Women, Girls, Men and Boys Rise Up
The Rise Up program was co-created with Sunrise staff, concerned community members and local council to address issues of gender based violence and inequality, while enhancing self esteem, integrity, cultural literacy and leadership skills. We believe women and teens need a safe space where they can raise their voices and test out ideas about who they are and what they want to be.
Sunrise understands how difficult it is challenge harmful gender norms. Women and girls can lead change, but they can’t do it alone. They need allies. Everyone – governments, leaders and very importantly men and boys – need to understand what constitutes gender discrimination, their role in it and how they can eliminate it.
The vast majority of men do not use violence and care deeply about the wellbeing of their mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, partners and friends. However, few men view gender based violence as ‘their’ issue. It is often characterized as a ‘women’s issue’, yet since the majority of perpetrators of relationship and sexual violence are males, the problem is equally a ‘men’s issue’ and we are addressing it inclusively.
Sunrise Centre has joined with Girl Up Uganda to train our teachers, midwives, nurses, community health workers and members of our local advisory board to act as “change makers” and deliver 3 day empowerment workshops to women, girls and adolescent boys. Workshops teach important lessons in
Communication
Sexual and Reproductive Health
Understanding Gender
Gender Values Clarification
Safety and Protection
Violence Against Women and Girls – Causes and Effects
Empowerment as an Asset
In addition to empowerment workshops Sunrise is joining hands with council members, police and local stakeholders to establish Community Monitoring Committees to report, respond and follow up on cases of abuse and support victims of violence. We are also collaborating with men through our Village Fathers program to encourage husbands to be supportive of their pregnant partners, promote paternal bonding and strengthen families. Together we are creating a strong circle of change makers who will collectively ensure our communities are equitable place for all people to live self determined lives.
