In a bold step toward building safer, more inclusive communities, Humanity Touch convened a series of community sensitization meetings on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Pavurage, Patua, and Paridi villages within Adjumani Town Council. The initiative brought together Local Council (LC1) leaders and over 100 community members to deepen understanding of GBV, its root causes, and the devastating impact it has on survivors, families, and society at large. The objective was clear: to equip local leaders with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively to GBV cases, and to foster community ownership in creating protective environments for women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.
The sessions focused on unpacking the various forms of GBV—including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse—while emphasizing the importance of early intervention, survivor-centered support, and legal accountability. Participants explored the cultural norms and power dynamics that perpetuate violence, and were introduced to referral pathways that connect survivors to essential services such as psychosocial support, legal aid, and medical care. Humanity Touch facilitated open dialogue, encouraging LC1 leaders to reflect on their roles as first responders and community influencers. The meetings also served as a platform to challenge harmful practices and promote positive masculinity, with both men and women committing to become advocates for change within their households and neighborhoods.
The impact of the sensitization was immediate and promising. A total of 9 LC1 leaders (5 women, 4 men) and 104 community members (75 women, 29 men) actively participated, sharing experiences, asking critical questions, and pledging concrete actions. Leaders committed to strengthening GBV reporting and referral mechanisms, discouraging harmful cultural practices such as child marriage and domestic violence, and supporting survivors with dignity and confidentiality. Community members agreed to integrate GBV prevention messages into local meetings, conduct regular dialogues, and collaborate with service providers to ensure timely and effective support.
This activity directly aligns with Humanity Touch’s strategic focus on Gender Justice & Feminist Leadership, reinforcing its mission to safeguard rights, challenge entrenched inequalities, and empower communities to lead transformative change. By equipping LC1 leaders and community members with knowledge and agency, the initiative promotes feminist leadership and strengthens grassroots mechanisms for protection and accountability. It also contributes to broader goals of social cohesion and peacebuilding, as addressing GBV helps prevent interpersonal and family-level conflicts that often escalate into wider community disputes.
Ultimately, the sensitization meetings in Adjumani were more than educational—they were catalytic. They sparked mindset shifts, built trust, and laid the foundation for sustained community-led action against GBV. Humanity Touch remains committed to supporting these efforts, ensuring that every village becomes a safer, more equitable space where women and girls can thrive with dignity, and where communities stand united against violence in all its forms.
