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SASA! Community Mobilization to Prevent Violence Against Women (Uganda)

Uganda, Africa

SASA! (Stimulating Activism, Supporting Action!) is an evidence-based community mobilization program developed by Raising Voices in Uganda to prevent gender-based violence and reduce HIV risk. The program operates through four phases—Start, Awareness, Support, Action—using the transtheoretical model of change. A cluster-randomized controlled trial (2007-2012) found women in intervention communities were 52% less likely to experience physical intimate partner violence. Other outcomes: reduced social acceptance of IPV among men and women; increased joint decision-making; men more likely to participate in household tasks; increased HIV-protective behaviors including condom use. The program has been adapted in 30+ countries by 75+ organizations. SASA! Together (2020) is an updated version incorporating a decade of learning.

Behavior Goal

Transform gender-inequitable norms and power imbalances; reduce intimate partner violence perpetration and experience; increase community support for violence survivors; promote HIV-protective behaviors

Methods & Approaches

Community Mobilization

Implementers & Partners

  • Raising Voices
  • Centre for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP)

Donors & Sponsors

  • UK DFID
  • Multiple donors

Key Takeaways

  • 1Four-phase model (Start, Awareness, Support, Action) creates sustained behavior change
  • 2Community activists work voluntarily within social networks - scalable diffusion
  • 3Gender-power analysis addresses root causes, not just symptoms
  • 452% reduction in physical IPV demonstrates population-level impact
  • 5"Benefits-based activism" emphasizes positive outcomes of non-violence

Sources

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