Elders in the Karamoja sub-region under their umbrella body code named Karamoja Elders Association have criticised the practice of courtship rape, a silent monster shattering the future of young girls.
Courtship rape is a cultural norm in which young men use coercion or force to have sexual relations with girls as a commitment for marriage.
The practice which perpetuates violence and undermines the rights and dignity of women and girls, has persisted for decades especially in rural communities.
In order to stamp out the vice, the elders, who are the custodians of traditional norms, have joined government and civil society to promote alternative, respectful ways of courtship among young people as reported by URN.
Paul Abul, the General Secretary of the Karamoja Elders Association, was quoted by URN as saying “They are working to eliminate harmful cultural practices, including courtship rape, which young men often use to force girls into marriage”.
He highlighted that courtship rape is a contributing factor to forced marriages, teenage pregnancies and early marriages, particularly in rural communities where traditional practices remain deeply entrenched.
Abul recalled an incident in Moroto where a man testified before the High Court that he had a “right” to rape his girlfriend because they were preparing to marry, calling it a shocking reflection of entrenched norms.
According to Abul, courtship rape is fueling forced and early marriages, particularly in rural communities where traditional practices remain deeply entrenched.
He highlighted the need for elders must stand firm against such practices because they degrade women’s dignity.
“The law should take its course, and perpetrators of rape, forced marriages, and early marriages must be punished without interference from cultural leaders,” Abul argued.
URN
ALSO READ
https://radioetoil.com/elected-leaders-shun-meeting-of-elders-council-on-elections/
Listen to us online via: https://www.radiocomnetu.org/etoilakaramoja
For Advertisement and News call or send SMS to 0787551001 or WhatsApp +256-787-289-992/+256-775-907-140 or email: eetoilnewsdesk@gmail.com/vokradio22@gmail.com
