Speaking Out Saves Lives: Community Champions Against Violence.

Monday, 2 March, 2026

Photo: Women companions against Gender Based Violence in the community. Credit: E-Pictures Media

Across nine districts in Eastern and Island Uganda, young women are raising their voices against silence. Wearing shirts that read “Experiencing Violence? Speak Out Now,” Heroes program champions are leading community dialogues, school sessions, and radio talk shows to challenge harmful norms and promote reporting of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

In districts such as Kalangala and Namayingo, where adolescent pregnancy and intimate partner violence remain high, these peer champions play a critical role in linking survivors to health facilities and psychosocial support.

“Before Heroes, many cases were hidden,” says a district community development officer. “Now survivors know there is a system that will protect them.”

Photo: Working through existing structures village health teams reach out to women at house hold level ensuring the get the basic health care information at all times. Credit: Epictures media

Through trained Village Health Teams (VHTs), legal aid partners, and strengthened health facilities, survivors receive integrated SRHR services-post-violence care, emergency contraception, HIV testing, and counselling.

“We are not just responding to violence; we are preventing it. Social justice means shifting power back to women and girls.” Heroes Field coordinator

Photo: Heroes Project Coordinator listening to a young member of the skilling club during a meeting within the community. Credit: E-Pictures Media

The program also engages men and boys as allies, addressing root causes such as harmful masculinity and economic stress. The impact is visible: increased reporting rates, improved referral response time, and stronger community accountability mechanisms.

*Sharing and learning together has made these young women determined to beat the odds.*

International Women’s Day 2026 calls for investment in social justice. In these districts, that investment means training grassroots champions, strengthening local systems, and ensuring every girl knows her rights. Because speaking out is not just courage, it is protection.

Photo credits: E-Pictures Media

By Communications at Amref Uganda