Concern for the Girl Child Sparks Call for Collective Action Against Gender-Based Violence

At a time when the world is commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, one may wonder why the vice persists, despite countless protests and continuous calls for justice from women and girls.

We continue to hear the voices of victims and survivors crying out for help, alongside civil society organizations, women activists, and other groups advocating for an end to abuse. Unfortunately, the violence continues.

In countries like Uganda, steps had been taken to establish GBV shelters to house victims and survivors as they pursued their cases. However, due to the ongoing funding freeze, many of these shelters are closing because of a lack of resources needed to support those seeking safety.

As a result, many survivors have no option but to return to their abusers, where they continue to face gender-based violence with little to no assistance.

According to Flavia Mubiru, the Human Resource and Administration Manager at Concern for the Girl Child (CGC), Gender-Based Violence affects both women and men, with consequences that ripple through families, communities, and generations.

According to Flavia, the lengthy period that victim and survivor cases take in court gives space for continued trauma. She therefore expressed the need for collective responsibility from parents, leaders, teachers, fathers, and young people to stand together and speak out.

“At 25 years, CGC has walked alongside girls, families, and communities breaking cycles of violence, restoring dignity, and creating spaces where girls can grow in safety and courage. Yet the fight is far from over.

Silence allows violence to thrive, and fear keeps far too many victim girls, boys, women, and men trapped in the shadows,” she notes.
Flavia explains that this year, as awareness is raised, CGC seeks to reaffirm that every form of violence is unacceptable and that protection is a shared responsibility. She calls on parents, leaders, teachers, fathers, and young people to stand together and speak out.

She urges the public to challenge harmful norms, support survivors, and nurture families grounded in respect and compassion.

“Ending gender-based violence is not a women’s issue or a men’s issue but it is a human issue. As CGC continues its mission of empowering girls and strengthening families, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities where every child is safe, valued, and able to thrive. Let us not be silent. Let us speak out. Let us act together,” she emphasises.