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Brenda Kugonza facilitates a session on the legal framework for HRDs

Karamoja Regional Women Human Rights Defenders attend 2 day workshop on safety and rights awareness

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Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U), in partnership with Civil Rights Defenders, conducted a two days’ workshop for 23 Women Human Rights Defenders from Kotido, Amudat and Kabongo, Nakapiriprit, Napak, Abim, Moroto districts. The WHRDS who form the Karamoja Regional Women Human Rights Defenders Network converged at Kotido Resort Hotel on 17th and 18th March 2022 for the themed workshop ‘Creating Safe Spaces for WHRDS, their rights and safety.’ 

Women Human Rights Defenders introduce themselves during the 2 day workshop
Women Human Rights Defenders introduce themselves during the 2 day workshop

Workshop Objective

The 2 day workshop meant to strengthen the coordination capacity among the WHRDS in the Karamoja region looked to further;

  • Increase awareness among WHRDs on their rights and their safety.
  • To celebrate the struggles of women and help WHRDs at grass root level feel part of the women’s movement for social justice in Uganda.
  • To improve their understanding and analysis of the violence faced by WHRDs and promote collective and feminist protection strategies based on their knowledge and experiences.
  • Create awareness on creating safer spaces for WHRDs.

Workshop Flow

The 2 day workshop began with opening remarks from the District focal person, Ms. Ataa Jessica Ruth from Nakere district. She informed the participants that she was privileged to have supported the WHRDN-U secretariat with mobilization and coordination of the workshop. She further emphasized the importance of Karamoja WHRDs coming together to support each other and that whereas WHRDs are doing human rights,they are vulnerable to attacks and smear campaigns in the Karamoja region.

Ms. Ataa Jessica Ruth gives opening remarks
Ms. Ataa Jessica Ruth gives opening remarks

Brenda Kugonza, Executive Director of WHRDN-U also welcomed participants to the workshop. She appreciated WHRDs who have resisted oppression, defended rights and kept resilient. She underlined the need for WHRDs to shoulder each other and acknowledge the contributions we are making in our communities even if we are from various social movements. 

Brenda Kugonza welcomes WHRDS to the 2 day workshop
Brenda Kugonza welcomes WHRDS to the 2 day workshop

River of Life: Reflection on stories of activism

Brenda Kugonza asked each participant to draw a river on a sheet of paper which will represent their individual RIVER OF LIFE. Brenda explained that our lives are never straight lines; the river will inevitably have some curves to it, some rapids, rocks and a few quiet spots along the way. Participants were asked to identify some important moments in their history of activism and place them along the course of the river, the moment when they first became concerned about human rights and the most significant moments in their history as activists.

Participants draw their rivers of life
Participants draw their rivers of life

Understanding who we are as human rights defenders

In this session facilitated by Ms. Asingwire Bonitah from WHRDN-U, it was meant to deepen the definition of a Woman Human Rights defender. The session enabled participants give their own understanding of who a human rights defender is.

Bonita Asingwire facilitates a session on Understanding who a HRD is
Bonita Asingwire facilitates a session on Understanding who a HRD is

Participants share their understanding of who a Human Rights Defender is.

Participants further shared alternative terms that a human rights defender can be referred to as in their different local dialects.

WHRDS share their different terms and examples for human rights defenders
WHRDS share their different terms and examples for human rights defenders

The ‘Flowers of our struggles’ We are part of the human rights movement

In this session facilitated by Brenda Kugonza, participants discussed the strengths and value of women’s movement and establishing WHRD regional networks, noting that movements enable women to use their collective power to bring change , speaking not as individuals organizations  but with a powerful voice that cannot be easily isolated and suppressed. Each member was asked to write and name their stories of their struggles that they have contributed to the strengthening of the women’s and human rights movement.

Flowers of our struggles
Flowers of our struggles
Particiapants reflect on powerful images that inspire their human rights work
Participants reflect on powerful images that inspire their human rights work

The reflection on the photographs made participants feel that they are part of a movement beyond their organizations, groups etc and acknowledged the benefits and strengthens of movements as illustrated below:

  • My reflection on the pictures is that Women don’t fear to stand and speak against violence “Chepar Paulina”
  • Cecilia Dengel mentioned that women are fearless to demonstrate
  • Esther Toto mentioned that women HRDs are confident to demonstrate because they know their rights.
  • Rose Namoe mentioned that women’s movements show that they are brave to advocate for other people’s rights.
  • Maria Kiiza said that the pictures show solidarity amongst WHRDs.
Participant shares her reflection from the human rights inspired photographs
                             Participant shares her reflection from the human rights inspired photographs

WHRDS dance and jubilate at the end of Day 1 of the workshop

DAY TWO 

Understanding the legal framework for defense of human rights defense.

This session facilitated by Brenda Kugonza, was meant to review instruments that support HRDs. Brenda stressed that The UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in its preamble, fourth paragraph, defines HRDs as individuals , groups and associations contributing to the elimination of all violations of human rights.”

Brenda Kugonza facilitates a session on the legal framework for HRDs
                                                    Brenda Kugonza facilitates a session on the legal framework for HRDs

The Declaration considers HRDs as rights holders and is an important instrument that can be used to lobby and advocate for the rights of defenders.

 

WHRDN-U launches online GBV handbook for Women Human Rights Defenders on Women’s Day 2022

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On March 8th 2022, 29 Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDS) converged at Arch Apartment Hotel Ntinda for a breakfast meeting to commemorate International Women’s Day with the special launch of the Online Gender Based Violence handbook for WHRDS.

The emerging trends of online violence against WHRDS prompted Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) to develop a handbook that will be a guide for organizations and individual WHRDS to prevent and respond to online Gender Based Violence (GBV).

Objective of the meeting.

  • Raise awareness on online GBV concerns for WHRDS
  • Validate and launch a hand book for WHRDS on ICT GBV as a guide to strengthen awareness, provide tips on how to identify, document and report online violence

Ms. Janat Namuli the Rapid Response Protection Officer of WHRDN-U welcomed the Women Human Rights Defenders who came from Acholi, Karamoja, WestNile, Rwenzori and Westnile regions and wished them a Happy Women’s Day. She reminded them of the promise WHRDN-U made during online GBV and digital security management trainings held in 2021 to invite them to the validation and the launch and the day had finally arrived.

Janat Namuli speaks at the Validation and launch meeting
Janat Namuli speaks at the Validation and launch meeting of the online GBV handbook for WHRDS

Ms Peace Olivia Amuge the Executive Director of Women Of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) mentioned that the handbook was compiled after the online trainings with the WHRDS in 2021. She further mentioned what consists of the handbook

  • The different forms of Online GBV
  • Types of Online GBV
  • Root causes of Online GBV
  • Impact of Online GBV to the WHRDS
  • Digital Security Management
  • Existing laws and legal frameworks.
Peace Amuge speaks during launch of Online GBV handbook for WHRDS
Peace Amuge speaks during launch of Online GBV handbook for WHRDS

Validation from WHRDS

Ms Bonita Asingwirwe from WHRDN-U led a validation session with the WHRDS where she asked for comments in regards to the Online GBV handbook. Below are some of the comments.

Mercy Okori a WHRD from Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) shares her recommendations about the handbook.

 

WHRDS give feedback during the launch of the online GBV handbook for WHRDS
WHRDS give feedback during the launch of the online GBV handbook for WHRDS
The online GBV handbook being launched
The online GBV handbook being launched

Message from Brenda Kugonza, the Executive Director of WHRDN-U after the launch of the online GBV handbook for Women Human Rights Defenders on Women’s day 2022

Women Human Rights Defenders speak after the successful launch of the online Gender Based Violence handbook for Women Human Rights Defenders.

Women Human Rights Defenders celebrate and dance after launching the handbook.

 

 

JOB VACANCY: Volunteer

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JOB TITLE: Volunteer

JOB STATION: WHRDN-U Secretariat, Plot 1789 Old Kira Road Bukoto JOB SUMMARY:

The volunteer will support WHRDN-U secretariat in planning and implementing, activities related ICT& communication, protection, capacity building and advocacy. The Volunteer 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 Women Human Rights Defenders.

Key Tasks

  • In consultation WHRDN-U’s communication’s resource person to implement period communication tasks/activities.
  • Support to document experiences of women defenders, stories of change, and newspaper
  • Support with implementing social media and online content, and internet related campaigns
  • Support to give speeches, and conduct trainings before various audiences
  • Support with disseminating regular information to members of the network
  • Support with writing, reviewing and editing reports, articles and meeting notes
  • Support with preparing and delivering presentations among bigger audiences
  • In collaborate with the IT resource person, support with IT related operations
  • In collaboration with IT resource person, support with conducting IT digital security
  • In collaboration with staff assist with organizing workshops, meetings
  • Collaborate with relevant staff to implement protection and advocacy related activities

Qualifications, Skills and experience

  • The ideal candidate must hold a Bachelors’ Degree in any of the areas ; Mass communication, Information Technology, Development studies, Social Sciences human rights, or any other related fields
  • With evidence excellent writing and public speaking skills
  • With evident good digital security management skills
  • At least 2-3 years of relevant work experience working with human rights NGOs in communication, IT and program
  • Must have proven interest in reading and researching
  • Proven excellent writing and computer literacy skills

 

 

Qualities and competencies of ideal candidate

  • Proven ability to work under pressure and ability to multi-task (very desired)

 

  • Result oriented with good interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated interest to grow with a young organization
  • Responsible, flexible, adaptable, and will to travel up country for field work
  • Demonstrate commitment to end Violence Against Women Prevention and girls women’s rights, feminist principles , human rights, and social justice broadly
  • Proven team player
  • Proven ability to organize and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders;

NOTE: ONLY FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE PREFERRED FOR THIS POSITION

NB: This is a paid position (modest facilitation) for transport and lunch.

How to Apply:

  1. Deadline: 16 March, 2022 at
  2. Age: Between 22- 30 years
  3. All interested and qualified persons should be submit their application, CV via email on info@whrdnuganda.org to Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) addressed to the Executive Director. OR hand delivery to our physical Office: Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda

Plot 1789 Old Kira Road Bukoto, P.O.Box 52 72 Kampala,

Telephone: 0414672585 / 0756457038 for directions

JOB VACANCY: Assistant Project Officer

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Assistant Project Officer

JOB STATION: WHRDN-U Secretariat, Plot 1789 Old Kira Road Bukoto JOB PROFILE

Assist with planning and implementing capacity building and advocacy projects for WHRDN-U, support the process to form networks at grass root levels to mobilize their support for protection of WHRDs, provide support for the organization’s annual events, workshops etc. Assist to maintain and manage WHRDN-U’s members contact database and list serves, assist in providing mentoring support to WHRDN-U members and regional focal persons on WHRDN-U Feminist protection issues and security and carry out needs assessments for members.

Key Tasks

  • In consultation with the Executive Director, assist with conducting regular capacity assessments, training needs of Members of WHRDN-U.
  • Assist To develop work plans/operationalize plans for the capacity building and advocacy programs
  • In collaboration with relevant staff, Assist to organize, prepared and facilitate relevant trainings, meetings and engagements for
  • In consultation with relevant staff, assist in planning and implementing the regional networks meetings, annual events and Annual Members General
  • In consultation with relevant staff assist in the membership recruitment, development and
  • In consultation with relevant staff, assist to conduct regular coaching and mentoring sessions with network members to provide technical input and expertise to support network members and regional focal persons on WHRD protection issues effective and sensitive referrals and case
  • In consultation with relevant staff, assist to develop and adapt training materials (handouts, presentations, etc) and tools to monitor effectiveness of trainings, including pre and post –tests.
  • In consultation with the relevant staff , assist with monitoring and analysis legal and political developments , human rights and the rule of law and safety of WHRDs in the Country
  • In consultation with the ED, work with network members to identify advocacy opportunities and provide support as required by the network members to implement the advocacy initiatives and

 

  • Actively participate and represent the organization in various meetings, seminars, workshops etc to share WHRDN-U’s perspectives on various issues
  • In cooperation with the relevant staff, assist to spear head advocacy and lobbying initiatives for laws and policy reform on WHRDs
  • Performance of any other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications, Skills and experience required

  • The ideal candidate must hold a Bachelors’ Degree in any of the areas ; Development studies, Social Sciences human rights, Political Sciences or any other related fields
  • At least 2-3 years of relevant work experience in related
  • Experience in writing project reports, organizing events and workshops, budgeting, developing work plans and project proposal writing, and projects implementation
  • Experience working with human rights NGOs
  • Experience in managing field work and travel upcountry
  • Result oriented with good interpersonal skills

Qualities and competencies of ideal candidate

  • Proven ability to work under pressure and multi-task (very desired)
  • Demonstrated interest to grow with a young organization
  • Responsible, flexible, adaptable, ability to multitask
  • Proven community mobilization and facilitation skills
  • Demonstrate commitment to end Violence Against Women Prevention and girls women’s rights, feminist principles , human rights, and social justice broadly
  • Proven excellent writing and computer literacy skills
  • Proven team player
  • Proven ability to organize and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders;

NOTE: ONLY FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE PREFERRED FOR THIS POSITION

How to Apply:

  1. Deadline: 16 March, 2022 at
  2. Age: Between 22- 34 years
  3. All interested and qualified persons should be submit their application, CV via email on info@whrdnuganda.org to Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) addressed to the Executive Director. OR hand delivery to our physical Office: Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda

Plot 1789 Old Kira Road Bukoto, P.O.Box 52 72 Kampala, Telephone: 0414672585

/ 0756457038 for directions.

Exchange Peer Learning Visit

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From February 16th to 17th 2022, Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (WHRDN-U) Board members convened at the Gulu Women Economic Development and  Globalization (GWED) offices for a 2 day exchange peer learning visit on Cooperate Governance and Financial Management.

The engagement over the two days covered areas on

  • Risk analysis plan
  • Internal audit plan
  • Job descriptions

In addition, practical skills were shared in resource mobilization , cultivating positive stakeholders relationships and human resource management. We extend our gratitude to Gulu Women Economic Development and Globalization for the hospitality throughout the two day visit.

Peer exchange learning visit engagement
Peer exchange learning visit engagement

 

ISHR and WHRDN-U Oral statement at CEDAW NGO meeting for Uganda Review

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In its list of issues, the Committee asked the State Party to “advise on specific legislative measures in place to protect the rights of women human rights defenders… (para 7)”.

Women human rights defenders in Uganda are facing particular challenges on account not only of transgressing gender norms in taking up the work of promoting and protecting human rights, but also often because of the nature of their work. HRDs identifying as or working with the LGBTI community are at particular risk, as are those working to promote and protect the rights of sex workers. Furthermore, land and environment WHRDs working as parts of communities to oppose resource extraction and mining operations have been threatened and intimidated by non-State actors and a number have faced arrests.

The draft bill on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders was tabled in 2020 and sits before the parliament. The adoption of this bill is important for the recognition of the work of all HRDs and would legitimise their rights to defend rights within the national legal frameworks. We call on CEDAW to recommend that the State genuinely engages with WHRDs to ensure that the bill and its implementation plans are fully gender responsive.

Brenda Kugonza presents statement during Zoom meeting on February 7th 2022
                           Brenda Kugonza presents statement during Zoom meeting on February 7th 2022

Meanwhile, the government of Uganda must review and reform other areas of its legislative framework in order to bring them in line with international standards. In particular, we urge the CEDAW Committee to call on the State to engage with civil society for the review and reform of the following:

  1. The Anti-Terrorism Act (Amendment) of 2015, which contains provisions that may restrict the funding of HRD organisations.
  2. The Computer Misuse Act, 2011 (section 24 and 25 in particular), under which charges of cyber harassment and offensive communication can be
  3. The NGO Act, 2016 restricts the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful Application of section 44 can result in restrictions for WHRDs working for groups regarded as illegal, such as sex workers and LGBTI persons.
  4. Section 145 of the Penal Code Act penalises same-sex relations. Further, an Anti- Homosexuality Act was operative for 5 months in 2014; during this period numerous cases of violations against the LGBTI community were reported, including arrest, physical violence and harassment.
  5. The Anti-Pornography Act is often misused against WHRDs promoting rights related to gender and bodily

Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda Executive Director, Brenda Kugonza present an oral statement at the CEDAW NGO meeting for Uganda Review on 7th February 2022

 

We stress that that the enactment of a single law on the protection of HRDs is an important step forwards, but insufficient without a holistic review of the legislative environment in which human rights defenders operate in order to address the root causes of the violence and discrimination that WHRDs are facing in Uganda. Thank you.

Sarah Opendi, chairperson uwopa signing the commitment

WOMEN MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT COMMIT TO FIGHT ONLINE VIOLENCE AGAINST WHRDS.

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Executive Women Members of Parliament were called upon by Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDS) to advocate for Gender inclusive bills as a means to strengthen the security of WHRDS in Uganda. This was during the breakfast meeting organized by Women Human Rights Defenders Network (WHRDN-U) in partnership with UWOPA on 28th January, 2022 at Golden Tulip which aimed at raising awareness on gender-based concerns for WHRDS.
Speaking at the meeting, Ms. Mary Harriet Lamunu, Executive Director UWOPA explained that the breakfast meeting was to happen in 2021 but due the absence of their chairperson who had travelled to Arusha, it was extended to January 2022. She thanked the WHRDN-U team for engaging with them and promised to continue engaging with more MPs to handle issues that affect the women human rights defenders.

The Executive Director UWOPA giving her welcome remarks during the workshop.
The Executive Director UWOPA giving her welcome remarks during the workshop.

In her remarks Brenda Kugonza, the Executive Director WHRDN-U mentioned that the shrinking space has impacted on the work of WHRDs. By working with the parliament, will create a safe working environment for WHRDs. She illustrated how WHRDN-U defends the women human rights defenders who defend the rights of land, the disability, LBQT and sexworkers, female journalists, and ethnic indigenous. Brenda further clarified that patriarchal is real, Female MPs are attacked when defending the laws and acts that protect women.

Sandra Kwikiriza from Her Internet told the congregation how online violence has affected many women including WHRDS. She asked members of parliament to ensure their security online by not sharing certain information related to their private life online and hide their passwords with others. “There is no good reason for me to share my email/ social media password. In reality, most of us share our passwords with our partners. I don’t have to share my password because someone can log in my account and misuse my platform”.

Sandra Kwikiriza facilitating on online violence
Sandra Kwikiriza facilitating on online violence

Members of Parliament also gave their opinions on online violence and how they have been in their leadership roles. Hon. Betty Naluyima commented that online violence is happens in the real life and she has been a victim when she was attacked online, by her opponents. “Regardless of the violence, “we will not stop” this is a crucial war and we want them to listen. We can’t give up any time no matter what happens”.
“Gender stereotypes affect women more when it comes to violence and threats online. For example, women receive more negative comments than men when it comes to sharing same information online”. Hon. Okia Joanne.

Hon. Members of Parliament expressing opinions on online violence
Hon. Members of Parliament expressing opinions on online violence

WHRDS shared testimonies on how they had been attacked online because of their human rights work. “During lockdown, teenage pregnancy cases were very high. It so happened that a young girl was defiled by a 40-year-old man and I shared this on Facebook, instead people abused me and this put me down. I regretted why I had put the story there”. Mwanje Caroline, WHRD from Kagadi.
“As a female journalism during lockdown, I posted stories of defilement and called for dealing with men who can’t control their sexual desires. Because I posted what people didn’t like, I was insulted, and humiliated for not having a man. I thought of leaving Facebook”. Sarah Chekwech, WHRD from Kapchorwa.

“When women with disability post pictures of our work, we are harassed. I campaigned on Facebook about a family that planned to steal land of a widow. I almost relocated because of attacks on my body. People said my body is ugly, unattractive, and that I should hide instead of exposing it on Facebook and in public. I am happy that I supported the woman amidst intimidation”. Peluce Kabagenyi, WHRD from Kasese.

“As a female journalist, in 2021 during lockdown, when I posted stories of defilement and called for dealing with men who can’t control their sexual desires and because I posted what people didn’t want, they harassed me, they went below my belt attacking me for not having a man, I sated thinking of leaving Facebook”. Goretti kajumba, WHRD from Kabarole.

“My colleague was attacked online for her activism work in the mining in Moroto. They used photo shop to put her head on a naked woman and it went viral. We later found out that our colleague’s bottom parts had a scar and the photo posted had no scar”. Flavia Aballo, WHRD from Kampala.

WHRDS testifying how they have encountered online violence in their human rights work.
WHRDS testifying how they have encountered online violence in their human rights work.

“I was hosted on a talk show to discuss GBV in Busoga, men attacked me on social media saying that am not supposed to comment on marriage issues because I am not married. They used messages such as ‘The spoilt girl should not mislead you’ to humiliate me”. Kyemba Rosemary, WHRD from Jinja.

In her speech, Hon. Sarah Opendi the Chairperson UWOPA thanked WHRDN-U for being a back a backbone of women huma rights defenders and encouraged the network to continue carrying on human rights work. She testified how she has been a victim of online violence, which is why she is not on Facebook. Someone created an account in her name, and promised people jobs and stole money from them.

Hon Sarah, further shared she was attached on social media for advocating for the rights to safe abortion. We must continue until we reach where women’s rights are respected and also where women and girls are not looked at or perceived as sex objects. She also mentioned that they will be bringing back the marriage bill to parliament and more amendments will be made like from woman MP. We are also bringing forth the Surrogacy bill. Infertility is not a matter for women alone but also a man’s issue.

The Executive a pledged to support WHRDS through working with WHRDN-U to promote safety and security on WHRDS in Uganda and advocating for gender responsive bills in members through signing a commitment form at the breakfast meeting.

Sarah Opendi, chairperson uwopa signing the commitment
Sarah Opendi, chairperson UWOPA signing the commitment

Hon. Members of Parliament signing on a commitment board to advocate for gender responsive bills during the breakfast meeting.

WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS SUPPORTED TO DO THEIR ROLE IN THE COVID-19 CONTEXT IN 2021.

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The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the human rights defense work of WHRDs in Uganda, who work to protect human rights for all, create peace, gender equality, and ensure that justice is served for SGBV survivors.

Global Fund for Women (GFW) stood in solidarity and ensured that WHRDs continued their activism. GFW provided WHRDs – frontline defenders with essential supplies through the Crisis Fund. These supplies included; safe transport, food, face masks, hand sanitizers, communication (became a basic need in this crisis) and types of support were related to phone-recharging, purchase of credit, cell phone. Thereby facilitating them to mobilize, organize, reach out to various communities and support online activism as some WHRDs wanted to move online (WhatsApp, Facebook & Twitter) to do their activities. Read stories below of how the fund helped WHRDs to do their work in Uganda: 

 

Ms. Juliana Among, Ms. Napiyo Madalena and Ms. Nabong Margret of the Ik ethnic indigenous minority group, used the relief funds for transport to go and register their group to legally operate in Kamion subcounty, Kaabong District. They were able to continue with promoting the rights of IK indigenous communities.

A copy of the recommendation letter to attain a certificate of registration being signed.
A copy of the recommendation letter to attain a certificate of registration being signed.

Ms. Edreda Dogolo, Ms. Grace Mbatina, and Ms. Rhoda Kabalisa the Batwa indigenous minority WHRDS from Bundibugyo, used the funds to organize Batwa women for a sensitization meeting on their rights to access the semiliki forest as their ancestral land. They also distributed food to Batwa women.

Ms. Roda Kabalisa a WHRD carrying out an awareness sensitization meeting in the Batwa Community
Ms. Roda Kabalisa a WHRD carrying out an awareness sensitization meeting in the Batwa Community

Robinah Tibakanya a WHRD from Hoima district used the relief funds to buy airtime for communication and stationery which she used to carry out the sensitization meeting to women in Namasagali village on land rights.
Robinah Tibakanya a WHRD from Hoima district used the relief funds to buy airtime for communication and stationery which she used to carry out the sensitization meeting to women in Namasagali village on land rights.

Ms. Mawa Jacky and Ms. Nasaka Halima, the WHRDS from Katwe salt mining the covid relief to distribute food to female salt miners in Kasese district.
Ms. Mawa Jacky and Ms. Nasaka Halima, the WHRDS from Katwe salt mining the covid relief to distribute food to female salt miners in Kasese district.

Moreen Kyobutungi and Faridah Kugonza, WHRDS from Kabarole district used the relief funds to purchase food and soap which they distributed to the female sex workers for sustainability during the pandemic.
Moreen Kyobutungi and Faridah Kugonza, WHRDS from Kabarole district used the relief funds to purchase food and soap which they distributed to the female sex workers for sustainability during the pandemic.
Ms. Amono Jackline and Ms. Angeno Rose, from Mighty fire FM used the Covid relief to buy face masks and sanitizers which they supplied to fellow work mates. They appreciated WHRDN-U for the support that enabled them to continue carrying out their journalism work.
Ms. Amono Jackline and Ms. Angeno Rose, from Mighty fire FM used the Covid relief to buy face masks and sanitizers which they supplied to fellow work mates. They appreciated WHRDN-U for the support that enabled them to continue carrying out their journalism work.

Ms. Amek Joan a WHRD from Central region, used the Covid relief to reach out to Rella House of Hope. She purchased pads and soap which were distributed to LBQT residing in the shelter.
Ms. Amek Joan a WHRD from Central region, used the Covid relief to reach out to Rella House of Hope. She purchased pads and soap which were distributed to LBQT residing in the shelter.

Christine P’ochan a WHRD from Acholi used the covid relief support to pay a solidarity visit to Akol Winifred one of the WHRDS who had been attacked ,They too bought food for her.

Christine P’ochan a WHRD from Acholi used the covid relief support to pay a solidarity visit to Akol Winifred one of the WHRDS who had been attacked ,They too bought food for her.

Ms. Sarah Kabagenyi, WHRD defending the rights of people with disabilities in Bundibugyo district used the Covid relief to mobilize women with disability and living with HIV to understand how and where to access family planning and Reproductive health services .
Ms. Sarah Kabagenyi, WHRD defending the rights of people with disabilities in Bundibugyo district used the Covid relief to mobilize women with disability and living with HIV to understand how and where to access family planning and Reproductive health services .
Ms. Paulin Chepar an anti-Female Genital Mutilation activist under Sanayi Anti FGM movement in Amudat district of Karamoja region bought a smart phone using the covid relief money to enable her to continue with the Anti FGM campaign documenting stories and reaching out to girls escaping FGM.
Ms. Paulin Chepar an anti-Female Genital Mutilation activist under Sanayi Anti FGM movement in Amudat district of Karamoja region bought a smart phone using the covid relief money to enable her to continue with the Anti FGM campaign documenting stories and reaching out to girls escaping FGM.

Ms. Naduke Betty, a GBV activist in Kabong district during a meeting with women who had reported cases of Domestic Violence (DV) , used relief fund to give out soap to survivors of DV
Ms. Naduke Betty, a GBV activist in Kabong district during a meeting with women who had reported cases of Domestic Violence (DV) , used relief fund to give out soap to survivors of DV
Ms. Nabiira Ndagire( holding a copy of the Domestic Violence Act) of Tusitukirewamu women empowerment group in Bwaise. Used relief fund to give food, while talking to women that the DVA encourages them to report DV to police, health workers and courts of law.
Ms. Nabiira Ndagire( holding a copy of the Domestic Violence Act) of Tusitukirewamu women empowerment group in Bwaise. Used relief fund to give food, while talking to women that the DVA encourages them to report DV to police, health workers and courts of law.

BULISA WHRDS ADVOCATE FOR PROTECTION OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN THE LAND AND OIL EXTRACTIVES SECTOR.

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Caption: From Left to right: Sarah Kisoro (the representative of the oil and extractive action working group of WHRDN-U), Begg-Saffar (NGO and Human Rights Manager, Total Energies), Gladys Oyenyboth (Bulisa Community Grass root WHRD), Petronilla Lamunu (NGO officer, Total Energies) and Brenda Kugonza (Executive director WHRDN-U).

 

On 29/09/2021, Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDNU) held an advocacy meeting with Total Energies’ NGO and Human Rights Department. The meeting took place at Total Energies Offices on Yusuf Lule Road, Kampala. The meeting discussed matters of protection of women human rights defenders who defend land rights of communities evicted due to oil extraction projects in Bulisa district.

We are grateful to Total Energies for using the UN principles on business and human rights and their commitment to work with Bulisa WHRDs to ensure that women’s rights are protected.

SISTERHOOD IS REALLY IMPORTANT IN PROTECTION OF WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS.

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Caption: Representatives of the Rwenzori women defenders network pose for a photo supporting the work of women defenders at the grass root community of Lake Katwe Salt mines.

 

Rwenzori Women Human Rights Defenders Network encouraging other women to see themselves as women defenders. On 24th/09/2021, three women human rights defenders from Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kasese districts came together through a solidarity visit to support the work of four women human rights defenders confronting historical inequalities and discrimination against women in the salt- mines of lake Katwe community.

During the solidarity visit, women human rights defenders discussed how to strengthen the liaisons, networks and how to foster local linkages to ensure the protection of women human rights defenders. Women defenders also shared personal and collective testimonies about how they are preventing and confronting violence and discrimination against women in the salt -extractive activities.

Thanks to the women defenders located in lake Katwe- salt – mining community, they are not willing to give up on promoting the economic rights & ensuring that women are not stripped of their source of livelihood which is salt mining in lake Katwe.