Canada : Violence Against Women International Conference on Women and Culture Is This Friday
Violence against women is a deeply rooted issue that extends far beyond the realm of physical harm. The broader scope of violence encompasses not only physical abuse but also sexual, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. Understanding this spectrum of violence is critical for fostering an inclusive approach to protecting women. The upcoming VAW International Conference on Women and Culture, now rescheduled as a one-day event on September 13, 2024, will address these multifaceted forms of violence and how they intersect with cultural and social norms across the globe.
The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women primarily focuses on two major types of abuse: domestic and family violence, and sexual assault. These forms of violence often coexist with other kinds of harm that may be invisible but are no less damaging. For instance, emotional manipulation and financial control can be insidious forms of violence that trap women in abusive situations without any physical contact being involved.
This conference aims to delve into such topics by bringing together scholars, advocates, and leaders from various fields to explore how violence against women has been defined historically and in modern contexts. Additionally, discussions will consider how culture shapes and perpetuates gender roles that leave women vulnerable to abuse.
Participants will engage in multidisciplinary sessions that cover:
The social norms that influence women’s roles in cultural settings.
The historical evolution of violence against women (VAW) and its modern interpretations.
Women’s experiences across different societies and their strategies for overcoming these challenges.
The interplay between women’s social identities and the types of violence they may face, particularly in settings where culture, tradition, and social expectations are deeply entrenched.
The VAW International Conference will provide a platform to share insights on both the progress made and the obstacles still facing women globally. Although the event was originally slated for two days, unforeseen logistical challenges have prompted organizers to condense the conference into a single day. Despite this adjustment, the conference promises to offer a valuable and impactful experience.
To be held at the White Shield Banquet Hall, 2300 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, the conference will start promptly at 9:00 AM and will include keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops. Details of the revised agenda will be shared with participants soon.
The executive director of VAW International, Elizabeth, has expressed the organization’s commitment to delivering a high-quality event despite the changes. The rescheduling was a necessary step to ensure smooth execution, but the essence of the event—to elevate global conversations about violence against women and its far-reaching impact—remains unchanged.
For more information, attendees can visit the official website www.vawinternational.org or reach out via email at [email protected].
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This event underscores the importance of global solidarity in the fight against violence in all its forms and reminds us that addressing violence against women requires more than focusing on physical harm—it calls for understanding the full spectrum of abuses women face in everyday life.
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Canada : Violence Against Women International Conference on Women and Culture Is This Friday
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum