand Uganda (RAHU), sought to bring together all the critical stakeholders to highlight and chart ways for young people to confidently deal with issues of their sexuality and reproductive health. With Support from partners, RAHU has hosted the inaugural Inter-generational dialogue, an event that creates a platform to bridge the Communication Gap and restore the role of parents and the elderly in providing guidance to the youth to prevent SRHR challenges by improving access to information on sexual and reproductive health services for young people. In a Bid to highlight the varying roles of both the young and older generations in tackling the growing issues of SRHR in Uganda, the multi demographic conversation features key stakeholders in the field of youth sexual reproductive and health rights including the youth ,service providers, parents and caretakers, policymakers, communityleaders, opinionleaders, theelderly where at a round table they openly and expansively discuss the challenges that inhibit young people from accessing the knowledge that is fundamental to informing the choices they make in life;economic,social and cultural choices.
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Poll Questions on FM Radio -Up Country Involvement Via FMRadio On 27th September 2015, Reach A Hand Uganda partnered with Trac FM to conduct an interactive radio poll on 4 radio stations in northern Uganda. The mission was to find out who is considered best in teaching the youth about HIV/Aids. Through the Trac FM software platform, hundreds of people sent a free SMS voting on the poll question. The results of the polls were directly discussed during the talk-shows.
Response Per Station STATION
PARENTS
SCHOOLS
INSTITUTIONS
CHURCH
PEERS
Mega FM
38
32
25
15
27
Radio Pac 1
21
20
30
18
08
Radio Pac 2
34
46
28
12
31
Radio Wa
20
14
07
09
0
TOTAL
113
112
90
54
66
Majority of the participants believe parents and schools should take the responsibility of teaching the youth about HIV/AIDS.
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GUESTS IGD hosted 350 participants (171 female and 179 male) shooting beyond our target of 250 participants. Many of the participants RSVP-ed on the online sign up page that was posted on the IGD event website www.reachahand.org/igd
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OPENING SESSION
By 10am, the conference hall at NWSC International Resource
confidently deal with issues of
Centre (NWSC-IREC) was filled with people from all walks
their sexuality and reproductive
of life. There were representatives from stakeholder
health. Themed “Nurturing and
organizations, private sector, secondary schools Mariam High
strengthening linkages between
School, Iganga High School, Hannah Mixed School, Bishop
the young and older generations
Cyprian and Mbogo High School and individuals. Visibly, there
to address the current SRHR
were many youths and elders.
needs in Uganda”, this dialogue was held with support from
For years, RAHU has been engaged in addressing key issues
partners like Rutgers Uganda,
that especially concern the health of the youth. Sexual and
STOP AIDS NOW!,UNESCO,
reproductive health is one of the often ignored subjects. It
Segal Family Foundation, SRHR
is considered taboo topic in some communities, and yet it
Alliance, DSW,NBS, Marie Stopes
is a necessary one. With an increasingly youthful population
International Uganda, HelpAge
globally and specifically in Uganda, which has one of the
International, AfriYan, UNFPA,
youngest populations in the world (70% below 25 years), it is
and Reproductive Health Uganda
necessary to find ways to have an open discussion on such a
among many others. The IGD
prickly topic, involving elders and young people.
2015 started off on a light note, with short anecdotal stories
It is against this background that RAHU organized the Inter-
from the day’s emcee - Pablo,
generational Dialogue (IGD) 2015, on October 3, 2015. It sought
which enlisted laughter from the
to bring together critical stakeholders, like young people and
audience.
elders to meet and openly discuss ways for young people to
AnslemWandega, the Country Director of Rutgers Uganda was invited to give the opening remarks Mr.Wandega welcomed the stakeholders; the directors of different government offices, the organizers, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) experts, NGO partners and all participants from across the country present at the dialogue. He mentioned and thanked Reach a Hand Uganda for being at the forefront of advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights of young people which is in line the sustainable development goals recently launched. He had varied views on different topics, but his emphasis was on young people, the newly adopted SDGs and how these affect SRHR. He commented on how Uganda’s population was majorly young and the need to protect their rights, in order to improve lives and promote gender equality. Most notably, he said there was need to domesticate the SDG agenda, to trickle the benefits down to the villages. Sticking to the day’s theme, Mr.Wandega emphasized the need for open communication among elders and young people, and criticized the current trend where society’s elders are either too busy or just scared to have meaningful conversations with the youth, for fear of losing power. He therefore called upon people attending the dialogue to participate in the debate about sexuality, as the elder people have knowledge to pass on to the youth and the youth to express their views. “As you all know, to advance issues of sexuality, there is need for open communication among all generations. The young people have a lot of questions which the older people have answers” He added that the dialogue had given them an opportunity to review the SHR policies, the performance of responsible stakeholders, and to identify solutions of constraints (Sexually transmitted diseases and inadequate SRHR policies)that still exist at all levels of the governance which only can be addressed only when there is effective communication between everyone.
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Remarks from Reach a Hand Uganda Representative Humphrey Nabimanya, the team leader of Reach a Hand Uganda (RAHU) thanked Mr. Anselm Wandega for the opening remarks and for setting the pace for the conversation. Humphreystarted by sharing his personal experience of stories told to him by his father, to emphasis the effect and need of intergenerational dialogue. It was from such stories that he developed a dream to form RAHU, an organization which has turned into a movement of young people taking conversations of SHR to fellow young people through forums like the IGD where young people can meet and dialogue with elders, for inspiration and life lessons. He talked of the existing generation gaps, and how they can be bridged by bringing together elderly and young people from different stakeholders, to teach and learn from one another, citing the first IGD 2014 which generated many ideas that the government drew from in formulating some policies. He also gave a tip of the iceberg of the topics to be discussed in the breakaway sessions, challenging the elders present to Humphrey Nabimanya, team leader RAHU
put effort in understanding the values and ways of the young generation, instead of always assuming that young people should be the only ones doing the listening. Rights - he highlighted the need to protect family and individual rights, in order to foster development. Policy formulation - he mentioned the School health policy, which, if well understood and implemented can help young people.
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Engaging boys/men in social change – he said time had come for society to ask pertinent questions, like what men’s roles are and argued that since 1996, the agenda has been forwarding women issues, ignoring men. He seemed to suggest that leaving boys/men at the periphery of development could be a danger to society. From his remarks, he explained the role played by RAHU in bridging the communication gaps between elders and young people. He welcomed all participants and encouraged them to contribute to the different sessions as a way of underwriting what they need and want as young people as far as SRHR needs are concerned.
THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Presentation by Edson Muhwezi, Assistant Country Representative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). To begin with, Mr.Muhwezi acknowledged the presence and role of old people in addressing issues like HIV AIDS, mostly at a time when it was taboo. He gave a brief background and statistics concerning young people. In this context, he said young people are those aged: 10-24 years, Adolescents: 10-19 years and Youth: 15-24 years. Many Ugandans, he reckoned, belong to the youth bracket.
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Edson explained, meticulously, how Uganda is lucky to have
many health initiatives in
one of the youngest populations in the world - 70% below
place, most of them are not
25 years, but also underlined how this can be a challenge,
comprehensive to have good
mostly if the population is raved by diseases. Talking about
impact trickle down to the
Sexual Behaviour& HIV/AIDS, he cited Uganda as having one
population. That is because
of the worst state of affairs in the whole world, where the
there are other challenges
median age of sexual debut is at 16.7 years, whereas 43% and
like: Ad-hoc and limited
62% are sexually active by 15 and 19 years respectively. HIV/
inter-sectoral coordination,
AIDS prevalence among the youth stands 3.7%, but girls are
limited domestic funding,
more affected - 4.9% compared to 2.1% for males. He decried
and limited access to youth-
the rate at which the prevalence increases among girls, those
friendly services (only 15% of
aged between 20-22 being the most affected. The general HIV
facilities have youth-friendly
prevalence stands at a staggering 7.3%.
services).
Without mincing words, Mr.Muhwezi warned that the grim
“If there is no development
picture of Uganda’s rising HIV prevalence could be a
hypothesis, all interventions
catastrophe in waiting, because if the new infections are
will be a waste of time.�
not curbed, that could affect the future of this country. Outlandish as it may sound, in Uganda, one out of four girls
Mr.Muhwezi proposed a
aged between 15-19 years is already a mother or pregnant
holistic approach to address
with their first child. Worse still are the figures on child
the status of young people.
marriage. 49% are married by age of 18 years and 15% by age
This includes: Empowering
of 15.
the young person, providing an enabling environment
Mr.Muhwezi called upon the people in attendance to reflect
including policies, laws, and
and build a concerted effort to stop child marriage. He
access to Youth Friendly
singled out religious leaders in attendance to champion
Services (YFS), protecting
this cause. Otherwise, he said, the consequences could be
the young persons (HTPs,
dismal. For example, it could lead to increased maternal
policies, laws) and
mortality, health complications like obstetric fistula, school
engaging the young person
drop-out, poverty and psychological trauma. He argued that
in policy formulation,
Uganda has a good health structure, with referral hospitals
policy implementation
in all regions, down to VHTs, with support from Government,
and programming. He
NGOs/FBOs and the Private sector. But though there are
emphasized the need to
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involve families and not mere individuals in coming up with lasting solutions, and decried the fact that the parenting role has been side-lined. He talked briefly about the 2016-2030 UN Secretary General’s Global Strategy on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescent’s Health and the Post 2015 agenda (2016-2030 Sustainable Development Goals). He emphasized the UNFPA mandate: Every pregnancy is wanted; Every child birth is safe; and Every young person’s potential is fulfilled. He also highlighted their five pronged approach to adolescents and youths. • Enable evidence-based advocacy for comprehensive policy and program development, investment, and implementation • Promote comprehensive sexuality education • Build capacity for SRH service delivery including HIV prevention, treatment and care • Take bold initiatives to reach marginalized and disadvantaged adolescents and youth, especially girls • Promote youth leadership and participation Using Elizabeth Glaser’s quote“People say they care, but actions are what save lives”, Mr.Muhwezi concluded his passionate address by calling upon people to act now to change the current circumstances. “You cannot change your destiny over night but your direction can changeovernight,” he ended.
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BREAKAWAY SESSIONS After the opening session, participants broke away in three different sessions where varying topics in relation to the theme were discussed to get a more detailed and sampled perspective of the participants. During these break away sessions, the discussions revolved around smaller topics that contributed to the later round table discussion that brought together government representatives, religious and cultural leaders, media experts, academia, civil society and young people. It these breakaway sessions were held to wholesomely capture the views and sentiments of the groups of society represented.
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SESSION ONE in Kyoga Hall. Topic:Engaging boys and girls as care giving partners in social change to improve the health of women, children and men, to stop GBV and build respectful relationships Moderator: Amon Mulyowa- Behavioral Change Communication expert.
also intended to discourse how gender impacts on all people, irrespective of age and how it can be used to address the SRHR of young people.
Session Panelists: 1. JeroenLorist – Technical Advisor Engaging Men in SRHR and Gender Justice at Rutgers 2. Sister Miriam Namugere - Division of Reproductive Health, Ministry of Health, Uganda 3. Ms Florence Epodoi – Senior Advocate Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA) 4. Leah Eryenyu – Program Manager Sure Start Project, MIFUMI 5. William Yeka – Peer Educator at Straight Talk Foundation 6. Professor Sylvia Rosila Tamale – Lawyer, Sociologist, activist and academician, the first woman dean in the Law Faculty at Makerere University, Uganda.
The session was delivered in a lively manner, featuring panelists from academia, civil society, development organizations and NGOs. They used provocative questions, relatable anecdotes and analogies to define the concept of sex and gender, all resounding the need for society to acknowledge that men and women, boys and girls are different, but neither should be treated unjustly because
Introduction
of that.
Like many other contentious issues in Uganda, the role and involvement of boys/men as care giving partners in relationships is a hot topic, debatable at almost every level. It involves the concepts of gender and sex, which on their own are expansive. This session was one of the three organized at the 2015 IGD. It aimed at introducing the concepts of gender and sex, and expound on the role they play in youth SRH. It was
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What is sex, gender? Panelists and some members of the audience defined sex as the structure of one’s reproductive system (biological difference of being male or female), whereas genderwas linked to social roles based on one’s sex. Gender, it was agreed, is learned or acquired behavior. It is what society/ culture delineates as masculine or feminine. This involves power relationships and decision making.
resources. FIDA’s Florence added her voice to those who spoke before her, blaming many of the gender injustices to the patriarchal society that Uganda is. She highlighted some of the hard-to talk-
Gender roles/expectations of males
about topics like clan child
and females
girls are stripped of all
naming and how women/
From this session it emerged that there are many roles
power growing up, to the
attached to one’s being either male or female. Some panelists
extent that they cannot own
showed a direct link between this and young people’s SRHR,
land or belong to a clan!
but maintained that girls/women are impacted more, by
They are always tossed
the sheer fact that they are female. The discussion was also
about in the clans where
hinged on boys’/men’s roles in stopping GBV.
they are born and where
Makerere University Professor- Sylvia Tamale argued that
they are married.
even though society, through the media, school curriculum and home teaches individuals how to behave and fit in, it
Speaker after speaker, it
does not necessarily determine who they are. She insisted
was clear that gender roles
that gender roles are not taught by accident, but to serve a
have an impact on especially
particular interest. That interest is what she questioned and
young people. MIFUMI’s
linked to GBV.
Lear spoke unequivocally about the fact that boys/
On the same note, Sister Miriam of Ministry of Health
men have a bigger claim
agreed with Rutgers’ Jeroen that gender roles are attached
on public space compared
to benefits like being heirs and controlling resources, and
to their counterparts the
held that this has reversal impact on women’s health. Sister
women/girls, and how this
Miriam linked the ‘power’ bestowed on men by mere virtue
often leads to girls/women’s
of their gender to the adverse effects it has on women, who
rights being abused or
most of the times cannot even access medical care if their
overlooked. She gave an
husbands/brothers/fathers do not will it, as they control the
example of the challenges
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the girls in her program go through, just because they are women and not expected to do certain things, even if it is out of their interest. But all was not grim. Through William, a Peer educator at Straight Talk Foundation, the audience heard first-hand a story of how roles taught to one as a child can have an impact on how they relate with people of the opposite sex and generation. As young boy, him and his brothers were taught and expected to do house chores that are often considered to be women’s work. For example, he cooked, washed dishes and cleaned the house. Using this narrative, he plainly elaborated how parenting and early training can affect the way boys/ men behave towards the girls/women. He emphasized parents’ roles as the first elements of socialization.
Has the role of boys/men been overlooked in addressing GBV, health challenges and building respectful relationships? When the moderator, Mr.Mulyowa asked this question, there was a semblance of quiet and reflection in the hall. Finally, one after the other, the panelists started giving their views which resonated well with those of the people in the audience. They all answered in affirmative. The youths mentioned cramping, STDs, STIs, early and unwanted pregnancies as some of the major health challenges they grapple with. To put this in perspective, Jeroen built on the statistics highlighted by Edson Muhwezi, the Assistant Country representative, UNFPA Uganda, during the opening session. He emphasized the alarming numbers of young people living with HIV and suggested that there is a link between that to the overlooked roles that can be played by boys/men in addressing this problem. He made clear the importance of men unlearning their learned gender roles so they can be fully involved in finding solutions to society problems like GBV. The men wield power, they are therefore decision makers. For example, in a relationship, this puts them in position to decide whether to use condoms or not. Prof Tamale agreed that boys/men have not been fully engaged in improving the health of women or stopping domestic violence. She decried the way society puts men/boys and women/girls on the
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same pedestal, as equals, which they are but only on face
people to protect themselves.
value (formal equality). In essence, she urged, that that is
We need to re-strategize to
an unfair way of looking at the two genders. “For example,
bring communities on board,
women have wombs, they crump…how can they be treated
focusing on young people.”
the same as men who do not have or undergo any of the
She also suggested that
above?” she asked, enlisting laughter and cheers from the
since religious and cultural
audience.She called upon people to instead recognize the
institutions are respected,
particular differences between men/boys and women/girls
they should be brought on
(substantive equality - equity), in order to achieve fairness,
board to promote SRHR of
then justice.
youths.
Sister Miriam nodded on, that for a long time the roles of men/boys were ignored, and revealed that the Ministry
Lear on the other hand
is dealing with repercussions. She urged that though men
blamed society for the
participate in for example making a pregnancy, they have
backlash inflicted on women
limited participation in the after processes like antenatal
for the issues that affect them,
visits, delivery and caring for the infant. “Most of them only
while the boys are not. She
show up to name the child.” Her call was simple and precise
singled out the issue of many
– women have many needs, but they should especially be
young boys having access
accorded psychological support.
to pornography and how this has created imaginary
Some panelists painted a gruesome picture of what our
deceptive ideas in their heads
society has already become, because of gender roles and
on how girls should look like.
ignoring the role of boys/men in relationships. Florence
This has in turn put the girls
said she believes that the way of children upbringing in our
on pressure, to measure up
society is responsible for the men/boys’ less involvement
to those standards, and the
in stopping GBV and building respectful relationships. She
results have been nothing but
pointed out that children are these days generally groomed
fatal.
by social media, as the parents are too busy hustling for a living. In other scenarios, single mothers raise girls who grow up to become single mothers, creating a viscous cycle. This has in turn exposed young people to rape and defilement, as reported in the media in the recent past. “There is need to openly talk about SRHR and find ways for
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Audience reactions and questions
One of the main discussed issues from
below 18 years old, which necessitated the
the audience was the law on Rape and
redefinition of “Child to Child sex”. Under
Defilement. Noerine Kaleeba, a co-founder
these changes, if two children have sexual
of the Aids activism NGO, The AIDS Support
intercourse, then both will be treated as
Organization (TASO) and one of the elders
offenders and dealt with according to the
in the audience raised the red flag on the
law governing Children.
above mentioned law, citing that there was misunderstanding on who it punishes, in case
There were other varying responses and
an underage male has sexual intercourse
suggestions from the youth in the audience.
with an underage female.
One of such was from Miriam Sebandeke of RHU, who proposed to all females in the
(Before 2007, “Defilement” was defined
audience to know when to ask for help
as sex with a GIRL below 18 years old. This
from their spouses – in private, and not
meant that if two children had sex, the male
when there are visitors for example, to
child would be guilty of defilement.)
avoid embarrassing them as this would be interpreted as sign of weakness on the man’s
Dr. Tamale spoke passionately about the need
side.
to revise that law. She said they are working to repeal the unfair law because it is hinged
Using a slave owner - slave analogy, Prof
on the unrealistic idea that women are pure
Tamale was able to clearly portray how
or should keep themselves pure.
hypocritical it is for men to help or act good in private and not in public. “A man helping
Her submission was a bit confusing, given
with house chores should be routine, not a
that the 2007 changes to the law redefined
source of humiliation and shame”
“Defilement” as sex with any PERSON
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Sexual intercourse Sister Miriam sternly warned young people against engaging in sexual intercourse. She challenged them to stop giving excuses because sex is a choice, not coincidence. In her fervent warning she cautioned about the repercussions of reducing consenting age of having sex, from the current 18 to 16, as it can lead to increased numbers of early pregnancies and diseases. She advised the youth to have sex only when they are: physically, socially, peer, and financially mature. The audience had mixed reactions to the issue of reducing consenting age. Prof Tamale argued that not reducing consenting age would be pretentious, comparable to the proverbial ostrich’s hiding of head in the sand. “Teach people safe sex methods other than feeding them on scary messages that don’t work” The audience applauded this suggestion, but also paid attention to Sister Miriam’s wise counsel.
Men suffer violence as well Violence takes many forms, i.e. psychological, physical, sexual (rape, defilement, incest) and economic. Recently, there have been some reported cases on men suffering GBV. This issue was raised by a youth in the audience. He insinuated that current trends project a dark future where men may also need ‘male emancipation’. To this, Prof Tamale responded: “Some forms of violence are suffered based on one’s gender and relationships between boys and girls, men and women are power relationships, where one party has more power than the other. Violence is emitted out more to the less powerful gender.”
Culture Culture and norms have an effect on the way people behave. However, it was agreed that people should cease blaming culture for their short comings or undesired behaviors. It was also pointed out that men should not be stereotyped as perpetrators of violence.
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Lessons learnt
Okuja Samuel of Bishop Cipriano Kihangire Luzira • I have learnt that as a boy, I should also do house chores that are otherwise left for girls, like cooking • I have learnt to take responsibility for my actions, like being involved in raising a child • I now understand that girls are different from boys, and that gender difference means they have other needs that may not necessarily be like boys’. I have learnt to respect their needs. Noerine Kaleeba – Founder of TASO A mother figure, Noerine was on point when she stood to give her remarks about involving boys/men in curbing domestic violence. She highlighted how society is revolving, but also said that Uganda’s society was not adopting fast enough. “We cannot allow the change process to stop” was her emphasis.
Questions 1. Norah, a Peer Educator at RAHU asked: How is this conversation going to change what’s already happening- GBV?In response, the panelists suggested replicating some of the methods they have been using in some communities, to the rest of the country. • Create safe places, like health centres to address other complex issues, where women are not seen to be reporting their husbands. • Have negotiations with men to come to compromises – as they wield power. • Engage men in mediation and counseling. • Use community volunteers who already know much about people in their communities. • Use GTA (Gender transformative approaches - programs and interventions that create opportunities for individuals to actively challenge gender norms, promote positions of social and political influence for women in communities, and address power inequities between persons of different genders). • Use Gender synchronization (working with men and women, boys and girls, in an intentional and mutually reinforcing way that challenges gender norms, catalyzes the achievement of gender equality, and improves health) to promote SRHR and improve gender relations. 2. What can be done to engage more boys/men as care giving partners in building respectful gender relationships? • Have meaningful male involvement, right from when the boys are young. Educate them about prejudices and practices that need to be changed. • Involve fathers and the whole community in raising a family. It should not be left to the woman. • Appreciate and foster the role of men/boys in promoting SRHR. • Men/boys should treat women/girls the way they want to be treated- with respect and dignity. • Stop being reactionary to problems and adopt proactive approaches. Identify the relevant stakeholders involved in raising children, and catch them young to transform the society. • Identify new but beneficial ways of socialization, as more and more children are these days socialized at school and on social media, while their parents are busy at work. • Identify what one partner can do to augment the other’s needs.
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Conclusion Ainebyoona, a second year student at Makerere University closed the session, urging fellow youths and the elders in attendance to consider going back to ‘our roots’, family orientation and change ways of socialization to teach young people valuable lessons for the future. This session was reflective of the aspirations of the young generation but also informative from the elders’ side. It enabled the participants to evaluate the impact that culture has on the way people behave, the roles of family and communities in shaping one’s future, and how that can advance or impede boys’/men’s participation and involvement in stopping GBV or advancing SRHR. Going by the level of interest, questions asked and suggestions made in this session, the significance of such intergenerational dialogues is undisputable.
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SESSION 2 in Volta Hall. Topic: Cultural and Religious leaders’ role in empowering young people with knowledge and skills for informed life decision making. Moderator: Mona Herbert, the country Director of DSW Uganda.
Session Panelists: • Dr. Christine Mbabazi Mpyangu - Lecturer at Makerere University at the Department of Religion and Peace Studies. • Fr. Ferdinand Mutaawe Kasozi -Catholic religious leader in charge of the Health and HIV/AIDS project Kampala Archdiocese and a lecturer at Makerere University. • Sheikh Mohammed Ali Waiswa-Imam at Makerere University Business School and a member of the Inter Religious Council. He is also a member of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council. • Rev. Richard Rukundo- Works with young people at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero. • Rev. Sam Ruteikara- HIV/AIDS champion and he has vast experience working with young people, clergy with Al saints Church Cathedral.
Overview The panelist started by welcoming the people in the audience for the session and encouraged their participation by telling them that there is no wrong or right opinion so everyone should feel free to contribute to the discussion. On why people always question how today’s youth behave, he said the problem is that people have not taken time to understand how today’s youth behaves. “To work with young people is to try and understand them. The young people need a lot of support but have also have their rights and responsibilities,” he emphasized.
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Panel Discussions The panelists were first given an opportunity to discuss a few issues concerning the youth today.
How young people behave visa vie Bible teachings Responding to the topic, Mr. Kasozi said that young people do not exist on their own and we shouldn’t separate the youth from the general society. “Compartmentalization is dangerous, the youth need adults and the adults the youth. All groups have responsibilities and need to work and keep learning from each other,” he said. Mr. Kasozi compared the way people look at the youth to learn to drive from a computer and desiring to drive an actual car the following day. He said this would be absurd because the theory will not help when it comes to practical driving. Likewise, the youth and adults need to understand each other and also know that there are more options to safeguarding our lives. “For example, it is not only the condom that prevents HIV/AIDS but also abstinence and being faithful,” he explained. He also emphasized adhering to traditional values such as honesty and abstinence rather than only relying on what the youth search on the internet.
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The youth isolating
audience was visibly excited characterized
themselves from adults
asking adults to re-arrange their lives first.
In what can somewhat be termed as deference to the youth, Dr. Christine said
with loud claps and cheers. She concluded by
the youth isolated themselves from adults
Emphasizing values in our
because they do not feeling understood. She
homes
however added that the youth need to know that they will not stay young for long and hence need and should accept to be guided. “Elders need to go back and take on the mantle of parenting by creating a friendly environment and building a family with a foundation of love,” Dr. Christine said. She condemned the modern way of parenting where children never have the time to sit with their parents even for a meal as this creates a vacuum in a family. As much as there are no more traditional fire places where families can gather and tell stories, Dr. Christine proposed that families have modern fireplaces which in this case can be a designated time for families to meet and chat. “After work, go home and receive your spouse and children from work and school respectively rather than meeting friends in bars,” she cried out. Rather than complain about the current generation, she said that the elders should watch their actions first as most of their children’s behavior reflects how their parents behave. She further explained this point through an example of a child who carelessly uses their pocket money and a parent who never makes a budget for their expenses. As she made these points the
Sheikh Waiswa was asked how values can be emphasized in our homes. The Sheikh confessed that we are living in a morally polluted era so everyone is challenged and fears to be defeated. “Nowadays, things are moved by political systems and politicians seen as role models even when they are not portraying what should be done,” he said. He sighted issues such as reading books but no enforcements, nobody bothering, education needing to be reviewed, criteria for becoming MPs only a senior six certificate, the media not teaching at all but looking only at ills and the city being open to everyone as examples of Uganda being politically challenged. He therefore recommended that we look at the drivers of our implementation of the programmes.
Societal moral degeneration Presenting on societal moral degeneration, Rev. Sam said everything about young people is not promising yet they are looked at as the key. He hinged this on the fact that there is genuine absenteeism of parents because the
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children have to go early to bed so that they can wake up
the one who has information
by 4am and prepare for school. He explained that parents
but ignores it, makes a
on the other hand hardly have time to do homework with
mistake and then goes on to
the children because they work relatively far and get stuck
blame their parents for not
in traffic jam so reach home when the children have gone
being there. “Let us develop
to bed. With such a busy schedule, he said that the children
and be responsible for our
therefore have no information or where to go when they are
lives. Parents will always
graduating from abstinence. This, he noted that is especially
be busy because they are
at a time when the youth are leaving university. “Even the
looking for school fees,” he
church does not want to talk about sex, there is conspiracy
advised the youth. Rather
of silence on sexual issues for example, religious leaders
than follow celebrities and
never read from the book of Song of Songs,” he said. While
politicians, who in most
still in secondary school, he said that school chaplains do
cases are also not role
not help the young people that much but instead condemn
models, he advised the
them whenever they go to them for advice on sexual advice.
youth to grow to have their
“Therefore, were are not available to help the young people,
own ambitions on where
there is nobody to help the young people and even when
to go and how to get there.
we marry them, we do not have follow up programs to keep
“Lets us abandon the blame
monitoring them and guiding them so the youth have ended
game and strive to stand
up using social media as an alternative to fireplaces,” he
out from the crowd rather
ended.
than doing what everyone is doing,” he concluded.
The youth developing themselves
Open discussion
Agreeing that there are many challenges, Rev. Richard, a
After the panelists making
youthful pastor, easily related with the audience, perhaps
their presentations, the floor
because he is still fairly young. As an employee at the Church
was opened up to older
of Uganda province, he acknowledged that even church
people in the audience to
leaders are not empowered to teach about sex especially on
comment or ask a question
Sundays. This makes the youth acquire wrong information
in regard to the topic.
from wrong people but he said the youth should have a sense
A parent asked if churches
of judgement between good and bad. He sympathized with
are doing what they were
the young person who is misled into thinking that they cannot
set up to do as he had
get pregnant by having sex while standing but condemned
observed that they too had
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become houses of abuse. He drew his example
the three or else we are chasing wind. “We
from the Pope’s recent visit to the United
need to rediscover ourselves and go back
States of America when he condemned child
to our roots because education alone is not
abuse. Since they cannot do it all, he advised
enough,” he recommended.
that churches examine the role of cultural
John Tembo an RHU youth activist said that
institutions and let them perform the role they
the messages preached are not holistic. He
are intended for.
wondered why a congregation filled with adults above 24 years would be preached to messages
An artiste who identified himself as Super
of abstinence rather than faithfulness. He
Charger acknowledged that most of today’s
assured the religious leaders that with such
music is obscene because people only want
messages, the youth will not get anything.
to listen to sexualized music and watch videos with half naked women. However, he also
Otori Arwani, an 83 year old man said that the
assured the religious leaders that most of
world has become crazy. He demonstrated this
their messages in church are not relevant to
with an Acholi saying that goes that if an Acholi
the audience because they do not want to talk
girl goes into prostitution, then Uganda has
about sex.
got spoilt. He explained that then girls valued themselves and rejected money saying that
Arthur Namara who introduced himself as a
they were not a commodity unlike today’s girls.
minister of information for Tooro kingdom said
He concluded by advising the youth to value
that there is a clash between cultural, religious
their culture values and traditions.
and western values hence the need to reconcile
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A parent condemned the youth who have
The other suggestion was that church leaders
resorted to taking drugs such as Shisha and
use platforms such as confirmation classes to
Kuba as these make them run mad.
teach the children who are normally tending to
Robinah Babirye, a country representative of
puberty about sex.
young people living with HIV/AIDS suggested
Allan Asiimwe blamed parents who always
that sexual issues be discussed even in places
quarrel and are unfaithful before their children
of worship. She also added that since cultural
because the children emulate them. Rev.
leaders relate more closely with the youth,
Richard however, cautioned students with such
church leaders should liaise with them and get
a mentality that if they make wrong decisions
to know the issues that concern the youth.
and want to blame them on their parents yet it’s up to them.“Take responsibility for your actions or else bear the consequences,” he
Students’ comments
cautioned them.
Irene Nakayiza, a student of Atlas High School wondered how children who need parental love can be helped. She explained that children are
opportunity.”
them family values.
A Muslim student complained that Madrasat classes are not doing enough. He asked what is
Another student who identified herself as
in place to help the Muslim youth.
Charity pinned parents for fearing to talk to them about sex while another one was
One participant suggested that these dialogues
disappointed that parents never want to offer information about sex. “When we ask them, they say we shall see while others even punish us for being curious. Where then do you expect us
they choose a lifestyle that is based on the right religious values. She added that the youth be
understand social media and use it to educate the youth through posting educative posts since
flexible kept resurfacing.
know how their children feel.
casual relationships and instead suggested that
Another student advised that parents
the crowd, preach relevant messages and be
be held with their parents so that the parents
Another one cautioned her fellow youth against
to get information?” she wondered.
The suggestion that cultural leaders understand
value of virginity. He cited the current belief of the youth that goes that, “virginity is lack of
brought up by maids hence nobody to teach
the youth are always on it.
Another suggested that the youth be taught the
accountable for themselves and always know that they are the change agents. Due to time constraints, the session was closed when the participants still wanted to contribute.
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SESSION 3 at Pacific Hall.
Topic: Policy formulation, implementation and best approaches on measuring impact for young people’s benefit. Moderator: Anthony Itwara- Television Personality
Session Panelists: 1. Emmanuel Kateregga – Peer Educator, Reach A Hand Uganda 2. Charles Draecabo – National Professional Officer, HIV/AIDS, UNESCO Uganda 3. Esther Nakkazi – Journalist, Blogger 4. Henry Ssemakula – Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Sports 5. Patrick Mwesigye – Founder and Team Leader, Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum 6. Alex Okwaput – Manager and Training Coordinator, KampaBits Ltd & Digital Design School
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Major issues of discussion
Southern Africa Interministerial Commitment on
• Have policies been formulated about this subject under discussion?
Comprehensive Sexuality Education and Adolescents sexual reproductive health
• Who have been the actors? • What have been the approaches in addressing this matter?
rights and needs). In 2012, a study was commissioned to find out the status
• What experiences have they had?
of adolescent sexual
• What challenges have they had? • What suggestions were advanced for the way forward?
reproductive needs in the region. There was glaring statistical evidence that if
Responses
nothing happened, the lives of the young people were in
• Policies are available. • There are UNESCO policies in existence. These include the global perspective which is derived from values that underpin societies. • Principles have been explained to foster these policies. A modus operandi has been designed to include the bottom-up and up-bottom approaches to set the best practices for this important societal policy. • The ESA commitment is in existence. • Particular reference was made to the 2011 Ministry of Education program to address the implementation to promote the young people’s sexual reproductive health.
great danger. These issues included; early pregnancies which were at 18% among the young people, there’s a 40% comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS, 4.5% HIV/AIDS infection rate and very high school dropout rates. In addition, he noted that the ministers of Education and Health from 21 countries met in Cape Town and signed a commitment aimed at
Observations/Submissions.
scaling up comprehensive
Charles Draecabo from UNESCO stated that policies are derived from values. There are principles that underline good policies. In the process of developing policies, it can be bottom-up (from grassroots and goes upwards) or vice versa. He highlighted the ESA commitment (Eastern and
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sexuality education within Eastern and Southern Africa. They drafted 10 commitments and 9 targets were put in place to monitor them.
The key components included; 1. The Ministries of Health, Education and Gender were to work together on issues concerning the young people. 2. There’s aneed to scale up sexuality education in schools and alsoto young people out of school. 3. There’s a need to address early pregnancy issues, sexual gender-based violence issues among others.
Some of the policies are: 1. School Health Policy 2. Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS 3. Adolescents Sexual Reproductive Health Policy 4. Gender In Education Policy. The government through National Curriculum Development Centre has developed a curriculum where young people will be taught about sexuality education. He also indicated that the environment should be enabling to promote effective implementation of policies. He further said that we need policies; however, the challenge is on how to operationalize them.
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Mr. Henry Ssemakula from the Ministry of Education noted
Dr.Naboth, a medical
that the School Health Policy is in the offing although
practitioner emphasized that
it has been on the table for 10 years due to ownership
the bottom-up approach
issues between the ministries of Health, Education, and
should be used in policy
other stakeholders. Fortunately, it’s before parliament
formulation and the
awaiting approval. The policy picks out actions that can
implementation should be
be taken in schools since the children spend about 80% of
cross-cutting.
their time in schools. He further noted the following being Mr.Mwesigye Patrick
recommendations for schools; • Recommendation for a school nurse.
from Uganda Youth and
• Recommendation for outreach programmes.
Adolescents Forum (UYAF)
• Linkages to neighbouring schools.
noted that there’s little
• Teachers should make efforts to give health talks.
involvement of the young
• Each school should have a teacher in charge of
people. He said that inorder to successfully implement
guidance and counselling. • Routine immunisation.
policies, the policies must be
• Youth friendly corners in schools.
backed by a program and
• Schools should have senior women and man teachers.
the program must be backed by resources.
He further noted that many of the provisions of this policy are ongoing and that these policies address the persons
Diana Amanyire from
with special needs with a whole department in place at the
Marie Stopes Uganda
ministry.
noted that information should be tailored to
Esther Nakkazi, a journalist and blogger countered that
benefit the beneficiaries in
although Uganda is good at policy formulation, it’s a flop
all communities and that
at implementation of the same and emphasis should be
building a network of young
put on the latter. She then explained that this results from
advocates has been a pillar
a mismatch between the would-be implementers and
in doing so.
the beneficiaries, notwithstanding the gaps that exist in communication. Mr.Okwaput Alex added that a policy is formulated but when it goes down, it’s difficult to implement it since the implementers do not have sufficient information.
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Commitment Resulting from the aforementioned, there was a commitment to implement a comprehensive sexuality program in the sub region. As a way of actualizing this commitment an interministerial meeting was convened between the ministries of Health, Education and Gender. Agreement/Consensus It was agreed that there was a need to scale up sexuality education in schools to address particularly; i) Causes of early pregnancies. ii) Sexual gender based violence related issues. iii) The high prevalence of HIV infection among the youth. iv) Design a structure of mechanization for the implementation of the inter-ministerial commitments to this process.
Follow up • A school health policy is in place. • A workplace policy on HIV/AIDS has been put in place. • An adolescence reproductive health policy has been put in place. • The National Curriculum Development Centre has developed a curriculum for lower secondary on sexuality education and emphasis has been put on teaching this aspect. • There is the ESA commitment.
Issues observed by the participants. • While policies have been put in place, there has been little dissemination of them. • These policies do not reach the consensus and the implementers use general knowledge to implement them (absence of the specific issues). • There is little or total absence of supervision which makes it difficult or impossible for this curriculum to percolate to intended consumers.
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Key implementation factors. • While the policy has been around for 10 years, there’s virtually no evidence of its implementation. • There has been conflict in the ownership of the policy between the ministries of Education and Health.
Suggested way forward. • An evaluation of this program should be done. • Children spend more time at school than in their homes therefore the schools should be the front runners in the implementation of this program. • There should be a gender policy in the Ministry of Education with specific reference to HIV/AIDS. • That the policy of basic requirements and minimum standards should be reviewed to reflect the trends in the society and schools. • That the curriculum reform on the HIV/AIDS strategic plan should be expedited and implemented without further delay. • Schools should put special emphasis on life education (PIASCY)
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POSTER PRESENTATIONS Using posters, partners were able to showcase the work they do in relation to the dialogue theme. These posters showcased different projects done in various regions of Uganda to address the SRHR needs of young people today. After the breakaway sessions, participants were ushered to the poster presentations area, where representatives from each showcasing organizations explained what they do and networked with those interested in their intervention mode. Among the organizations that presented posters were CBOs in the RAHU SRHR Youth Fund project- CHAIN Africa, Kyuka Youth Outreach, Muduuma Youth Network and RACD. Other partners who presented posters include UNESCO (Young People Today), DSW, Marie Stopes, Parliament Watch Uganda and UYAHF.
IGD AND NEW MEDIA Social media campaign- #IGDUg15 #IGDUg15 was the top trending Twitter hash tag in Uganda by 3rd October 2015. With our vibrant team of peer educators and staff posting updates and questions posed using their Twitter accounts, IGD’s twitter presence attracted many people to engage in discussions on Sexuality, policies, gender among other topics of the IGD. RAHU also informed the communications coordinators of partner organizations about the #IGDUg15 trend on Twitter and the organizations were able to actively engage in the conversation online. It was also trending on Instagram, with participants posting photos tagging them #IGDUg15. Timely updates were posted on Facebook during the IGD on the RAHU platform, which currently has 46,182 likes, hence a wide reach. Using Whatsapp, we sent out broadcasts on the discussion among our networks. A video highlighting key aspect of the dialogue has been uploaded on the RAHU you-tube channel. The event was also live streamed on the RAHU website and had ‌views. A number of broadcasting partners were part of the event- it aired live on NBS Television and featured in NTVatOne news. Articles were published in leading dailies like The East African, Daily Monitor and The New Vision. Seven blogs about the IGD were also written.
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AFTERNOON SESSION
Remarks by Charles Draecabo, Representative from UNESCO Mr. Charles Draecabo thanked RAHU for organizing the dialogue. He further thanked the senior citizens of Uganda and young people who took time off their weekend schedule to come to attend the dialogue. He stated that the dialogue was timely since it addresses pillar number three (3) of the sustainable development goals which talks about the right of young people to access sexual education for better health. Mr. Charles emphasized the need for communication between the young and the older people which must exist at all times to avoid clashes of misunderstandings, no guidance and limited access to SHR information which leads to unhealthy consequences for example unwanted pregnancies and HIV. He talked about what UNESCO has been doing since 2011 to address SRHR challenges which young people face to find solutions as a way of reducing the challenges. Mr. Charles said that as a result of the ESA Commitment, UNESCO led to the formation an Inter-ministerial committee chaired by the Minister of Education and Sports that brings together Minister of Health, Minister of Local Government, Minister of Gender, Labor and
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Social Development, and other stakeholders to try and advance the cause embedded in the ESA Commitment. He said that as result, the School Health Policy which had been in the archives, has been endorsed, approved and implemented. It is now at the cabinet level where if approved, it will be sent to the parliament for it to be debated and if accepted, will be seen to be implemented across all the different schools across the country. Mr. Charles said that the beauty about the policy, will be that it will provide a platform and information where young people will be given accurate, age appropriate and cultural sensitive information in as regards to their sexual and reproductive health lifestyle. He called upon all different stakeholders including the elders to see it to the fact that if the School Health Policy is implemented, they should consider SRHR information and education important for young people in schools, at home and with their peers which will be improve on health lifestyle and choices.
The Dialogue The dialogue in the afternoon, was perhaps the climax of the conference where a direct and uniform conversation between the young and old generation as regards to SRHR needs came to open debate. Moderated by Anthony Itwara, a renowned television personality. Panelists: 1. Dr. Maggie BlickKigozi -a consultant at UNIDO 2. NoerineKaleeba -Patron and founder of TASO Uganda 3. Major RubaramiraRuranga -HIV Activist 4. Allan Lukyamuzi- Senior Six Student at Atlas High School 5. Rev. Sam Reteikara -HIV/AIDS champion 6. John Charles Orach -Chaiperson, Uganda Network of Older Persons of Uganda 7. Moses Nsubuga aka Super Charger-Artiste and HIV activist 8. Patrick Mwesigye -Uganda Youth and Adolescents Forum 9. Silas Balabyekkubo aka Babaluku -Artiste and founder of the Bavubuka Foundation.
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From the selection of the panel, one is meant to believe that the
are that first of all they should
choice of the topic, which was “Nurturing and strengthening
be a win-win situation for all
linkages between the young and older generations to address
generations but emphasized
the current sexual and reproductive health needs in Uganda”,
that young people need to talk
was wise.
about unsafe abortions, need for contraceptives and address
Six key questions arose from the topic and they were;
the question on gender based
1. What are intergenerational linkages?
violence.
2. Do we need the intergenerational linkages?
However, Moses Nsubuga stated
3. How will elder people help young people when it comes to
that the major problem with SRHR of young people today, is that they
matters of sexuality? 4. What are those needs that facilitate the linkages?
(young people) do not know their
5. What are the SRHR needs that young people want?
SRHR needs. According to him,
6. Do you think that young people know their needs?
there is no information about the needs and young people have not
It was clear from the different panelists that intergenerational
been given chance to know these
linkages exist through the older generation and are needed
needs. He said therefore that we
because they act as connections, bonds and influences which
must find ways of transmitting
are responsible for guiding young people to make positive life
SRHR information to young
choices when it comes to SRHR.
people in a language that they understand.
To quote Dr. John Charles Orach, he said that “what we are, you are but where we are, you may never be”, this symbolized the
On the way forward,
fact that older people are custodians of knowledge because they
NoerineKaleeba and Major
have seen it all and can therefore act as pillars of direction to
RubaramiraRuranga noted the
young people.
value of family as a central part of information and knowledge
It was further noted by one of the participants (Sheikh Waiswa)
dissemination to young people.
however that the only way older people can help young people
They noted that we should go
when it comes to matters of sexuality, is by parents having
back to our roots and teach
a positive mental attitude and not talking about matters of
values to our children to make
sexuality in secrecy.
sure that they make better SRHR choices when they are legally,
Patrick Mwesigye noted that the needs which facilitate the
naturally, physically, biologically
linkages and also the SRHR needs that young people want,
and financially ready.
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Remarks from Humphrey Nabimanya on the day’s submission He thanked his team (RAHU and Peer Educators 2014/15) for the great work they have been doing to make sure that the dialogue is a success. He noted a greater improvement from last year’s dialogue and was grateful for all those who made it this year. He thanked his guardian father, Major. RubaramiraRuranga, the event’s guest of honor for teaching him principles of life ever since he was a young child. He noted that even though young people form over 78% of the total population, we should not isolate the 20% remaining since they are the sources of wisdom who help us through guidance. Mr. Humphrey further called upon young people to demand for accountability from government when policies meant for their welfare are being implemented by the government. He further called upon young people to demand that the School Health Policy be implemented as it will aide in transforming lives of young people in schools. He further noted that young people need to understand the nature of their growth so that they can stop thinking that sex is for leisure. Sex is meant for procreation, a natural feeling which must be respected to ensure that we do not make bad sexual choices in life. Mr. Humphrey thanked all the sponsors who made the event happen ranging from Rutgers Uganda, Pepsi, UNFPA, UNESCO, Stop Aids Now and partners Civil Family foundation including the different NGOs together with the media partners.
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Closing Remarks from
“We need to learn how to control ourselves
the guest of honor Major
animals. We must have values attached to sex
Rubaramira Ruranga Major Ruranga stated that it is always gratifying to attend an activity organized by Reach a Hand Uganda where there is peer to peer exchange of information on how young people should live a better life in relation to SRHR. He commended Reach a Hand Uganda’s work with reference to the team leader Humphrey Nabimanya for empowering young people with information He further said that the knowledge and skills that have been passed on to young people surpass the work of very many government institutions. He acknowledged work is now being seen done to reduce the HIV prevalence but still noted that fighting stigmatization and AIDS prevalence is still high.
because it is what makes us different from and procreation because if we have values, we will reduce SRHR risks” He requested the production team to play a video about the importance of communication in families between parents and children. The bottom line of the video was that the solid foundation of families seems to be broken today and thus the root cause of the problems in society today. Major Ruranga went ahead and cautioned young people to be careful about having unprotected sex reminding them that when you get the HIV virus, it is irreversible and thus they should be responsible in everything that they do. He concluded by thanking Reach a Hand team and all partners for organizing this year’s intergenerational dialogue.
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CHALLENGES We anticipated 250 people, but hosted 350 participants. This meant that we spent more than we anticipated. The political voice was not as strong as we wanted it to be, as many politicians had hit the road to their constituents, in a bid to lobby for support.
CONCLUSION It would be a shame to get this much insight on the current situation in our country and what we can do about it and still be nonchalant. Reach A Hand, Uganda has taken to engaging communities highly affected by early marriages and teenage pregnancy into dialogues, to ensure that girls are valued, protected and encouraged to live out their full potential. In partnership with UNFPA, with support of MoH, dialogues will be held in Kanungu, Mubende, Butaleja, Katakwi, Moroto and Gulu districts in November. To every partner, reproductive health advocate, media person, student, religious leader, cultural leader, out-of-school young person, parent- to every IGD participant, we leave you with a quote, “Now that we’ve seen, we are responsible”- Brooke Fraser
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Main Sponsors
Partners
Media Sponsors
Plot 7502, Block 244, Kitaranga - Kansanga, Gabba Road. | P.O.Box 21288 Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 414 697037 | Mob: +256 774 256 109 | Email: info@reachahand.org igd@reachahand.org www.reachahand.org www.sautiplus.org