Olympic Star’s Life Cut Short: The Brutal Reality of Male Violence Against Women

The tragic death of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has cast a dark shadow over the world of sports and highlighted the persistent and horrifying issue of men’s violence against women. Cheptegei, a 33-year-old marathon runner, was doused in petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, during a disagreement over a land dispute. She suffered burns over more than 75 percent of her body. This heinous act not only ended the life of a promising athlete but again highlights the continued entitlement some men feel to commit such atrocities against women.

 

The disturbing attack comes amid rising outrage over the scourge of violence against women in Kenya, where, according to the Africa Data Hub (which tracks media reports on such incidents), at least 500 women and girls have been murdered since 2016.

 

Rebecca Cheptegei’s story is one of both triumph and tragedy. She recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 44th, and had set a personal best of 2:22:47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2022. Her athletic achievements were a source of pride for Uganda and an inspiration to many. However, her life was brutally cut short in an act of violence that has left her community and especially h er family devastated.

 

The horror of being set on fire is unimaginable. It is a form of violence that inflicts not only physical pain but also psychological trauma. The act of dousing someone in petrol and setting them alight is a deliberate and calculated attempt to cause maximum suffering. It is a method of violence that leaves no room for doubt about the perpetrator’s intent to inflict severe harm. For Cheptegei, the agony she endured in her final moments is of the extreme cruelty that human beings are capable of.

 

The entitlement that some men feel to commit such acts of violence against women is deeply rooted in societal norms and gender inequalities. In many cultures, women are still seen as subordinate to men, and violence is often used as a tool to assert control and dominance. This sense of entitlement is not only a personal failing but also a reflection of broader systemic issues that perpetuate gender-based violence.

 

The Ugandan Athletics Federation and Uganda’s Olympic Committee have both condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly and senseless act.” Their statements reflect a broader societal condemnation of violence against women, but words alone are not enough. There needs to be a concerted effort to address the root causes of such violence and to create a society where women can live free from fear.

 

The death of Rebecca Cheptegei is a tragic reminder of the work that still needs to be done to combat gender-based violence. It is a call to action for governments, organisations, and individuals to take a stand against the entitlement that some men feel to commit such horrors. This includes implementing and enforcing laws that protect women, providing support and resources for survivors of violence, and challenging the cultural norms that perpetuate gender inequality.

 

 

In memory of Rebecca Cheptegei, we must continue to fight for a world where women are safe from violence and can pursue their dreams without fear. Her legacy as an athlete and as a victim of a horrific crime should serve as a catalyst for change. We owe it to her and to all the women who have suffered similar fates to ensure that their stories are not forgotten and that their deaths are not in vain.

 

Rebecca Cheptegei’s life was one of promise and potential, cut short by an act of unimaginable cruelty. She leaves behind two daughters, age 9 and 11. As we mourn her loss, we must also commit to addressing the systemic issues that allow such violence to occur. Only then can we hope to create a world where women are truly equal and safe from harm.

 

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a significant issue in Uganda, affecting many women and girls across the country. Some key statistics that highlight the prevalence and impact of GBV in Uganda:

1. Prevalence of Violence Against Women:
   • According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016, 22.3% of ever-married women reported experiencing physical violence by their partner, 16.6% reported sexual violence, and 9.3% reported both physical and sexual violence.
   • Violence against teenagers aged 15-19 years is also alarmingly high, with 23.5% experiencing physical violence and 16.8% experiencing sexual violence.
2. Impact of COVID-19:
   • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated GBV in Uganda, particularly in rural areas. There was a reported 25% increase in teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, and early marriages during the pandemic.
3. Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM):
   • The 2016 UDHS reported that 49% of women aged 20-24 were married before the age of 18, highlighting the prevalence of child marriage.
   • Harmful practices such as FGM continue to be a significant issue, with efforts ongoing to address and eliminate these practices.
4. Legislative and Policy Changes:
   • The first-ever stand-alone National Survey on Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Uganda, conducted in 2020, has informed several pieces of legislation currently before Parliament. This survey was a collaborative effort by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and supported by UN Women’s Women Count programme.
5. Support and Resources:
   • Organisations like UNFPA and UNICEF are actively working to address GBV in Uganda by providing support and resources to survivors, advocating for policy changes, and raising awareness about the issue.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for continued efforts to combat GBV in Uganda and support services for survivors.

 

Women’s Aid – call 1800 341 900

An Garda Siochana – call 999 / 112

Rape Crisis Centre – call 1800 77 8888