Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains one of the most significant barriers to the safety, dignity, and empowerment of women and girls living in humanitarian settings. In Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, where thousands of refugees coexist with host communities, the effects of violence continue to undermine livelihoods, education, mental health, and community resilience.
Building Resilience of Women and Girls Programme, is working alongside communities, local authorities, humanitarian partners, and development stakeholders to strengthen prevention efforts, support survivors, and promote an environment where women and girls can live free from violence.
During a stakeholder engagement held at the ICS offices in Ofua Zone II, project staff, local leaders, and community representatives reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the root causes of gender-based violence through community engagement, awareness, economic empowerment, and strengthened protection systems.Speaking on behalf of the programme, ICS Project Officer Apiteru Ruth emphasized that gender-based violence is not only a human rights violation but also a major obstacle to sustainable development and resilience.
"Violence within households and communities limits the ability of women and girls to participate fully in education, livelihoods, leadership, and community life. Building resilient communities requires all stakeholders to work together to challenge harmful social norms, strengthen protection systems, and ensure survivors receive the support they deserve."
ICS recognizes that sustainable solutions require more than responding to incidents of violence. They require transforming attitudes, strengthening institutions, and creating opportunities that enable women and girls to thrive economically and socially.
The Building Resilience of Women and Girls Programme adopts a community-centered approach that combines prevention, protection, psychosocial support, awareness creation, and economic empowerment.
Local government leaders have welcomed the continued investment in community protection and women's empowerment initiatives.Agasiru Emily, Female District Councilor representing Uriama Sub-county, acknowledged that gender-based violence continues to affect both refugee and host communities and called for stronger community ownership of prevention efforts.
"Protecting women and girls is a shared responsibility. We encourage families, community leaders, and institutions to report cases promptly, support survivors with dignity, and reject all forms of violence. Silence only allows abuse to continue."
She further recognized the important contribution of humanitarian organizations in promoting awareness, strengthening survivor support, and expanding opportunities that improve the wellbeing of vulnerable women and girls.
Community voices remain central to the success of humanitarian programming.
Women participating in community dialogues highlighted the progress made through awareness campaigns while also pointing to the persistent barriers that prevent many survivors from seeking help.
Community representatives called for continued investment in psychosocial care, legal assistance, livelihood support, and safe spaces where survivors can access services without fear. These perspectives continue to shape ICS programming, ensuring that interventions remain responsive to the evolving needs of women and girls living in displacement settings.
Gender-based violence is often driven by unequal power relations, harmful gender norms, poverty, social exclusion, and limited economic opportunities. In humanitarian settings, these vulnerabilities can become even more pronounced due to displacement, trauma, and strained community resources.
Recognizing these challenges, ICS integrates protection with resilience-building by supporting women to strengthen their livelihoods, improve household incomes, participate in community decision-making, and access essential services.
Economic empowerment not only improves financial security but also contributes to increased confidence, stronger social networks, and greater resilience against exploitation and abuse.
Uganda continues to host one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, with Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement accommodating thousands of refugees alongside host communities.National data continues to demonstrate the urgency of sustained action. According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (2022), more than half of ever-married women have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence from a spouse, while many women experience sexual violence during their lifetime. Humanitarian settings often heighten these risks, making prevention and survivor-centered services even more critical.Ending gender-based violence requires coordinated efforts across humanitarian, government, and community institutions.
Integrated Child Services remains committed to promoting safe, inclusive, and resilient communities where women and girls can realize their full potential.
Through partnerships, community engagement, capacity strengthening, and survivor-centered programming, ICS continues to work toward a future where every woman and girl is protected, respected, and empowered to lead positive change within her family and community.
As the organization expands its resilience programming, it calls upon government institutions, humanitarian agencies, civil society organizations, cultural leaders, men, women, and young people to unite in preventing gender-based violence and building communities founded on dignity, equality, and hope.
Together, we can create safer communities where every woman and girl has the opportunity to live free from violence, participate fully in society, and build a resilient future for generations to come.