Women's Perspectives on Domestic Gender-based Violence A Case Study of Women in Nebbi District

ABSTRACT This study was set out to analyze the women's perspectives on domestic genderbased violence in Nebbi District. Specifically the study was guided by the three X It also suffices to note that women are more involved in most of the rural chores though their control over incomes is unfavorably looked down upon (Kasente, 1998:9). Reducing poverty and uplifting their status calls for recognition of the contribution of women to development (Kwesiga, 1993: 9) particularly now that 80% are in the country side, illiterate and above all in rural and peri-urban areas like Nebbi. The promotion of gender equality and empowering women by 2015 is enshrined in the third goal of the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) on which several countries including Uganda are focusing their development attention. Article 14 of the United Nations Convention on elimination of violence against women, lays greater emphasis on the protection of women and the appropriate measures state parties should take in order to address the accruing challenges (Directorate of Gender and Community Development, 2000: 31 ). The above realization of violence emerges from the observed universal oppression and inequality that are grounded in the patriarchal system of female subservience and secondary status (Fenster, 1999:7). This system seems to have a direct correlation with the current gender-based violence (DGBV) in the structures of our societies, that keep women subjugated and maintained as servants to men. With the ever-increasing magnitude, feminists have risen up to question servile position. (Akina Mama WA Africa, 2003: 27). At national level there are high rates of wife battering, particularly from Northern and Eastern Uganda. According to locally available information at the District community development office and the police in Nebbi, there is high rate of defilement, rape and abuse and particularly geared towards the women and the girl-child. Domestic and gender issues needs a systematic attention in the design of adjustment measures that are aimed at redressing the intra-house hold 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Declaration ............................................................................................................ ii 

Approval ............................................................................................................... iii 

Dedication ............................................................................................................ iv 

Acknowledgements ............................................................................................... v 

Acronyms .............................................................................................................. x 

Abstract. ................................................................................................................ x 

CHAPTER ONE .................................................................................................... 1 

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 1 

1. 1 Background ..................................................................................................... 1 

1.2 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................... 3 

1.3 Objectives of the Study ................................................................................... 4 

1.3.1 General Objectives ....................................................................................... 4 

1.3.2 Specific Objectives ...................................................................................... .4 

1.4 Research Questions ........................................................................................ 4 

1.5 Scope of the Study .......................................................................................... 4 

1. 7 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................... 6 

CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................... 8 

LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................ 8 

2.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 8 

2.1 Domestic Gender-Based Violence: a theoretical Overview ............................. 8 

2.2 Forms of Domestic Gender-based violence .................................................. 1 O 

2.3 Predisposing factors to Domestic gender-based violence ............................ 12 

2.4 Domestic and Gender based violence in conflict Areas in Uganda ............... 14 

2.5 Effects of Domestic and gender-based violence ........................................... 16 

2.6 Cultural practices that perpetuates domestic gender-based violence ........... 20 

Vl 

Appendix II: Interview Guide ............................................................................... 70 

Appendix Ill: Introductory Letter ............................................................... 73 

Appendix IV: A map of Nebbi District showing area of the study ..................... 7 4 

Appendix V: Map of Uganda Locating Nebbi District.. .................................. 75