Women Fighting Back Sexual & Domestic Abuse In Uganda
Hajara Mukyala’s with two children of her children. Hajara is a sex worker and violence survivor. She was raped when she was 14 and became pregnant and was infected by HIV from the rape. She had no choice but turn to prostitution to give her children an education. Hajara suffered horrific violence from her customers. She joined Tusitukirewamu Women’s Group in Bwaise to help other women.
Photographer Claudia Janke is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this social documentary photography. From her project ‘Women Rising – Uganda‘. To see Claudia’s stories and portraits click on any image.
Rose Kabasinjuzi (23) Bwaise, Kampala. Rose has a daughter called Diana. Rose turned to sex work to give Diana an education. She has been on the receiving end of brutal violence against her many times. She is a beneficiary and campaigner for Tusitukirewamu Women’s Group in Bwaise
Tusitukirewamu Women’s Group gathering in Bwaise, Kampala
Susan, 16, at the “Women Won’t Wait center” in Mubende, Uganda. After experiencing rape and violence by her father from age 11, Susan fled her home and found shelter in one of the few safe houses in the area. She tried to get her father arrested but didn’t have the money for the petrol for the police car.
Uganda’s track record in addressing violence against women is still far from satisfactory. Women feel too unsafe to go to the police and continuously are let down by the justice system. The women in these images are survivors of sexual and domestic abuse. They are campaigners for change and a better position for women in Uganda. Each and everyone of them standing for survival, resilience, strength, determination and a lot of guts.
Sara, was raped by her uncle at 8 years old. She was outcast for catching a disease as a result of that rape. She received help from Makerere Women’s Development Association (MAWEDA), Kampala. She now is a campaigner herself.
Bwaise, Kampala.
A local boy is listening to a meeting of the Makerere Women’s Development Association (MAWEDA), Kampala.
Educational posters at “Women Won’t Wait” center in Mubende
Isabella, 24 has suffered severe violence and rape form her husband. He also infected her with HIV. After years of trauma she managed to leave her husband and set up on her own with the help of the Women Wont Wait group, Mubende.
Streetscene in Mubende where the “Women Won’t Wait” center is based.
