Raising awareness on Gender based violence in the church and communities

Over the past few months, I have continued to support child protection and gender equality initiatives through case management, community training, and church engagement activities. A key area of focus has been the management of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, where survivors have received support through referrals, psychosocial assistance, safety planning, and coordination with relevant service providers.

While some cases remain complex due to stigma, delayed reporting, and limited resources, positive progress has been made in helping survivors access protection and support services.

In addition, I facilitated Church and Community Mobilization Process (CCMP) training sessions in Churches in Awach and Paicho Sub-Counties. These trainings equipped Church leaders with practical skills to identify protection concerns, make referrals, and strengthen community-based protection mechanisms through the church. Participants actively engaged in discussions and case scenarios, demonstrating a growing commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children and families within their Communities.

Another significant milestone was conducting Gender-Based Violence awareness trainings in local churches. These sessions focused on understanding different forms of GBV, promoting healthy family relationships, challenging harmful social norms, and exploring the church's role in prevention and response. Church leaders and congregants participated enthusiastically, sharing experiences and discussing ways to create safer and more supportive communities. Together, these efforts contribute to strengthening community protection systems and fostering environments where children, women, and vulnerable individuals can live with dignity and safety.

It has been a meaningful and eventful season for my family. One of the highlights was joining our church on a mission trip to the Karamoja region, particularly in Moroto. The visit was both inspiring and humbling. We witnessed firsthand the spiritual and physical needs of the communities there. Many families continue to struggle with the effects of hunger and poverty, and it was evident that there is a great need for the hope, love, and transformation that Christ brings. The experience challenged us to pray more intentionally for the people of Karamoja and to support mission efforts whenever possible.

On the home front, we celebrated a special milestone in April as our little girl turned one year old. We are grateful to God for His protection and faithfulness throughout her first year of life. As a family, we also took some time away to Kampala for a short break, which provided a refreshing opportunity to rest, reconnect, and enjoy quality time together before returning to our various responsibilities.

One encouraging sign of impact has been the growing interest in our Gender-Based Violence (GBV) training sessions within local churches. Attendance continues to increase as more church members recognize the importance of understanding and addressing GBV in their communities. A particularly encouraging development is seeing pastors and church leaders openly discuss the harmful effects of GBV during sermons, counselling sessions, and church gatherings. This demonstrates a shift in attitudes and a greater willingness to address difficult issues that have often remained hidden. While challenges remain, these changes show that churches are becoming important partners in promoting healthy relationships, protecting vulnerable individuals, and creating safer communities for families and children.

One lesson that has challenged my thinking as a Gender Mainstreaming Officer and Church and Community Mobilization Process (CCMP) trainer is the power of local ownership in creating lasting change. Through interactions with church leaders and community members, I have seen that transformation is most effective when people identify their own challenges and develop solutions together. I have been particularly encouraged by pastors who have become champions for gender equality and protection within their congregations. Their willingness to address sensitive issues such as Gender-Based Violence has reminded me that sustainable change comes not from external programs alone, but from empowered local leaders and communities taking responsibility for the wellbeing of their own people.

Pray for transformed hearts and communities – That God would continue to use our Gender Mainstreaming and Church and Community Mobilization Process (CCMP) trainings to transform attitudes, challenge harmful practices, and strengthen families and communities across Northern Uganda. Pray for protection and healing – That survivors of Gender-Based Violence, vulnerable children, and struggling families would experience God's healing, protection, and restoration, and that they would have access to the support and services they need. Pray for church leaders and community volunteers – That pastors, church leaders, and community facilitators would be equipped with wisdom, courage, and compassion to address sensitive issues, promote justice, and lead lasting change within their congregations and communities.

As I conclude this update, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support. Your partnership is making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children, survivors of gender-based violence, families, Churches and communities across Northern Uganda. Through strengthened churches, empowered community leaders, and improved protection systems, we continue to see lives transformed. Thank you for standing with us as we work together to bring hope, healing, justice, and the love of Christ to those who need it most.