22nd May, 2025
Kyenjojo, Uganda
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On 21st May 2025, teachers from project-implementing schools in Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa convened at Tropical Gardens, Kyenjojo, for a capacity-building workshop under the Simameni Project, focused on the prevention of School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV). The session was convened with support from Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, and organized by UNATU in partnership with district stakeholders.
In attendance was the Education Officer of Kyegegwa District, UNATU’s Gender and Programme Officers, regional leadership, branch chairpersons from Kyenjojo, and Kyegegwa, and teachers from the above mentioned districts.
Opening the session, Mr. Mugyenyi David, the UNATU Regional Chairperson for Western Uganda, urged participants to embrace the spirit of collaboration and unity. He reiterated the project’s inclusive vision: “When you empower the girl without the boy, the girls will lose empowerment,” emphasizing the need to uplift all learners. He also encouraged teachers not yet on payroll to join the union and actively engage with its initiatives.
Clarifying the purpose of the workshop, the Simameni Programme Officer for Western Uganda stated that the goal was to strengthen the capacity of school management structures — including Boards of Governors, PTAs, and education committees — to understand, prevent, and respond to gender-based violence in schools. The training aimed to:
•Deepen understanding of SRGBV and its impact on education,
•Build capacity to support community and school-level policies on GBV,
•Equip participants to create safer, gender-responsive school environments.
In a compelling and participatory session, UNATU Gender Officer Ms. Joan Aja guided participants through the essential elements of a Gender-Responsive Learning Environment (GRLE). Opening with an interactive activity, she invited teachers to reflect on the realities of their school settings—from overcrowded classrooms to long distances students walk to school—encouraging them to identify areas where inclusivity and safety could be strengthened. Ms. Aja emphasized that a truly gender-responsive environment is one where learners feel “safe, respected, and cared for,” regardless of gender or background. She highlighted the importance of physical infrastructure such as fences, ramps for disabled learners, sanitary facilities, and handwashing stations, while also drawing attention to the broader school climate—values, norms, and expectations that shape emotional and psychological safety. Through group work and reflective discussions, participants explored their own school practices using a gender-responsive checklist and were introduced to Gender-Responsive Pedagogy (GRP), which prioritizes lesson planning, classroom interaction, and inclusive content delivery. “Teachers must know the children’s rights, understand policy, and be deliberate about addressing bias and discrimination,” she stressed. Her session concluded with a strong call to action: that every stakeholder—teachers, parents, students, and community members—has a role in creating a supportive, gender-sensitive school environment that not only improves learning but also nurtures life skills and dignity in every child.
In a powerful and detailed presentation, Ms. Ampaire Grace from Kyegegwa District Local Government unpacked the complex realities of School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV), drawing attention to the silent forms of violence that often go unnoticed in and around educational institutions. She defined SRGBV as “any form of violence based on gender roles and relationships that takes place in, on the way to, or around the school environment,” highlighting acts such as bullying, corporal punishment, sexual harassment, and exploitation. Through vivid examples and a scenario involving the abuse of power by a school head teacher, Ms. Ampaire guided participants in critically examining harmful school traditions that may perpetuate abuse. Participants engaged in group work and discussions, reflecting on how to identify and respond to such cases, including how to build students’ confidence to report violations. She emphasized the importance of establishing zero-tolerance policies, creating confidential reporting stations, and ensuring that anti-sexual harassment guidelines are known and enforced by all school stakeholders. Teachers were also trained to conduct safe, follow-up conversations with learners, provide psychosocial support, and ensure that referral pathways—including the national child helpline (116)—are well understood and accessible. Her presentation concluded with a clear message: “Sexual violence is criminal and must not be compromised.”
In his closing remarks, the District Inspector of Schools for Kyenjojo applauded the workshop’s purpose and commended the role of teachers in shaping the next generation. He highlighted the need to modernize outdated messaging in school compounds to better reflect today’s realities and values. Urging educators to serve as role models, he reminded them that their actions carry weight both in school and in the broader community. “Teachers must walk their talk,” he stated, encouraging them to lead by example and champion learners’ rights. He also praised UNATU’s ongoing efforts, describing the union as a key player in advancing education and protecting the welfare of teachers. In his final appeal, he called for unity and perseverance in sensitizing communities on student safety and dignity, noting that positive change begins with small but consistent actions.
Delivering his remarks as the chief guest, UNATU’s General Secretary Mr. Baguma Filbert Bates echoed the theme of solidarity and professionalism. He thanked the participants for their time and commitment to the Simameni workshop and encouraged them to become ambassadors of unity and defenders of teacher and learner rights. Citing Article 40(4) of the Ugandan Constitution, he reminded teachers of their legal entitlements, including 60 working days of maternity leave, 7 days of paternity leave, and the right to sick leave, urging them to read and understand the laws governing their profession. Mr. Baguma addressed the ongoing challenges of teacher shortages and discrimination, calling for collective vigilance and resilience: “Do not dance to the tunes of discrimination,” he warned. He emphasized that UNATU represents all educators—across Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and BTVET levels—and reaffirmed the union’s non-involvement in recent industrial action by another group, the Uganda Professional Humanities Union. In closing, he encouraged teachers to find joy in their profession while remaining agents of change and guardians against fraud, boldly stating: “Regardless of your class or subject, demand what is due to you as a teacher.”
