Fighting Against Gender-Based Violence
The Problem
Right now, there are tens of thousands of women and children being trafficked across Uganda. As both a source and destination country for human trafficking, the victims range from infants to adults. Many endure domestic abuse and oppression with little hope or refuge, perpetuating cycles of violence for generations. For generations, this violence has continued. Worsened by past governmental corruption, the fight to eradicate such injustices has stagnated… until now.
Our Mission
In partnership with the Ugandan government, Okoa Refuge’s Gender-Based Violence shelters are working to eradicate human trafficking and gender-based violence in our lifetime. What began as one shelter in Masaka has expanded to five shelters serving thousands every year. Through strategic partnerships with churches and organizations all around the world, we are able to equip local lawyers, law enforcement, social workers, and special military forces to carry out investigations, rescues, and prosecutions. Our goal: to establish a GBV Center in all 130 districts of Uganda. Join us in putting an end to trafficking and gender-based violence.
Our Method
We partner with police and state attorneys’ offices to investigate and prosecute trafficking and violence cases. Holistic care for survivors is delivered through coordinated support from our GBV Centers, House of Joy hospital, Tebow Okoa Philippi (TOP) campuses, and Child Rescue Center. Social workers provide ongoing counseling and facilitate community mediation to resolve disputes and raise awareness.
How Do We Do All Of This Effectively?
- We use holistic and individualized care plans for every survivor.
- We take a survivor-first approach to healing.
- We understand that healing must occur on many levels: emotional, mental, physical and spiritual.
- We encourage mediation and family reunification.
- We fight for justice within the courts when necessary.
- We don’t back away from difficult cases or cower to corrupt officials.
- We stand for what’s right, no matter what.
What makes Okoa unique?
Our Presence
Okoa Refuge is the only NGO in Uganda with nationwide operational approval to carry out research, reconnaissance, operations, and arrests in the area of anti-trafficking and gender-based violence. This is due to our ability to build strong partnerships and attain impressive results. We have a seasoned and strong relationship with the Ugandan government.
Our Partners
From the moment we get brought in on a case (and oftentimes before), we have an expert partner involved. Through our partnership with the Sentinel Foundation, we can carry out anti-trafficking operations on a large scale. At our TOP campuses in partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation, we are able to provide long-term survivor care to those rescued.
Our Processes
Our success has not been accidental. We have invested heavily into creating SOPs and manuals which contribute to the fast and effective replication of our GBV centers, ensuring our impact is measured and maximized. We are laser-focused on creating the framework to achieve our goal of eradicating human trafficking and gender-based violence in Uganda in our lifetime.
The Need
Operating a Gender-Based Violence shelter requires $6,250 monthly to cover staffing, legal counsel, court costs, community outreach, investigations, arrests, and covert operations.
Scaling this vital work to all districts requires $75,000 per new center. Uganda’s 130 districts urgently need expanded GBV services. Your support rescues thousands and ends cycles of trafficking and violence across Uganda and beyond.
When you become an Okoa Refuge Sentry, you boldly proclaim, “Not on Our Watch.” Are you ready to fight with us?
Fight Against Gender Based Violence