Over the past three decades, efforts to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG) have resulted in extensive national and international legal frameworks and policies that bring gender equality to the fore of the development discourse.
These efforts have not, however, eradicated the violation of women and girls’ rights which remains a serious challenge in Uganda. Studies undertaken to examine positive and negative aspects of culture that contribute to the continued oppression of women reveal that there are persistent negative cultural practices that promote the violation of women’s rights but there are also positive aspects of culture that promote the empowerment of women that have not been sufficiently explored and utilised, albeit with challenges in the face of the influences of modernity, Western education and some religions (CCFU, 2021)
With support from EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls and the Embassy of Sweden, the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) deepened its research quest to establish culture’s contribution to women’s empowerment and wellbeing.
Several studies were commissioned to examine the contribution of cultural values such as humanness, traditional justice mechanisms and learning spaces that promote the rights of women and girls and reduce violence in 6 cultural communities of Alur, Acholi, Buganda, Busoga, Karamoja and Tooro.
Dissemination of the findings to communities
These findings were disseminated to stakeholders such as cultural leaders, civil society organisations, local government and religious leaders at different events held in Masaka, Fort Portal and Nebbi from the 25th to the 28th of April 2023.
During the events, cultural leaders called for the revival of the use of cultural resources that address violence against women and girls by raising awareness about the existence of these resources.
“We appreciate CCFU for helping us to document these cultural resources. It has given us a stepping stone. Now, our role is to go back to the communities and revive them, teach them that they do not have to look further than their communities to create harmonious communities, that are especially safe for children, girls and women.” Prince Angala, the Prime Minister of Alur Kingdom.
The report on humanness focuses on the notions of Obuntubulamu among the Baganda, Kura matira among the Alur, and Kit matir among the Acholi; all of which embody a wide range of values that constitute civility and humaneness among the respective groups. Among other values, they all emphasise respect for self and others, care, a sense of shame, responsibility (individual and collective), accountability, civility, humility, a sense of community, and honesty.
Speaking at the dissemination event in Masaka, Pokino Jude Muleke noted that “the value of obuntubulamu [humanness] is very important in addressing violations against humans, particularly, women and girls in Buganda and should therefore be continuously taught to communities.”
Kuramatira is deeply rooted in our tradition as Alur. It is a value that has guided us for decades. Our children have been raised with these values and this has helped to groom families that respect each other and hence reducing violence against women and girls. Chief Charles Okumu Ombidi, Kaal Panyimur chiefdom.
Previous researches conducted by CCFU also show that in these communities embody different traditional learning spaces where traditional values that address violence against women and girls are transmitted. CCFU, therefore, commissioned a study of traditional justice mechanisms in Karamoja and Alur as an initial step towards better appreciating the context within which it promotes or inhibits access to justice for women and girls. This study covers such mechanisms in the two cultural communities of Alur (focusing on the ajaa [truth telling]) and Karamoja (focusing on the etem [household/family meetings]), ekokwa (community meetings) and akiriket (sacred space of worship).
“Truth-telling is no longer there. Especially because of the current economics. But it is a concept that works, we have used this value to work with traditional leaders while addressing violence cases. This is because communities have a sense of fear for the consequences of this traditional justice system.” Ms. Yerusa, the Senior Probation Officer Nebbi District
In Buganda, the Pokino, encouraged attendees of the event to go back to the fireplace (ekyoto) to prepare young people to grow up as responsible citizens.
About Culture for Her
Culture and traditions have been often perceived in Uganda as re-inforcing gender inequality and abetting the oppression of women and girls. In 2017, CCFU with support from Diakonia started a programme aimed at enhancing women’s empowerment using culturally defined rights. So far, the Foundation has produced several case studies with the generous support from UN Women under the Spotlight Initiative. CCFU has implemented projects in various cultural communities in Uganda highlighting how cultural resources can be harnessed to end violence against women and girls, promote sexual reproductive health and rights, and enhance women and girls’ access to justice.