“As it is used in biology, sex uses the nature of one’s sexual organ as it is assigned either to be female or to be male. One rarely changes their sex, as in one rarely changes the form of one’s sexual organ. And so, unlike the substance of gender, world over, the substance of sex is often considered fixed and unchanging – a female has a vagina; and a male has a penis.

Gender, however, unlike sex, is as diverse as there are cultures in the world. It often changes from one society to another; driven by different myths – traditions and beliefs that one holds. That which is considered feminine in Uganda, may differ from that which is considered feminine in Ghana; or in the United Kingdom”

With examples from the media in Uganda, “Gender Issues: Gender-Based Violence Thrives on Myths,” contains a detailed description of gender-based violence in Uganda, in the domestic realm and in the public realm.

It describes how gender-based violence is nurtured by myths; and how negative beliefs and practices have been normalized and are normalizing gender-based violence. Such beliefs and practices as:

• Wife beating
• Subservient submission of married women to their husbands
• Blaming of school going girl children who fall pregnant

The ePDF of Gender Issues: Gender-Based Violence Thrives on Myths is available to download free of charge through this link.

Cover Photo Credit: Ateker Cultural Center Karamoja