Violence against women is an important topic all across the world. Staggering statistics such as those found in Uganda, show that as much as 7 in 10 women report experiencing some form of violence throughout their lives.
On April 22 2016, Jacqueline Asiimwe, a Ugandan lawyer, poet, feminist and a strong advocate against gender based violence, agreed to be a guest at our #Elle101 Twitter Chat. We discussed the consequences of violence against women, available resources and policies needed to end it.
Jacqueline Asiimwe touched on the important role of society and community in ending violence against women.
@ElleAfrique Women are often socialized to believe that if they are beaten they deserve it, but no one 'deserves' violence. #elle101
— Jacqueline Asiimwe (@asiimwe4justice) April 22, 2016
On how violence against women affect families and communities, Jacqueline said…
Violence against women does not only affect the woman but it affects the whole family, the community and the entire nation. A woman is left dealing with the physical and emotional scars, while still needing to be a productive member of society and a caretaker for her loved ones. The latter can be extremely hard when one is not at their best nor has the available resources and support to deal with the trauma.
@ElleAfrique We all hurt when women hurt. Violence against women scars us all, that's why we should all be involved to end it. #elle101
— Jacqueline Asiimwe (@asiimwe4justice) April 22, 2016
@ElleAfrique it affects economic productivity, states that do not address violence spend a lot of money dealing with its effects #elle101
— Jacqueline Asiimwe (@asiimwe4justice) April 22, 2016
@ElleAfrique it doesn't only hold a woman back, it holds her whole family back affecting nutrition, child education & well being, #elle101
— Jacqueline Asiimwe (@asiimwe4justice) April 22, 2016
On what needs to be done to end violence against women…
A comprehensive and collaborative approach is needed to end violence against women. Community leaders, government officials, elders, medical and social institutions, need to work together in identifying violence against women and bringing justice forth. Justice does not only mean punishing the perpetrator, but also providing a safe space and the opportunity for a woman to heal.
@ElleAfrique Comprehensive support for women including access to basic services
— Jacqueline Asiimwe (@asiimwe4justice) April 22, 2016
@ElleAfrique Those that involve holding governments accountable for the lives of women through budgets, laws, actions. #elle101
— Jacqueline Asiimwe (@asiimwe4justice) April 22, 2016
@ElleAfrique Those that involve social norms change so that violence against women is not acceptable #elle101
— Jacqueline Asiimwe (@asiimwe4justice) April 22, 2016
@ElleAfrique Those that involve and enable communities to support women who face violence
— Jacqueline Asiimwe (@asiimwe4justice) April 22, 2016
@ElleAfrique Justice is having medical, legal, social, psychosocial and judicial systems that work for women who face violence #elle101
— Jacqueline Asiimwe (@asiimwe4justice) April 22, 2016
Much more on the topic was talked about and in closing, Jacqueline urged us to continue the discussion on violence against women and also let us know that she will not give up the fight!
@ElleAfrique Thank you for having me. We must not tire in our fight against violence against women! I refuse to give up! #elle101
— Jacqueline Asiimwe (@asiimwe4justice) April 22, 2016
#ELLE101 is our Twitter chat which takes place every first Friday of the month at 3pm (London Time). The chat which is hosted from our twitter account (@elleafrique), typically lasts for an hour and discusses different topics with a special guest. #ELLE101 provides you with the chance to network and grow your circle (and knowledge!) through shared interests.