Lira University passes out leaders to combat gender based violence
LIRA – Lira University in partnership with the Institute of Social Sciences in Netherlands has passed out 89 local, religious and cultural leaders in the Lango Sub-region trained to combat sexual and gender based violence [GBV] in the community.
The category, community influencers according to the university, underwent a six months training dubbed “Leadership in action-training 2022” to help in the reduction of GBV and subsequent change in the community.
“We are hoping that the issue of sexual gender based violence will be tackled when the leaders know exactly what to do and how to do it,” said Harriet Bogere a master trainer and a lecturer at the university.
Prof Jasper Ogwal Okeng, the Lira University vice-chancellor, handed over the certificates to the leaders picked from Lira City East Division and Barr Sub-county in Lira district in a ceremony held at the University on Thursday.
GBV is a challenge in Lango and according to the police report of 2020, a total of 1,180 cases of domestic violence were recorded in the region and blamed on heavy drinking, poverty, conflict in sharing responsibilities among others.
The sub-region is comprised of Lira City, Amolatar, Dokolo, Kole, Oyam, Apac, Otuke, Alebtong, Apac, and Kwania districts.
Prof Okeng said a university as an institution should help solve the problems of the community, including providing solutions to health and other challenges.
“Today [Thursday] I am happy to see that what I always imagine is taking place because university education is not only about getting papers but finding solutions to challenges that affect communities,” he said.
“It is about your engagement with community, supporting and helping them to participate in the development of the country,” he added.
https://thecooperator.news/fao-launches-project-to-enhance-gender-equality-in-amolatar/
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