On 12 July 2024, Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) from across Uganda convened for a crucial virtual meeting aimed at strengthening solidarity, addressing challenges, and enhancing strategies for the protection of WHRDs. Despite an invitation to 22 participants, 14 WHRDs actively engaged in the session, sharing updates, exchanging best practices, and setting action points for future collaboration.
Highlights of the Meeting
1. Updates from WHRDs
Participants shared inspiring stories of resilience and impact. WHRDs reported on interventions such as supporting survivors of gender-based violence, rescuing teenage girls from forced marriage, and facilitating the return of children to their families. Others provided legal support for sex workers and followed up on justice for victims of violence. These updates showcased the unwavering commitment of WHRDs to uphold human rights in their communities, often at great personal risk.
2. Current Challenges and Threats
The meeting highlighted the dangers WHRDs face in their work. Participants reported threats from community members, police harassment, and financial constraints that hinder their ability to follow up on cases. For instance, one WHRD faced community backlash for intervening in a case of a family whose house was set on fire, while another experienced hostility from police while following up on cases. The safety and well-being of WHRDs remain a significant concern that requires collective action and support.
3. Best Practices and Strategies
Participants shared strategies to enhance the protection of WHRDs. Suggestions included fostering collaboration with local authorities and police, documenting human rights achievements, and organizing support meetings to strengthen solidarity among WHRDs. Building strong relationships with duty bearers was emphasized as a critical approach to mitigating risks and threats.
4. Action Points and Next Steps
The WHRDs identified key action points to sustain momentum and strengthen protection. Notably, they committed to organizing an exchange visit with a female journalist to understand the challenges faced by women in media and build synergies. Additionally, they plan to engage with senior gender officers to discuss protection strategies and establish working relationships for future collaboration.Meeting minutes for virtual regional coordination meeting for Eastern regional WHRDs.