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International Women Human Rights Defenders Day 2020 Commemoration in Uganda
On the 27th November 2020, a group of Women Human Rights Defenders convened at the Alliance Of Women Advocating for Change offices to commemorate the International Day of Women Human Rights Defenders that is celebrated on 29th November every year. The theme for this years commemoration was “In the uncertain times of COVID-19: WHRDN-U calls for the recognition of the essential work of Women Human Rights Defenders.”
Message From Harriet Lamunu from UWOPA
Mary Lamunu, the coordinator of Uganda Women Parliamentary Association spoke about the importance of adding a gender lens to the Human Rights Defenders Bill 2020.
Key Messages from Women Human Rights Defenders
Some of the key messages shared by Women Human Rights Defenders as they commemorated the International Women Human Rights Day
💬I am Mary Asili a WHRD supporting survivors of gender based violence from Tororo Mifumi. COVID-19 changed the way we did our work. Access to services by GBV survivors was a challenge, survivors were told not to report cases to police until the lock down was lifted. pic.twitter.com/mWlmA18HSU
— Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (@WHRDNU) November 27, 2020
Betty from Mbale, working for the rights of LBQTI and sex workers. 💬As a WHRD I was intimidated and feared to continue doing my work. Efforts to enforce curfews and lockdowns resulted into fear by women and girls to go to hospital to seek sexual reproductive health care. pic.twitter.com/651MsbWen3
— Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (@WHRDNU) November 27, 2020
Remarks from Eve Acan, Programs Manager AWAC Uganda
Oxfam and UWONET Launch Campaign Against Violence of Women and Girls in Uganda
On 5th November 2020, Oxfam Uganda and Uganda Women’s Network launched the “Enough” campaign at Mestil Hotel aiming to put at an end to the violence against women and girls in Uganda. Rita Aciro, the Executive Director of UWONET during her opening remarks, emphasized the importance of having a society that respects women and girls.
Under the #FlipTheSriptUG hashtag conversation around violence and torture of women was discussed as many organizations and people addressed the avenues through which this can be combatted. The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda was proud to witness this launch and was represented by Brenda Kugonza (Executive Director), Margaret Kulaba (Chairperson) and Jane Ssenyange (Assistant Protection and Rapid Response Officer)
Today 5th Nov 2020, the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda is humbled to withess the launch of the Enough campaign in Uganda with an aim of ending violence against women and girls that is embedded in cultural social norms. #FlipTheScriptUG pic.twitter.com/hOnEcNh9ij
— Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (@WHRDNU) November 5, 2020
Listen to Brenda Kugonza speak after the launch of the Enough Campaign
Honourable Winnie Kizza called for more dialogue on violence against women by Presidential candidates as they traverse the country campaign for votes in the upcoming 2021 Presidential elections.
Hon @WinnieKiiza – Presidential candidates should give perspective and clear direction on how they will address issues of violence against women and girls as they traverse the country campaigning for votes. #FlipTheScriptUG pic.twitter.com/Z3u4k15ljP
— Ultimate Multimedia Consult (@ultimate_UMC) November 5, 2020
Listen to “Bakimanye” the official “Enough” campaign soundtrack
A virtual reality tour of the launch of the “Enough Campaign” at Mestil Hotel.
Watch the video below of the Launch of the Enough Campaign.
Self Care and Healing Testimonies
Watch these testimonies and self expressions of Women Human Rights Defenders during the Wellness and Self Care Workshop that happened from 11th-14th August 2020.
JOB VACANCY: Accounts and Administrative Assistant
JOB TITLE: Accounts & Administrative Assistant
DUTY STATION: Kampala, Uganda
About US:
Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U), is a registered not for profit national network with a membership of more than 97 women organizations and individuals. The WHRDN-U, was founded in 2017 by women defenders to promote a feminist holistic approach integrating a gender perspective, focusing on building supportive networks and coordination among WHRDs from diverse social movements and causes in Uganda. Thereby building the capacity for protection of WHRDs, offering protection and emergency response for WHRDs at risk, and Advocacy for protection of WHRDs.
The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U ) seeks to recruit an Accounts & Administrative Assistant with effect from January October 2020.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Examination of Payment Requests
- Ensure proper financial procedures/systems are operated and maintained, ensure compliance with WHRDN-
U’s financial policy and set accounting standards
- Examine payment requests and other financial transactions for approval and ensure there are adequate supporting documentation in accordance with organizational financial policy, and donor guidelines.
- Prepare, update the relevant records, ensure approvals and issue cheques
- Ensure consistency of support documents and compliance with other guidelines of payment vouchers, accountability etc
- Issue cash as approved and update cash position
Financial Record Keeping
- Maintain an accurate up to date financial records
- Receive and record all funds received
- Review, attach receipt, stamp and file all vouchers and JVs
- Update the cash position and follow up their approval
Support the development of budgets
- Support in the development of budgets in line with WHRDN-U policies and donor requirements
- Support the preparation of financial costing and formulate budget estimates
Keeping stores records
- Plan, issue out items, monitor and keep up-to-date-stores records
- Verify stock balances and initiative the order and procurement process, , forward for approval as required.
- Verify, receive and record stock and forward for approval
- Update and maintain all stock record recording according to policy
- Carry out stock taking, arrange and carry out general cleaning
Reconciliation of Financial Records
- Analyze, monitor and reconcile financial records in line with WHRDN-U policies, accounting standards and statutory requirements
- Receive and file all monthly Bank statements, perform reconciliation and produce bank reconciliation statements
- Make reference to vouchers and JVs
- Perform cash counts, reports, request and withdraw bank cash and carry out cheques-banking
Support with Audits
- Support in preparation and attend to the needs of auditors and implement recommendations in line with financial policy
- Prepare audit schedules as requested by auditors and support in the development pf audit timetable
- Participate in follow-up responses and clear audit issues.
Preparation of the Payroll
- Prepare monthly payroll and ensure completeness and timely submission of statutory deductions to relevant authorities (URA, NSSF and Local Government)
- Request, compile and consolidate payroll information
- Compile tax information, fill the URA tax returns forms, file the return on URA web and upload payment, submit the payment registration and URA returns to bank and URA respectively.
- Assist in ensuring compliance with national regulations in respect of financial and other matters e.g taxation and labour laws;
- Provide substantive support to the development and implementation of accounting systems;
- Serve as the Admin. Assistant;
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- The applicant must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Financial Management or Accounting from a recognized University.
- At least three years of similar work experience in an NGO / Civil Society Organization
- Computerized accounting skills
- MS Office
- Communication, Analytical, Interpersonal skills
- Ability to establish critical working relationships
- Keen interest in women’s rights, gender equality, women empowerment and human rights
- Relevant professional qualification such as ACCA or CPA and training in donor regulations is an added
How to apply;
All suitably qualified and interest candidates should send their application letters with detailed CVs indicating 3 referees, two of whom should have been direct supervisors and addressed to the Executive Director and submitted to info@whrdnuganda.org. OR hand-delivery to our physical office;
Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda
Plot Plot 1789 Old Kira Road Bukoto
P.o.Box 5272,Kampala
Tel:+256756457038
Important to note:
The closing date for receiving applications is 23rd November 2020.This position is restricted to female candidates.
VOLUNTEER VACANCY
JOB TITLE: VOLUNTEER
DUTY STATION: Kampala, Uganda
About US:
Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U), is a registered not for profit national network with a membership of more than 97 women organizations and individuals. The WHRDN-U, was founded in 2017 by women defenders to promote a feminist holistic approach integrating a gender perspective, focusing on building supportive networks and coordination among Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) from diverse social movements and causes in Uganda. Thereby building the capacity for protection of WHRDs, offering protection and emergency response for WHRDs at risk, and Advocacy for protection of WHRDs.
Our work includes:
- Capacity building for protection of Women Human Rights Defenders
- Protection and emergency support to Women Human Rights Defenders at risk
- Advocacy, networking and gender documentation
Job summary: The Volunteer will support WHRDN-U and should be willing to join a growing organization. The incumbent will gain experience in project management at a national feminist organization and take part in promoting the rights and protection of WHRDs as well as raising the visibility of the violence and risks WHRDs face.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- To develop work plans/operationalise plans for the capacity building department
- Facilitate trainings in technical topics, including Feminist Holistic Approach to protection, gender sensitive risk analysis etc.
- Develop clear capacity building work plan with clear objectives and time lines.
- Assisting with organizing workshops, meetings and working group meetings and assist in communication to participants, production and dissemination of agendas and other materials needed
- Establish capacity building periodic meetings for WHRDN-U members on advocacy, needs assessment and protection issues.
- Develop and adapt training materials (handouts, manuals, presentations, etc.) and tools to monitor effectiveness of trainings, including pre and post-tests;
- Work on updating training material, modules and tools, develop facilitation guides, etc. as requested
- Track how capacity building initiatives have translated into real protection for WHRDs.
- Assisting with the development and implementation of conceptnotes for special trainings, events, conferences,
- Cooperating with the Advocacy and Communications department to implement advocacy activities seeking to enhance the protection of WHRDs.;
- Cooperating with the Protection and Emergency Response Department to implement advocacy activities seeking to enhance the protection of WHRDs.
- Develop relevant work plans (weekly, monthly, & quarterly)
- Provide timely comprehensive reports as stipulated by WHRDN-U.
Academic background
The ideal candidate should preferably hold a university degree in development studies, humanities, social sciences, or related field.
Experience
A minimum of 1 years’ experience working with an NGO, Women rights Organization, Human Rights Organization with experience working in project management.
General specifications applicable to the position;
- The ideal candidate for the Volunteer vacancy should be conversant implementing a project, comfortable with conducting trainings, public speaking and good writing skills
- Demonstrated ability to write reports, concept notes, workplans and budgets
- Ability to work under pressure, multi-task and learn new concepts quickly
- Collaborative, eexcellent team playerand able to work dynamically and diligently without direct supervision
- Keen interest in women’s rights, fighting against gender-based violence and promoting gender equality
- Result-oriented with good interpersonal skills
- AGE: Between 22-30 years
NB: This is a paid volunteer position.
How to apply;
All suitably qualified and interest candidates should send their aapplication letters with detailed CVs indicating 3 referees, two of whom should have been direct supervisors and addressed to the Executive Director and submitted to info@whrdnuganda.org. OR hand-delivery to our physical office;
The Executive Director
Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda
Plot Plot 1789 Old Kira Road Bukoto
P.o.Box 5272,Kampala
Tel:+256756457038
Important to note:
The closing date for receiving applications is 23rd November 2020.This position is restricted to female candidates.
INTERN VACANCY: Online Communications Intern
WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS NETWORK UGANDA (WHRDN-U)
1. INTERN VACANCY
JOB TITLE: Online Communications Intern
DUTY STATION: Kampala, Uganda
About US:
Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U), is a registered not for profit national network with a membership of more than 97 women organizations and individuals. The WHRDN-U, was founded in 2017 by women defenders to promote a feminist holistic approach integrating a gender perspective, focusing on building supportive networks and coordination among Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) from diverse social movements and causes in Uganda. Thereby building the capacity for protection of WHRDs, offering protection and emergency response for WHRDs at risk, and Advocacy for protection of WHRDs.
Our work includes strategic communications to support advocacy, dialogue, rapid response and encourage solidarity in the face of aggressions against WHRDs in Uganda. This work aims:
- To raise visibility of conditions faced by WHRDs
- Increase recognition of their communities
- Enhance solidarity to support the security of WHRDs
Job summary: The Communication intern will support WHRDN-U and should be a technologically knowledgeable, creative and willing to join a growing organization. The incumbent will gain experience in online communications at a national feminist organization and take part in promoting the rights and protection of WHRDs as well as raising the visibility of the violence and risks WHRDs face.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Take lead in online content creation and social media management.
- Manage the implementation of our social media strategy, including the development, curation and timely posting of engaging, thoughtful, and powerful content on our social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Youtube).
- The incumbent will also contribute to content development for our website. This will include maintaining and strengthening our web interactions with partners, donors, members of WHRDN-U, and the broader public.
- The Jobholder will also help us grow our audience, strengthen our engagement with them and think through new strategies and next steps.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The ideal candidate for the communications intern vacancy should be conversant with social media and online content creation; comfortable with diverse analytic and aggression platorms; has basic graphic design skills.
- Keen interest in women’s rights, promoting gender equality and women empowerment
- Collaborative and able to work dynamically and diligently without direct supervision
- Results-oriented, interested in learning and recommending new approaches or tech solutions
- Age : Below 30 years
NB: This is unpaid internship. If the intern is based in Kampala, a transport allowance will be provided.
How to apply;
All suitably qualified and interest candidates should send their application letters with detailed CVs indicating 3 referees, two of whom should have been direct supervisors and addressed to the Executive Director and submitted to info@whrdnuganda.org.
The Executive Director
Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda
Plot Plot 1789 Old Kira Road Bukoto
P.o.Box 5272,Kampala
Tel:+256756457038
Important to note:
The closing date for receiving applications is 23rd November 2020.This position is restricted to female candidates.
Wellness And Self Care Healing For Women Human Rights Defenders In Uganda
The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda, with support from Urgent Action Fund For Africa organised a 4 (four) day Self Care, Wellbeing and Collective Healing Capacity building Workshop for two groups of Women Human Rights Defenders Thematic Action groups. The first workshop comprising of representatives of the thematic working groups run from August 11th-12th 2020, and the second group comprised of regional focal persons, run from 13th-14th August 2020 at Eureka Place Hotel Ntinda.
Self Care and Collective Healing
The workshop was aimed at creating a relaxed and soothing environment where Women Human Rights Defenders would focus on their well being and come together to collectively heal from all the trauma and stress that comes along with their work.
Messages of encouragement, self belief and self love were re-echoed by the Women Human Rights Defenders to collectively heal together as they talked about dealing with trauma. It is important to heal one self before helping others, is what they unanimously agreed to while listening to each others stories.
Reproductive Health
Dr Linda Birungi, a gynecologist from Reproductive Health Uganda led sessions discussing sexual reproduction, family planning and best health practices. Health risks and dangers like cervical and breast cancer were discussed at length to ensure Women Human Rights defenders seek treatment and help before developing complications while working.
Wellness and Healing
Mildred Apenyo, a woman’s rights activist and C.E.O of Flitclique Africa , an organization empowering and creating safe spaces for women, conducted therapy and relaxation sessions with Women HRDs to release fatigue from their bodies. Candles, ornaments, yoga and exercises were some of the tools and routines they were taken through as part of their healing.
Massage
A masseuse was also invited to massage and sooth body muscles to release any kind of stress and fatigue on the body. A healthy body is a healthy mind, so it is important for Women Human Rights Defenders to have healthy bodies to continue with their work without difficulty.
Practical Self Care & Mutual Support
The workshop was concluded by officially launching a new culture of activism that is rooted in Practical Self-Care and mutual support as a necessary condition of Women’s movement in Uganda.
Championing A Gender Responsive Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill 2020
On August 13th 2020, Defenders Protection Initiative held a Consultative meeting at Skyz Hotel on the proposed Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill. The mover of the bill Hon. Komakech Lyandro in his opening remarks emphasized the the law will consolidate the struggle Women Human Rights Defenders go through and create an enabling environment for women to flourish.
More opening remarks from Hon. Komakech Lyandro. #HRDProtectionBill2020 pic.twitter.com/cSBbTxbdoY
— Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (@WHRDNU) August 13, 2020
Brenda Kugonza, the Executive Director of the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda, presented a position paper by Women Human Rights Defenders on the need and relevance of a gender perspective in the Human Rights Defenders Protection bill. “Women’s unique issues and concerns while protecting rights of others should be put into full consideration as the bill is drafted.”
Rights of all individuals should be respected and reflected in the bill to ensure equal leveled ground while carrying out work. Women Human Rights Defenders across all regions from the country gave accounts of the different violations and threats they face while working.
Brenda Kugonza- It’s important Women HRDs voices and plight are put into consideration while drafting the #HRDProtectionBill 2020 pic.twitter.com/owlzJKti2t
— Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (@WHRDNU) August 13, 2020
John Tamale Mirundi, a Senior legislative council and drafter of the bill committed to ensuring all gender aspects are catered for in the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill 2020.
Mr John Tamale Mirundi, a Senior Legislative and Drafter of the #HRDProtectionBill2020 commits to considering all gender aspects in drafting the bill. pic.twitter.com/YHwghFeIpF
— Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (@WHRDNU) August 13, 2020
Embracing The New Normal As Women Human Rights Defenders During COVID19
The WHRDN-U has continued amplifying the voices of Women Human Rights Defenders at all levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have submitted to the UN Humans Rights Office stories of frontline defenders, press statements, virtual networking, advocacy meetings and continued support to WHRDS at risk.
We also conducted solidarity visits to WHRDs in danger and provided referral services to WHRDs to access services from like minded organizations. WHRDN-U will continue amplifying the voices of WHRDs and remain committed to provide support to those at risk during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.