Childhood sexual violence remains one of the most serious challenges affecting the safety, dignity and well-being of children and young people. In response to this urgent issue, Wezesha Girls Network members joined Together Against Childhood Sexual Violence and partners in the Survivors Kyooto initiative campaign. The engagement was aimed to creating a safe and supportive environment where survivors, young people and community members openly learn, share experiences and access support services aimed at healing and prevention.
One of the key highlights of the engagement was the opportunity for survivors to share their lived experiences. Listening to survivors’ voices is an important step in raising awareness and strengthening support systems. Beyond listening sessions, open therapy clinics were organized for all participants and the response was overwhelming. The counselling spaces were fully utilized, demonstrating the urgent need for accessible mental health support for survivors of violence.
Through professional guidance, survivors can process trauma, rebuild confidence and regain a sense of safety and control over their lives. Participants were encouraged to identify and map community centres and NGOs that offer free counselling services, so that survivors can continue accessing support even after the event.
As technology continues to shape the lives of young people, online spaces can also expose them to new forms of abuse and exploitation. To address this growing concern, Dickson Bwambale delivered an engaging and informative session on online safety. During the session, participants learned how to identify online abuse, understand common digital threats and take practical steps to protect themselves in digital spaces. The discussion highlighted the importance of staying alert when interacting online and reporting suspicious or harmful behavior.
Another powerful moment during the engagement was the group creative session, where participants were invited to express their thoughts and feelings through poetry under the theme “Ending Childhood Sexual Violence.”. The poetry session allowed survivors and participants to transform their experiences, reflections and hopes into words. Through creative expression, many participants were able to share powerful messages about healing, courage and the importance of protecting children from abuse. This activity not only encouraged creativity but also created a sense of unity among participants as they shared their poems and reflected on what they had learned throughout the engagement.
Gloria Nabunya ED Together Against Childhood Sexual Violence emphasized that survivors should have access to clear information on prevention strategies and referral pathways, understanding where to report abuse, where to seek counselling and how to access legal and social support services is essential for survivors and their communities.
Survivors Kyooto engagement served as a reminder that addressing sexual violence requires collective action from organizations, communities, families and young people themselves and through safe spaces, counselling services, educational sessions and creative expression, the initiative strengthened awareness while supporting survivors on their journey toward healing.
Wezesha Girls Network Uganda remains committed to advocating for safe environments where children and young people are protected, heard and supported. By continuing to work with partners, communities and young leaders, the organization strives to ensure that every child grows up free from violence and abuse. Together we can raise awareness, strengthen support systems and take meaningful steps toward ending childhood sexual violence.
Compiled by
Ainomugisha Mercy
No comment