Using community dramas to drive change in land rights and GBV awareness

Community drama has proven to be a powerful tool for learnig and advocacy. In Madi Opei Sub-County (Lamwo District) and Koch Goma Sub-County (Nwoya District), UWONET facilitated community dialogues to explore the intersection between land rights, gender-based violence (GBV), and economic empowerment.

Locally performed dramas were central to these dialogues, vividly portraying real-life challenges and solutions. These performances emphasized the critical role informal justice actors play in preventing and resolving GBV and land-related disputes. They showcased how community-led, cost-effective approaches contribute to justice and the empowerment of women.

The dramas highlighted how denying women access to land directly contributes to GBV. As primary providers of food in many households, women’s inability to access land leads to food insecurity, economic strain, and increased domestic tension. In contrast, when women have secure land rights, families experience improved nutrition, greater food security, and reduced economic hardship—fostering peace and harmony. The plays also addressed the destructive impact of alcohol abuse, which often results in poor financial decisions and entrenched poverty. By spotlighting these issues, the dramas sparked critical conversations within the communities. Importantly, the dialogues served as accountability platforms where informal justice actors reaffirmed their commitment to resolving land and GBV disputes through mediation. Their accessibility and trust within communities make them key agents in promoting peace.

With growing momentum, these community dramas are set to expand to other sub-counties, continuing to raise awareness about land rights, gender equality, and the importance of community-led solutions/interventions.