On December 5, 2024, IPA Uganda, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development, co-hosted its second evidence summit as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence global campaign. Based on the year's theme: "Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls," the summit offered a platform for reflection on the progress and wins in the fight against violence against women and girls. It also provided an opportunity for the stakeholders to challenge themselves to advance collaborations, build synergies, and leverage evidence-based approaches in addressing gender-based violence.  

In the summit, IPA presented evidence reviews and lessons from rigorous evidence on the most promising interventions to end violence against women and girls. One of the key highlights was a panel discussion featuring representatives from key organizations, including: Reach a Hand Uganda which uses edutainment to shift social norms on VAWG; Becoming One, one of IPA's most promising Best Bets; Bridge of Solidarity, an organization working with refugees; Uganda Police; and FIDA, which empowers women through legal aid and access to justice. The panel explored the barriers and strategies for implementing programs aimed at ending violence against women and girls, as well as the emerging threat of tech-facilitated gender-based violence. Emphasis was placed on the critical need for stakeholders to leverage evidence-based insights to strengthen interventions and address these evolving challenges.

A group photo of some of the participants attending the summit. © 2024 Joseph Kurama

Obed Kambasu, Policy Manager with IPA Uganda, sharing some of IPA's evidence reviews on ending violence against women and girls. © 2024 Joseph Kurama