Iteso Cultural Leaders Launch New Guidelines to Combat Gender-Based Violence

Hundreds of Iteso cultural leaders from both Uganda and Kenya have initiated the rollout of the Iteso Family and Gender Relations Guidelines. This new cultural framework aims to foster healthier family dynamics and confront practices that fuel gender-based violence.

Supported by the International Justice Mission (IJM), these guidelines are designed to equip the Iteso Cultural Union with tools to address detrimental cultural norms that infringe upon the rights of women and children.

The guidelines were officially presented in Tororo during a significant gathering of cultural leaders from the two neighboring countries. During the event, lawyer Valentine Itebu challenged the efficacy and human dignity aspects of traditional punishments for offenses like incest, advocating instead for the referral of such cases to the formal justice system.

This initiative arrives amidst growing concerns regarding the handling of violence against women and children within the Teso region. Reports indicate that only a small fraction of such cases are brought before the formal justice system, with many being managed through local and traditional methods.

Emmanuel Emwamu, Advocacy and Community Engagement Manager at IJM, highlighted the alarming low reporting rate of violence cases to justice institutions. He noted that for every ten incidents, only one is reported to the criminal justice system, emphasizing the urgent need for change. Emwamu stressed the crucial role the cultural institution plays in guiding communities toward seeking formal justice, rather than solely relying on traditional mechanisms that might perpetuate harm.

Following the guidelines’ dissemination, cultural leaders are expected to actively denounce harmful traditions that contribute to violence and undermine the rights of women and children. Andrew Ochole, Prime Minister of the Iteso Cultural Union, deemed the guidelines exceptionally timely, citing current challenges in family management, including failed marriages and single parenthood, often linked to the neglect of cultural norms.

The guidelines document outlines traditional Iteso family practices and values, detailing the responsibilities of parents, families, and clan leaders in managing family matters and resolving disputes. The cultural institution now urges all Iteso community members to adopt these guidelines as a cornerstone for restoring family values and rejecting human rights-violating practices, ensuring that serious cases are directed to the formal justice system.

Source: Nile Post