GID Africa Report on Sexual Violence against Young Girls and Women 31st March 2025
Introduction: Sexual violence against young girls and women remains a significant human rights violation in Uganda. GID Africa is committed to addressing this issue through awareness campaigns, education, and empowerment programs. This report provides an overview of the prevalence, impact, and efforts being made to combat sexual violence.
Prevalence of Sexual Violence: According to recent studies and field reports:
• 1 in 3 Ugandan girls experiences some form of sexual violence before the age of 18.
• 35% of young women aged 15-24 report having experienced sexual violence.
• 60% of sexual violence cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, and inadequate support systems.
• 70% of girls who drop out of school cite sexual violence or related trauma as a contributing factor.
• 85% of perpetrators are known to the victims, including relatives, teachers, and community members.
Impact of Sexual Violence: Sexual violence has far reaching consequences, including:
• Education Disruption: Over 40% of victims are forced to drop out of school due to trauma and pregnancy.
• Teenage Pregnancies: At least 25% of teenage pregnancies are linked to sexual abuse.
• Mental Health Issues: 50% of victims suffer from anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• HIV/AIDS and STIs: 15% of sexual violence survivors contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS.
GID Africa’s Response: GID Africa is actively implementing strategies to combat sexual violence, including:
• Community Awareness Campaigns: Educating over 10,000 community members annually on the dangers and prevention of sexual violence.
• Child Safety Education: Training 5,000 girls in self-defense, reporting mechanisms, and consent awareness.
• Legal Aid Support: Assisting 200+ victims annually in seeking justice and holding perpetrators accountable.
• Counseling and Rehabilitation: Providing mental health support to 1,500 survivors through therapy and peer support programs.
• Safe Spaces for Girls: Establishing 3 safe spaces where victims can access support and protection.
Call to Action: To further reduce sexual violence against girls and women, GID Africa urges:
• Stronger enforcement of laws and policies protecting young girls and women.
• Increased funding for education and empowerment programs.
• Collaboration with schools, local leaders, and international organizations. Encouragement of survivors to report cases without fear of stigma.
Conclusion: Sexual violence against young girls and women is a crisis that demands urgent intervention. Through collective efforts, community involvement, and policy enforcement, we can create a safer environment for girls and women in Uganda. GID Africa remains dedicated to empowering survivors and preventing further abuse through strategic interventions and partnerships.
Prepared by
Kawalya Sharifu
Director
GID Africa
A woman police officer teaching girls about sexual violence prevention and support in one of GID Africa’s outreach