The horrific death of Ugandan marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a petrol attack by her boyfriend in Eldoret, Kenya, has sparked widespread condemnation and reignited the conversation on the pervasive violation of women’s rights globally.
Mrs. Florence Mutyabule, Senior Presidential Advisor (SPA) on Poverty Alleviation in Busoga, has emphasized the need for concerted efforts to empower the boy child, from childhood to adulthood, to prevent violence against women.
She expressed concern that while girls are often well-educated and brought up with strong values, they are frequently let down by poorly raised boys who become perpetrators of violence.
“…we need to invest in our boys, teaching them positive values, respect, and empathy. We can not continue to empower girls while neglecting the boy child. It’s time to break the cycle of violence and create a safer future for all…”Mrs. Florence Mutyabule said.
Mrs. Mutyabule describes it as a heartbreaking reminder of the pervasive violence against women that plagues our global community. She says the tragedy is a loss to both the sports fraternity and motherhood as a whole.
In her condolence, she stresses the importance of empowering boys with positive values, self-awareness, and life skills to prevent them from becoming perpetrators of violence.
The SPA also expressed concern that the abandonment of sound Biblical principles is contributing to the escalating cases of domestic violence in Busoga, Uganda.
She emphasized that the erosion of moral values and disregard for Christian teachings have led to a breakdown in family structures and relationships, resulting in increased violence against women and girls.
Mrs. Mutyabule believes that the abandonment of Biblical values has led to a decline in moral standards, contributing to the rise in domestic violence.
She also points out that disregard for Christian teachings have resulted in the disintegration of family structures, leading to increased conflict and violence.
“…the abandonment of sound Biblical principles has led to a breakdown in family structures and relationships, resulting in increased violence against women and girls. We need to return to our Christian roots and emphasize the importance of moral values in our communities…”Mrs. Florence Mutyabule stressed.
She is now advocating for breaking the cycle of violence by addressing the root causes of behavioural problems in boys, such as lack of guidance, poverty, and exposure to violence.
“…while girls are given a series of guidance on ethical traditional norms and values like decency in dress and morality, the boys are free to return home late, get dozens of girlfriends, this must change…”, the former head teacher-cum politician appeals.
Mutyabule is also calling for mentorship programs and positive role models to inspire boys to become responsible, respectful, and empathetic individuals.
As a traditional mother, Mrs Mutyabule who is wife to George William Mutyabule the Speaker Busoga Lukiiko also emphasizes the need for community involvement in empowering boys, including parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community members.
Condemning Cheptegei’s death as devastating, she stated,”…this senseless act of violence is a loss not only to the sports fraternity but to motherhood as a whole. We must work together to address the root causes of violence against women and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable…”
Mrs. Florence Mutyabule has urged stakeholders in her native Busoga to step up efforts to sensitize the community on the dangers of domestic violence, especially on girls and women.
She urged parents to create wealth, blaming the death of the marathoner on poverty, which agitated the boyfriend to imagine he would own everything the girlfriend worked for.
“…I am bleeding at heart as I mourn this young daughter, mother who still had many years to continue contributing to humanity through wealth creation using her God-given talents…”, she mourned.
The situation in Busoga, Uganda, regarding violence against women and girls is alarming, with increasing cases of domestic violence, sexual violence, and other forms of abuse.
Rebecca Cheptegei’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the need to break the silence surrounding violence against women.
Mrs. Florence Mutyabule suggests some measures:
Support survivors and provide access to resources and services, hold perpetrators accountable for their actions, address the root causes of violence, including gender inequality and societal norms and educate and raise awareness about the devastating consequences of violence against women.
Mrs. Mutyabule says whereas Rebecca Cheptegei’s life was cut short in a senseless act of violence, but her memory will live on. We honour her legacy by continuing to fight against violence against women and working towards a world where women can live free from fear and violence.
What You Need to Know:
According to the latest statistics, violence against women is a pandemic that affects 1 in 3 women worldwide, resulting in an estimated 47,000 homicides annually (WHO, 2021).
In Africa, where Cheptegei met her tragic end, 45.6% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence (WHO, 2019).
In Uganda, where Cheptegei was a national hero, the situation is equally dire.
A 2020 report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) revealed that:
22.2% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence.
A Global Epidemic
Violence against women is a pandemic that transcends borders, cultures, and socio-economic boundaries.
It is estimated that:
1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence (WHO).
38% of murders of women are committed by intimate partners (UNODC).
71% of human trafficking victims are women and girls (ILO).
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