As we participate in the 16 Days of activism against Gender based violence which run from 25^th November to 10^th December every year  as well as celebrate  the recent passing of the Domestic Violence bill  in the  Parliament of Uganda, we need to reflect on a number of issues that have rocked our country in regard to gender based violence. The global theme for this year is "Commit ▪ Act ▪ Demand: We CAN End Violence Against Women!" whereas the regional theme for Horn, East ans Southern Africa is “Happy and healthy relationships are violence free”.

We need to keep in mind that gender based violence encompasses a wide range of human rights violation such as sexual abuse (Rape, defilement, harassment), battering, human trafficking as well as negative  cultural practices like Female genital mutilation.

Any of the above abuses can leave deep psychological scars, damage the health of women and girls in general, including their reproductive and sexual health, and in some instances, resulting in death. Men are the perpetuators in most cases. However, it is possible that men can also be agent of change and play an active role in combating gender violence’.