Breaking the Cycle: Empowering Uganda’s Youth to Combat Gender-Based Violence

In Uganda, the statistics are staggering: 95% of women report experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, and GBV-related incidents caused at least 168 deaths in 2020. But violence is not inevitable—it is preventable.

Economic challenges, especially high youth unemployment, play a critical role in fuelling cycles of poverty and violence. In Uganda, where 400,000 young people compete for just 9,000 jobs each year, economic vulnerability often leaves women and marginalised groups at heightened risk of violence. At the same time, unemployment among men can lead to increased assertions of harmful masculinity, perpetuating violence against women and girls.

At GOAL, we know that tackling GBV requires addressing its root causes. That’s why, through our Markets for Youth: Young Africa Works programme in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, we are supporting young people across Uganda to find pathways to dignified and fulfilling work while fostering gender equity.

Transforming Lives, Tackling GBV

The Markets for Youth programme is a five-year initiative aiming to enable 300,000 rural young people—aged 16 to 35—to achieve economic empowerment and create better futures for themselves and their communities. By building equitable market systems, we ensure that young women and men have the tools they need to succeed and become agents of change.

We work with private sector partners, financial institutions, training providers, and technology innovators to create opportunities for young people to:

• Access financial services and products tailored to their needs.
• Build skills through practical, hands-on training.
• Connect with markets where they can sell their goods and services.
• Amplify their voices, creating space for youth-led solutions and advocacy.

Voices of Change from Karamoja

In commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, participants in Karamoja are sharing their stories of resilience and transformation. For many, the programme has been a lifeline, offering not just financial tools but also the confidence to challenge harmful norms.

Through skills training and entrepreneurship support, young women are gaining the independence to make decisions about their futures, while young men are embracing their role as allies in the fight against GBV. Together, they are creating safer, more inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.

Watch a video produced by Market for Youth participants in Karamajo:

A Brighter Future

Economic empowerment is a critical component in the pursuit of breaking the cycle of GBV. When young people, especially women, can earn a living and control their financial resources, they are better equipped to overcome challenges and lead safer, more dignified lives.

At GOAL, we believe in a future where no one is held back by inequality or violence. The Markets for Youth programme is just one way we are working to build a world of opportunity, inclusion, and resilience.

This 16 Days of Activism, we stand with young people in Uganda as they rise above economic and social barriers to create lasting change and work towards a world free of GBV. Today, over 261,000 Markets for Youth participants, 53% of whom are women, have secured dignified and fulfilling work. Learn more about the Markets for Youth programme.