Invisible Survivors: NGO-workers Reflections on Male and Female Survivors of Sexual Violence in Gulu, Northern Uganda

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to map out the NGO-practitioners reflections on male and female survivors of sexual gender based violence (SGBV), in violent “peace” post conflict Gulu, Northern Uganda. To better understand how the NGO-practitioners make sense of sexual violence, perceive its survivors and how they address the survivors’ needs. The empirical data is analysed through a gender lens, with a particular focus on masculinity and gender hierarchy. The survivors addressed are particularly those of intimate partner violence and male survivor. The study is conducted through an interview-based fieldwork.

The empirical findings show how a hegemonic form of masculinity does not only oppress women, but also men whom are not able to live up to the expected masculinity. The changing gender roles (chores and characteristics) and the consequences of war are factors that hinder men to accomplish the expected masculinity. To avoid being a degraded man, some men result to violence. The NGO-workers acknowledged the existence towards male survivors, even though they mainly speak about them in reference to boys. Their openness towards male survivors is varied. The NGO-practitioners target survivors and their community with a variety of means. The main challenge the NGO-workers face is the lack of financial backing, lack of a safe place, corruption and mistrust.

Key words: sexual violence, survivors, victims, masculinity, gender hierarchy, patriarchy, dominance, hegemony, NGO, Northern Uganda