KAMPALA, Uganda— A new study (https://link.camscanner.com/78C6NAd3Ev) released by the Association for Rehabilitation and Reorientation of Women for Development (TERREWODE) and Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital (TWCH) reveals alarming rates of gender-based violence (GBV) among women seeking treatment for obstetric fistula and other childbirth-related injuries.
The retrospective review of 360 medical records from 2019 to 2022 found that 70% of women experienced GBV. Among them, 77.4% of women with obstetric fistula and 59.7% of those with other childbirth-related injuries reported experiencing GBV.
“GBV is a major driver of poor maternal and reproductive health outcomes in Uganda,” said Alice Emasu Seruyange, Executive Director of TERREWODE. “We are calling on the government, healthcare providers, and communities to take action to address GBV and ensure that women and girls have access to quality, survivor-centered care.”
The study highlights the need for increased investment in legal protections, accountability mechanisms, and healthcare services that address GBV.
“Every woman and girl deserves dignity, safety, and access to quality care,” Seruyange added. “We must work together to break the silence around GBV and ensure that women’s rights are protected and enforced.”
Key Findings:
70% of women seeking treatment for obstetric fistula and other childbirth-related injuries experienced GBV, 77.4% of women with obstetric fistula experienced GBV, 59.7% of women with other childbirth-related injuries experienced GBV, Emotional abuse was the most common form of GBV (88.1%), Economic and sexual abuse were also prevalent (61.1% each)
Calls to Action:
Government of Uganda: Ensure enforcement of the Domestic Violence Act and Gender Policy within maternal health and SRHR services
Ministry of Health: Implement routine GBV screening across all RMNCAH services and hold healthcare facilities accountable
Healthcare Providers: Deliver trauma-informed, survivor-centered care while respecting autonomy and confidentiality
Parliamentarians and Policymakers: Support legislation and allocate resources to strengthen accountability, integrate GBV into maternal health, and empower women and girls
