As the nation commemorates the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Girls Not Brides Uganda (GNBU), a coalition of 144 organizations in Uganda, has called on the government to fulfill its commitment to defend the rights of girls.

GNBU’s new co-chair, Joyce Nakato, stated that it is critical to return to the round table and address all of the issues affecting girls. She further stated that the difficulties faced by women and girls are increasing daily, although there are laws that prohibit this.

Among the issues cited were domestic abuse in households, early pregnancy, rape of girls, and the absence of sanitary pads for the girls.

“This year’s theme is to ensure that all girls, like boys, have equal access to education; the girl child should be able to continue her education even after giving birth,” Nakato said.

Filbert Baguma Bates, General Secretary of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), stated that discussing girls does not imply that boys have been left behind. However, the girl’s child faces a number of challenges and temptations in school and society.

Hon. Joseph Ssewungu alleged that the NRM government committed to providing girls with sanitary pads in its manifesto platform, but it has been ten years, and the government has not kept its promise.

The 144 organizations documented success stories of girls who were given a second chance at education after giving birth.