Stigma is a barrier to reintegration. It is also a barrier to survivors’ ability to heal and move forward. In the news clip (above) on traveling exhibit's launch at the Uganda National Museum, Evelyn Amony explains that former abductees are impacted by stigma. On CBC’s Ismaila Alfa Amony explains that returnees experience stigma due to the belief that they joined the rebel ranks willingly rather than due to force. The experience of returning home can be difficult for survivors.

Returnees are often ushered into a “powerless victim” status or a “rebel fighter” status.  Neither of those labels fully reflect how they see themselves or understand their experiences. However, there is strength in storytelling. As Amony and Acan have explained, storytelling is an effective way to challenge false perceptions, heal from trauma, and to inform their communities about life in captivity. 

As Grace Acan writes, the Women’s Advocacy Network (WAN) was founded to address ongoing gendered issues that affect survivors. For example, “poor access to healthcare, economic hardship, social stigma, and exclusion” (Acan, 2020). Similarly, Acan writes, as many return to their communities, they “have to take care of the children they gave birth to in captivity without having the necessary means of livelihood” (Acan, 2020).

"We need to stop the abduction of girls and children." -Grace Acan to Carol Sanders, Winnipeg Free Press

News coverage on the event held at the Uganda National Museum focused on healing for “all the girls abducted by Lord Resistance Army rebels” and those who continue to experience the effects of war. Acan, Amony and their colleagues cultivate platforms to speak about their experiences and to advocate for the end of abduction and forced marriage and for justice and reparations.