It was clear that everyone on Earth has rights— Lomaa Kizito
In Karamoja in north-eastern Uganda, there is a high level of violence against women. We’re working to empower women and men to change mindsets, so that violence is not accepted. At training delivered by our partner, National Association of Women Organisations in Uganda (NAWOU), couples learn how to work together.
Lomaa Kizito and Lokamar Margret took part in the training. They say that after, they understood more about rights. They are married and both 30 years old.
When we went back home, I thought that it is important for us to
share work at household level,— Lomaa Kizito
Respect
After the first day of the training, the couple went home and Lokamar went to sell at the market, while Lomaa stayed home to cook. He noted that it is important to share work, and he didn’t wait for her to come home to start the cooking. They also both noted that they learned a lot at the training about “listening to each other and respect.”
Acting out
NAWOU is an umbrella group for women organisations in the country. At the training, some couples acted in short plays, while others watched. These dramas showed positive and negative representations of family life. The impact of domestic violence on all members of the family was shown, as well as the positive effect of an encouraging and safe household. Shared decision making in families was promoted, while violence was discouraged.
Empowerment
The training given is known as Gender Action Learning System (GALS). This training is inclusive and involves participants getting involved. This means that those who take part feel confident to make changes in their families and relationships, hopefully making them violence-free and equal.
