UN Women Representative, Ms Evelyn Letiya, has called upon police officers to exhibit empathy when dealing with cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). In a workshop marking the end of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV, Ms Letiya stressed the importance of reporting GBV incidents and refraining from victim-blaming.
The workshop, held at Hilton Garden Inn under the theme “Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Men,” aimed to promote awareness and prevention of GBV. Ms Letiya emphasized that empathy is crucial in encouraging victims to seek justice without fear of being stigmatized or ashamed.
“We need empathy when we have those kinds of cases; we don’t want our people to shun away from us in fear of being ashamed,” she noted.
During the workshop, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj Gen. Katsigazi Tumusiime, highlighted the increasing incidence of GBV and called for increased vigilance. Stressing the significance of trust and respect among police officers, Maj Gen. Katsigazi urged them to promptly report any cases of sexual harassment.
The Head of Women Affairs, ACP Caroline Akoth, expressed her appreciation for the efforts of UN Women and the police management in enhancing gender policies and combating GBV.
The workshop served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between UN Women, the police, and organizations dedicated to addressing GBV. By emphasizing empathy and the importance of reporting, the aim is to foster a more supportive environment for survivors and enable the effective handling of GBV cases by law enforcement.
