Enduring violence, seeking strength: a woman’s voice from Uganda

A 37-year-old refugee woman in Rhino Camp shares her experience of enduring years of physical, emotional, and economic abuse within her marriage, while raising 12 children with little support.

Despite these challenges, the Women and Girls Safe Space in Omugo II has become a vital source of emotional support and hope.

This is her story:

"I am a 37-year-old Kakwa woman, a South Sudanese refugee living in the Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement in West Nile, Uganda. I have been here since 2017, when I had to flee with my husband and children because of the war in South Sudan.

Life has never been the same since I left my parents’ home for marriage at the age of 16 in 2005. I have endured repeated physical, emotional, and economic violence in my marriage.

My husband has denied me peace in my own home. I give birth almost every year, as he does not allow me to rest. I conceive immediately after giving birth because of his demands, and when I hesitate, he beats me and abuses me with harsh words.

I have endured violence and hardship for many years, raising 12 children with little support. The safe space gives me hope and emotional strength, but we still need consistent support, skills training, and basic services like water and sanitary materials to truly rebuild our lives.

I currently have 12 children, with the youngest only one year old, and I still fear having more due to my age. I have tried to seek help through relatives, but this has not worked because I was married traditionally. I am also uneducated, and it hurts me deeply that my children are unable to attend school because my husband does not provide for their education or basic needs.

Coming to the Women and Girls’ Safe Space is not always easy for many of us. Some women are not allowed by their husbands to attend, while others, like me, are overwhelmed with domestic responsibilities. Fetching water alone takes a lot of time, in addition to cooking and washing. Sometimes, women and girls also feel discouraged from coming because of the limited activities and vocational skills offered at the space.

In our community, women and girls continue to face significant risks, including rape while collecting firewood, physical violence at home, and emotional suffering. Fear of reporting cases remains high due to cultural barriers, and some married women are unable to access services at all because they are restricted by men. 

Men also need to be engaged and supported to understand the importance of respecting women, sharing responsibilities, and making decisions together as partners. When men are not involved, they continue to misunderstand the purpose of the safe space and may even become more resistant."