Rural Smiles Foundation is proud to join the global community in marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign that runs annually from 25 November to 10 December. This year, we stand in solidarity with survivors, human rights defenders, women’s rights movements, and communities across Uganda and the world to demand an end to all forms of violence against women and girls.

For us, the 16 Days of Activism is not simply a campaign it is a reaffirmation of the work we do every day. Across Kibaale District and the Greater Kibaale region, gender-based violence continues to undermine the safety, dignity, and well-being of women and girls. Rural women, widows, adolescent girls, women with disabilities bear the greatest burden of violence and discrimination, yet often have the least access to justice, support, and protection.

Our Commitment and Ongoing Work

Through our Integrated Community Health and Rights Program (ICHARP) and our expanding GBV response initiatives, Rural Smiles Foundation continues to deliver life-changing support to women and girls in rural communities. Our work includes:

• Psychosocial support and trauma healing for survivors of GBV
• Community education and outreach on prevention, rights, and early reporting
• Support for human rights defenders who face increasing threats while advocating for widows’ land rights, minority rights, and women’s safety
• Medical support and referrals through partnerships with health facilities
• Economic empowerment interventions to rebuild the lives of survivors
• Digital advocacy and safety campaigns protecting defenders and elevating women’s voices online and offline

In 2026, we will deepen this work through major initiatives such as the Healing and Empowerment for GBV Survivors project and continued advocacy under the inclusive participatory projects.

A Call for Collective Action

Ending gender-based violence is possible but only if communities, government actors, civil society, and development partners work together. During these 16 days, we call upon:

• Local leaders to champion safe communities and enforce protection mechanisms
• Health workers and educators to support survivors without stigma
• Men and boys to stand as allies in challenging harmful norms
• Law enforcement to uphold justice without intimidation or discrimination
• Development partners and donors to support rural-based GBV programming that remains grossly underfunded

Women and girls in rural Uganda deserve safety, respect, and opportunities to thrive. We must not stop until every woman lives free from violence.

We envision an inclusive, healthy, and safe society where all individuals regardless of gender, identity, or background can live without fear. The 16 Days of Activism strengthen our resolve to build communities where women’s rights are protected, minority voices are heard, and justice is accessible to all.

As we join the world in “Orange the World,” we reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality, empowering rural women, and defending civic space for all.

Together, we can end gender-based violence.
Together, we can build safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.