Nyaka Anti-SGBV Campaign

In Kanungu District, SGBV manifests as defilement and rape (among other forms of SGBV), presenting deeply concerning issues that demand urgent attention. Defilement, a gross violation involving sexual abuse against minors, represents the most prevalent form of SGBV in southwestern Uganda.  Within the five SGBV Healing Centers that Nyaka operates in Kanungu and Rukungiri, 317 defilement cases have been reported out of the total 588 total SGBV cases recorded (categorized as child neglect / abuse, defilement, denied resources, physical assault, rape and sexual assault) between the period of 1st January 2022 to 26th October 2023. Out of the 317 defilement cases, 256 defilement cases were recorded in Kanungu alone. Concurrently, rape stands as the second most prevalent SGBV challenge, marked by 68 reported cases across the five Healing Centers, with 57 of these distressing cases documented within Kanungu.

Our data reveals that among victims of defilement, the age group most affected is children aged 11 to 15 years, totaling 147 defilement cases followed by 105 defilement cases among individuals aged 16 to 18, then 33 defilement cases involving children aged 6 to 10 and 32 cases among those aged 0 to 5. Defilement deeply hurts these young lives. It doesn't just harm their bodies; it also leaves them with long-lasting emotional and mental pain leading to constant fear, recurring trauma, and difficulties in building trust and healthy relationships.  On the other hand, majority of rape victims fall within the age range of 16 to 20 years, comprising 21 victims, followed by 13 victims aged 21 to 25 years, 7 victims aged 26 to 29, and 6 victims aged 30 to 35.  Rape victims often endure long-lasting emotional pain, including feelings of sadness, fear, and even shame, which can linger for an extended period. This emotional burden leads to constant fear, anxiety, and challenges in building trust and healthy relationships.  Further, both rape and defilement affect a person's performance in school or at work, hindering their future opportunities.  

According to UNICEF (2017), 15 million adolescent girls aged 15-19 have experienced forced sex in their lifetime. 56% of women in Uganda aged 15-49 have reported experiencing physical violence. These statistics highlight the alarming prevalence of SGBV among young adults and emphasize the need for immediate intervention because this problem of defilement directly impacts the safety, well-being, and future of our community.  The extensive suffering endured by children and young adults necessitates urgent action to break this cycle of abuse and prevent future generations from enduring the same hardships.

Nyaka’s intervention: Nyaka SGBV program operates within the Kanungu and Rukungiri districts southwestern Uganda, currently operating 5 Healing Centers in 5 health facilities, (Four in Kanungu and one in Rukungiri) where survivors receive psychosocial support, medical treatment, mental healing and legal support.  These healing centers are embedded in the Health Centers to ensure confidentiality and avoid stigmatization of the beneficiaries. The program also provides SGBV preventive services through radio talk shows, school and community outreaches.

Our solution is an educational and awareness campaign designed to address the critical issues of rape and defilement within our community. It involves providing information, communication, and education to empower our community members, especially children and young adults, to protect themselves and others from these deeply rooted problems.

What it is: It is a comprehensive campaign that typically involves the development, distribution and provision of SGBV rape and defilement preventive measures in particular through workshops, community outreach and school programs to educate people about; 

-Consent

-Healthy relationships

-Gender equality and norms

-Early SGBV warning signs

-Communication skills

-Bystander interventions

-Support services for survivors and where to access them

-Reporting mechanisms and how to report SGBV

-Effects of SGBV

-Legal rights and justice

-Youth empowerment

-Community mobilization and engagement to foster a sense of community responsibility and collaboration in preventing and addressing SGBV 

-Discussing strategies on how to prevent rape and defilement. 

What it does: Our campaign raises awareness about these issues, teaches people about what these SGBV problems are, and provides guidance on how to stay safe. It also teaches the youth and community in Kanungu what to do if they or someone they know experiences these forms of violence.  In events where some people have been victimized, Nyaka provides psychosocial support, medical examination and treatment, mental healing and legal support to the SGBV survivors through our healing centers.   

How it works: informative materials to reach a wider audience and provide access to important information and resources. These materials are displayed in the different Health Centers and in 20 selected schools. Schools and health centers have been selected because they are central locations where community members, including children and young adults, frequently visit. By displaying informative materials in these settings, we ensure that the information is easily accessible to a broad and diverse audience. Distribution of these materials in schools also gives a chance for early intervention against SGBV since schools are environments where young people spend a significant amount of their time. 

Our Nyaka Anti-SGBV education campaign serves a diverse target population with a primary focus on communities in the Kanungu district of Uganda.  The campaign will be done in the 5 Health Centers where our healing centers are embedded and in 20 schools in Kanungu district. (10 secondary and 10 primary)

The core target beneficiaries includes:

1. Children and Adolescents: This campaign directly benefits children and adolescents aged 11 to 18 years, who are at risk of SGBV, especially rape and defilement.  Our statistics show that children between the ages of 11 to 18 are at the highest risk of defilement since they comprise 79% of the total 317 defilement cases recorded in our SGBV healing center since January 2022. This group is particularly vulnerable and lacks comprehensive education and awareness about these issues. Providing this information in schools makes this information more accessible for them since this age group spends most of their time in school.  

2. Parents and Caregivers: Parents and caregivers play a critical role in shaping the perceptions and behaviors of young people. They are often unaware of how to discuss SGBV, consent, and healthy relationships with their children, making them an underserved group in need of guidance.

3.  Schools and Educational Institutions: Schools, as centers of learning and personal development, are central to this campaign. Students, teachers, and school administrators are underserved in terms of comprehensive SGBV education, which can help create safer learning environments. 

4. Community Leaders and Local Authorities: Engaging community leaders and local authorities, including religious leaders, traditional leaders, and police, is vital for creating a supportive environment for addressing SGBV and holding perpetrators accountable. Their roles are critical in ensuring safety and justice.

5. Youth and Peer Educators: Engaging and training young people as peer educators empowers them to advocate for change and educate their peers. Youth educators are often underserved in terms of resources and support for these roles.

Our team is uniquely positioned to design and deliver this solution to the communities we serve in Kanungu district. We have strong ties to these communities and a deep understanding of their needs, challenges, and aspirations. Summarized below is  why we are well-suited to lead this initiative:

Community-Centered Approach: Our team is deeply rooted in Kanungu district and has a long-standing presence in the area. The Team Lead and all the team members have a profound understanding of the local culture, language, and the daily realities of the people we aim to serve. This proximity allows us to engage directly with community members, build trust, and develop solutions that resonate with their experiences.

Local Expertise: Our team members have diverse backgrounds, including educators, healthcare providers, legal experts, all with experience in the local context. This blend of expertise enables us to approach SGBV education comprehensively and holistically.

Community Engagement: We prioritize community engagement as a cornerstone of our approach. We have conducted extensive community consultations, surveys, and focus group discussions to understand the specific needs, challenges, and priorities of the communities we serve. These interactions have shaped the design of our solution, ensuring that it is relevant and responsive to the community's input and agendas.

Cultural Sensitivity: Our team places a strong emphasis on cultural sensitivity. We are well-versed in the local customs and traditions and we will continue to collaborate with cultural leaders to ensure our campaign respects and aligns with community values.

Partnerships: We have built strong partnerships with local organizations, schools, healthcare facilities, and government agencies. These partnerships allow us to leverage local resources and create a network of support for our campaign.

Sustainable Impact: We are committed to the long-term well-being of these communities. As such, our campaign is designed to be sustainable, with local leaders and community members actively participating in its implementation and carrying it forward after our initial engagement.

Transparency: We maintain transparency in all our efforts, keeping the community informed about our goals, activities, and outcomes. This transparency builds trust and ensures our approach is accountable to the community's needs.

In short, our team is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution because we are part of the communities we serve, and we deeply understand their challenges.

In 2023, (between 1st January to 31st September) our impact has been significant:

• We have provided support and care to 325 survivors of SGBV through our healing centers.

• Our radio talk shows have reached 65,000 people, raising awareness about SGBV and promoting dialogue.

• We have conducted physical community outreaches that reached 101,526 individuals, engaging them in meaningful conversations about SGBV prevention and response.

• A total of 3,614 people have received Nyaka's counseling services, providing them with emotional and psychological support.

• We have actively pursued justice, filing 318 SGBV legal cases in the courts of law, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.

• Notably, we have won 18 SGBV cases that we filed, delivering justice to the victims.

These achievements reflect our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of survivors and our broader community.

Our solution to address SGBV especially rape and defilement is innovative in several ways. 

1. Our comprehensive and holistic approach to SGBV: Our campaign goes beyond addressing the immediate issue of rape and defilement by encompassing a wide range of related topics, including consent, healthy relationships, early warning signs, and support services. This holistic approach ensures that individuals have a thorough understanding of the subject, empowering them to prevent and respond to SGBV effectively. 

2. The community centered approach we use: Our solution is designed and implemented in close collaboration with the communities we serve. This ensures that the solutions we develop are not imposed but reflect the unique needs, values, and priorities of the people we aim to support.  This catalyzes positive impacts by fostering a sense of ownership and sustained commitment from the community.                                  

3. Our emphasis on youth empowerment: By empowering the youth as peer educators and advocates, we tap into their unique perspectives and their potential to fastrack positive change within their communities. 

4. This solution is designed with scalability in mind:  Much as our solution is initially designed to benefit Kanungu District, it serves as a blueprint for addressing SGBV in other regions experiencing SGBV. Our scalable solution for community engagement, education and awareness therefore has the potential to change the experiences of people in other communities elsewhere experiencing the same problem by inspiring similar initiatives elsewhere. 

5. The sustainable impact that our solution has: Our solution is designed for long-term sustainability. By actively involving local leaders, the community and schools in this campaign, we create a network of support that can carry the initiative forward even after our direct engagement. This approach creates broader positive impacts by fostering a culture of responsibility and continued action within the community.  

6. Our respect for cultural sensitivity and collaboration: Our solution recognizes the importance of collaborating with the local leaders and the different institutions and integrates cultural sensitivity into our approach. This ensures that the solution aligns with the cultural norm and allows the community to accept the solution without feeling that it conflicts with their cultural values. 

7. Reaching a wide population:  By targeting schools and health centers, our solution will reach a wider population.  The reach for our project is approximately 10,000 people. 

8. Original Response to a Critical Issue: Our project is innovative because it represents unique response to a pressing problem of rape and defilement. It is the first of its kind in Kanungu, making it distinct and groundbreaking. 

9. Comprehensive Support Services: While many organizations and programs offer medical and psychosocial support to SGBV survivors, our project goes beyond that and provides legal services to the survivors.

10. Confidentiality and Avoidance of Stigmatization: Embedding our healing centers within existing health centers is an innovative approach that addresses the crucial issue of confidentiality and the avoidance of stigmatization. This strategy ensures that beneficiaries and survivors can access services discreetly and without fear of judgment. 

Impact goals for next year (2024)

1. Increase SGBV awareness among community members in Kanungu District: By the end of next year, we intend to have conducted SGBV campaigns in all the 20 selected schools reaching a total of 5,000 students. All the people who visit the Health Centers where the Healing Centers are situated will also be reached with information from this campaign. We intend to reach approximately 5,000 beneficiaries through the Health Centers. These campaigns will foster an understanding of SGBV, consent, healthy relationships and increase awareness of available support services. Therefore, approximately 10,000 people will be reached with SGBV awareness information.

2. Empower  Anti-SGBV Youth Advocates: Within the next year, we intend to train and support a network of at least 50 youth advocates who actively engage in peer education and community outreach. These young advocates will catalyze positive change within their communities, reaching a minimum of 2500 community members.

3. Enhance SGBV support services: By the end of the year, we aim to improve access to SGBV support services within  Kanungu district. This effort will benefit a minimum of 600 survivors.

Strategies to achieve these goals in the Next Year (2024):

• Conduct regular SGBV education workshops in schools, ensuring that the curriculum aligns with the needs of the students and that it is age-appropriate.

• Establish youth advocacy groups, offering training and resources for peer education.

• Form Anti SGBV clubs in schools

• Raise awareness about SGBV issues and available support services.

• Forge partnerships with local healthcare facilities, mental health providers, and legal organizations to enhance support services for survivors.

Impact Goals for the Next Five Years (2028):

1. Prevention and reduction in the prevalence of SGBV: Over the next five years, we aim to reduce the incidence of SGBV in the Kanungu district by at least 50% compared to the baseline data. We will measure this through annual reporting of SGBV incidents and community surveys.

2. Empower Communities to get engaged in the prevention and response to SGBV: By 2028, we aim to have at least 90% of the community members in Kanungu actively engaged in the prevention and response to SGBV. This engagement includes individuals attending awareness campaigns, reporting incidents, and supporting survivors. 

3. Catalyze Broader Change: In the next five years, we aim to inspire and support the replication of our model in other underserved regions in Uganda, effectively reaching a minimum of three additional districts and impacting over 30,000 individuals.                

Strategies to Achieve These Goals in the Next Five Years (2028):

• Continuously refining and adapting our SGBV education curriculum and community engagement methods based on regular feedback and assessments.

• Develop and implement a rigorous monitoring and evaluation system to track progress toward the reduction of SGBV incidents.

• Foster community ownership by actively involving local leaders, organizations, and advocates in the campaign's design and implementation.

• Establish and manage a comprehensive database to monitor and report on community engagement and changes in SGBV prevalence.

• Collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations to scale our model to other districts, sharing best practices and resources.

Our solution is designed to have a meaningful and lasting impact on the problem of SGBV with a particular emphasis on the prevalent issues of defilement and rape.  Below is a summary of how and why we expect our solution to have an impact on the problem: 

Activity: 

1. Raising Awareness: Our solution begins by conducting SGBV education campaigns in 20 selected schools within the Kanungu district and in the 4 Health Centers where our healing centers are embedded. These campaigns are engaging and age-appropriate, targeting both students and their teachers. By providing information on SGBV, consent, healthy relationships, and support services, we aim to raise awareness and ensure that students understand the importance of consent and the warning signs of abusive behavior.  This reduces the risk of the beneficiaries of such information being victims of SGBV. 

2. Empowering Youth Advocates: To ensure that the impact is sustainable, we identify and empower young advocates within the community. These advocates are to be trained and supported to serve as peer educators. They will actively engage with their peers and the broader community, sharing knowledge and encouraging open conversations about SGBV. By directly involving young people in our efforts, we create a continuous awareness and widespread action against SGBV.

3. Strengthening Support Services: Our solution includes a component that provides support services for survivors of SGBV. We collaborate with local healthcare facilities, mental health providers, and legal organizations to ensure that survivors receive the physical and psychological care they need. This aspect of the solution not only supports survivors but also provides a critical warning to potential perpetrators through the legal services that we provide.

4. Cultural Sensitivity and Collaboration: Our solution respects and integrates local customs and traditions. We collaborate with cultural leaders and institutions to ensure our approach aligns with community values. This approach is essential for creating meaningful change without challenging deeply rooted cultural norms.

Expected impact: 

Short term impact:  In the short term, we expect an increase in awareness about SGBV among students in the selected schools. We also anticipate an increase in reporting of SGBV incidents leading to more survivors receiving support. 

Mid term impact:  Over time, as our young advocates continue to engage with their peers and the community, we expect a shift in cultural norms and the number of people that actively engage in SGBV prevention and response. 

Long term impact: In the long term, our goal is to create a significant reduction in the prevalence of SGBV in Kanungu district.  

How this impact will be measured: Nyaka has an SGBV dashboard where the Case Managers and other SGBV staff upload the different information that they receive of the SGBV survivors. Increase in reporting of SGBV cases will be monitored through these dashboards. An initial baseline survey will be done to assess the level of awareness on SGBV before the campaign and a consequent end line survey will be done at the end of the campaign to assess the increase in the level of awareness.

There are 11 Full time staff under the SGBV program:

- The Chief Operation Officer: Organization Lead

-The SGBV Coordinator: Provides overall coordination of the SGBV program

-The School Counselor: Does home visits and school visits to perform individual and group Counseling. 

-1 Outreach Coordinator: In charge of all outreach activities 

- 2 Legal services advocates: Ensure that perpetrators are arrested and face the law.

-5 Case Managers: Attend to all cases at the Healing centers 

The Nyaka SGBV program has been in operation for the past 8 years.  The program started in 2015. 

Our approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work is integral to our goal of addressing SGBV in Kanungu District. Below is a summary of how we incorporate diversity, equity and inclusivity in our work. 

1. We have a diverse team: Our leadership team is intentionally diverse, reflecting various backgrounds and experiences. We believe that diversity enhances our ability to address complex issues like SGBV effectively. We have team members with expertise in healthcare, legal support, and community engagement, and our team includes both men and women. This diversity in skills, perspectives, and experiences enriches our approach.                             

2. Community Engagement is at the center of our solution: Our work actively seeks to embrace and include the diverse voices and perspectives within the Kanungu community. We engage with individuals from different age groups, socio-economic backgrounds, and cultural contexts to ensure that our solution resonates with the entire community. This includes actively involving cultural leaders, local authorities, and youth.   

3. Cultural Sensitivity: We prioritize cultural sensitivity in our design. We respect the customs, traditions, and values of the community, ensuring that our efforts do not clash with local norms. We actively collaborate with cultural leaders to ensure that our solution is welcoming and respectful to all members of the community.

4. Gender Equality: Given that SGBV disproportionately affects women and girls, we have a strong focus on gender equality. Our solution actively promotes gender equality and works to challenge stereotypes and norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls. We also involve male advocates who play a pivotal role in fostering change.

5. Inclusive Partnerships: We actively seek and engage with schools, healthcare facilities, and government agencies to create a network of support. These partnerships include a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that marginalized groups have equal access to resources and services.

6. Targeted Outreach: In our solution, we specifically reach out to marginalized and vulnerable groups within the community, ensuring that our support and resources are accessible to all. This includes individuals with disabilities, orphaned children, and those in remote areas.

7. Continuous Learning: We are committed to continuously learning about diversity, inclusion and equity and addressing disparities that may arise. We actively seek feedback from the community and implement necessary changes in our approach to enhance equity and inclusion. 

Our business model is designed to provide value to the population we serve, focusing on both impact and sustainability.  Here's how our business model operates:

1. Key resources:

• People: This includes a dedicated team with diverse skills, including SGBV coordinators, counselors, case managers, and community outreach specialists.

• Financial resources: Funding is essential for program operations, which includes running the healing centers and educational campaigns.

• Access to healing centers: Physical locations for the healing centers within healthcare facilities are critical resources.

2. Partners and stakeholders:

• Local healthcare facilities: Collaboration with these facilities is vital for the success of our healing centers and for providing medical support.

• Legal institutions: Partnerships with legal bodies including the police are crucial for the provision of legal services and the pursuit of justice.

• Community leaders and cultural authorities: Engaging local leaders is essential for community acceptance and effective outreach.

• Educational institutions: Schools are important partners for our educational campaigns.

• Donors and funding organizations: These entities provide financial support.

3. Type of Intervention:

• Preventive and supportive interventions: Our program involves preventive measures through education and community engagement, as well as supportive interventions for survivors.

4. Key Activities:

• Educational campaigns: Designing and conducting workshops in schools and communities.

• SGBV support services: This includes running the healing centers, providing counseling, medical support, and legal services.

• Community outreach: Engaging with the community through events and advocacy.

• Data collection: Gathering data on SGBV incidents, program impact, and survivor needs.

• Advocacy and collaboration: Collaborating with legal and healthcare institutions and advocating for justice for survivors.

5. Channels:

• Healing centers: Physical locations within healthcare facilities for the provision of support services.

• Educational workshops and campaigns: Conducted in schools and communities.

• Community and school Outreach: Engaging with the community through events and outreach activities.

6. Why our beneficiaries need our services:

• Survivors of SGBV need our support services to heal, recover, and seek justice. The community needs our educational campaigns to raise awareness and prevent further incidents.

7. Cost Structure:

• Staff Salaries: Personnel expenses are a significant cost, including salaries for counselors, case managers, and coordinators.

• Operational Costs: These include costs for running the healing centers and educational campaigns.

• Community Outreach Expenses: Costs related to conducting outreach activities in the community.

• Legal Services: Costs associated with providing legal support.

• Campaign Materials: Printing and distribution costs for educational materials.

8. Value Proposition:

• Impact: Our services directly address the pressing issue of SGBV in Kanungu, providing survivors with the support they need and educating the community to prevent further incidents. We also empower young advocates to become agents of change.

• Confidentiality: Our approach ensures that survivors can access support services discreetly, reducing the fear of stigmatization.

9. Revenue:

• Grants and Donations: Our primary source of funding is grants from donors dedicated to SGBV prevention and response. 

As we scale up, costs related to personnel, operational expenses, and community outreach are likely to increase. However, scaling also allows for a wider reach and potentially more funding opportunities, making the cost structure more efficient over time.

We understand the importance of diversifying our funding sources to maintain the long-term impact and growth of our project. Here's our strategy for financial sustainability:

1. Grants and Donations:

• We will continue to actively seek grants and donations from local and international organizations, as well as individuals who are passionate about addressing SGBV. This will remain a primary source of funding for our project.

2. Government Partnerships:

• We will explore partnerships with government agencies and local authorities to secure service contracts. This can involve agreements to provide SGBV support services in collaboration with healthcare and legal institutions. These partnerships may provide a reliable source of revenue.

3. Fundraising Events:

• Organizing fundraising events, both locally and internationally, can be an effective way to generate funds for our project. These events will involve the active participation and support of the community and stakeholders.

4. Impact Investment:

• As we expand and demonstrate the effectiveness of our project, we may attract impact investment from investors who are aligned with our mission and see the potential for both social impact and financial return.

By diversifying our revenue streams and leveraging partnerships, we aim to ensure that our project continues to deliver impact, cover expenses, and expand to reach more survivors of SGBV and the broader community in Kanungu and beyond.