1. “Reclaiming lost manhood; the use of violence by male survivors of rape in post-conflict situation” 2 nd MenEngage Global Symposium Habitat World, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi - 2014 Onen David Ongwech Refugee Law Project Uganda

2. Presentation Outline 1.The experience; common forms of svm during conflict 2.How sv attacks survivors sense of sexuality, gender & masculinity 3.Violence triggers 4.Regaining lost masculinities, unveiling violence to claim space 5.What do we do moving forward?

3. The experience; common forms of svm during conflict Forced oral anal virginal (sex/rape with relatives, friends, combatants & detainees including the use of objects)

4. tying of genitalia and sometimes pulled by ropes electric wires attached to the genitalia forced genital mutilation (circumcision & castration) being forced to masturbate until ejaculation being forced to witness acts of sexual violence being forced to sit on hot, boiling water or fire being used as a mattress during acts of rape The experience cont’d

5. How does experiences of sexual violence attack survivors’ sense of sexuality, gender & masculinity?

6. How sv attacks survivors sense of sexuality, gender & masculinity Sexuality turned into a woman (feminization) distorts sense of sexual orientation (I think I should be a homosexual - how did I gain an erection?) attacks sexual life (I cannot marry and have children anymore) sexual function (temporary & permanent impotence) –leading to adultery, separation and divorce)

7. household leadership “cannot command respect in their homes” How sv attacks gender roles, responsibilities & masculinity social responsibilities and expectations “Inferior and weak man” no longer head of households because of shift of financial muscles to the wife economic deprivation due to ill health (unable to fend for the family) inability to protect wife & children - trans- generational shame - community shame on family members community and social responsibility “loss of community respect” (no leadership role and often referenced)

8. Violence triggers homophobic host community language barriers difficulties access services use of interpreters breaches confidentiality discriminative legislations criminalization of same sex relationship unfair gendered definition of rape and indecent assault cultural norms and taboo surrounding the rape of men structural gaps education and training biasness on the concept of male rape limited medical and psychosocial support services refugee politics–ethnicity & functional complaints livelihood challenges unemployment poverty The Uganda Penal Code (UPC) does not recognize male rape as a crime. It excludes men right at definition. Rape is defined by UPC § 123 as: Any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, without her consent, or with her consent, if the consent is obtained by force or by means of threats or intimidation of any kind or by fear of bodily harm, or by means of false representations as to the nature of the act, or in the case of a married woman, by personating her husband, commits the felony termed rape.

9. Regaining lost masculinities, unveiling violence to claim space disrespect for authority and resorting to unlawful acts functional complaints to service providers turning to drug and alcohol abuse (with all its cons) economic violence by selling household stuff anger & physical abuse of spouse, children and those within their care

10. What do we do moving forward? Address violence triggers discussed above Address physical & psychological needs Provide safe spaces for men to speak & report cases First Things First

11. Encourage formation of organized groups to provide peer support Involving men and boys in structural and policy changes Encourage dialogues between female and male movements Re-think work with younger and older generation to challenge ‘unhealthy’ societal practices Strengthen Local Movement Regional and International Partnership: Facilitate exchange visits; regionally and internationally to share best practices

12. Thank you for listening Onen David Ongwech SGBV Hotline: +256776897057 Email: gender@refugeelawproject.orggender@refugeelawproject.org Website: www.refugeelawproject.orgwww.refugeelawproject.org