Author: Edwig Kyomukama

On 19^th/01/2022, Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) held a workshop at Arch Apartments for 15 land, environmental, oil and extractives WHRDS who despite of their significant role in defending land rights and resources have continued to face violations and attacks from the society because of their work.

The workshop aimed at raising the visibility on the threats faced by land, environmental, oil and extractives WHRDS, share best practices for the protection and encouraging solidarity in their work.

Ms. Asigwire Bonita from WHRDN-U told participants that human rights defenders work is a journey which she related to that of a river. “There is a point when the river is high, calm or under pressure, it is finds huddles, hitting the walls. You even hear people say “Leero Omugga Gutabusse” but finally the river finds away.” She mentioned these while leading a session on understanding the life of being a defender which she called “the River of Life”.

While reflecting on their work, some of the participants share that; “I started as a defender fighting GBV in Kasese district, Things got intense when the men started threatening me saying that I should leave their families alone. I later started defending the rights of women in the mining sector. The community accused me of seeking for public recognition. In the course of my work, women in mining realized that I was doing right and they supported me.” Halima Nasaka.

“Our house and land was grabbed, we were helpless and had no one to fight for us, when I grew up, I chose to defend the rights of the people whose land has been grabbed. One day, a woman was thrown out of the house with her seven children, I reported their case to police. Her husband, threatened to kill me for interfering in their matters. However, I kept on advocating the the woman’s rights until she got equal share with the husband.” Amina Shahir.

Bonita Asigwire leading a session on river of life.

Ms. Rukanya Beatrice a WHRD from Hoima district facilitated a session on risks and attacks land, environmental, oils and extractives WHRDS face. She shared that, women defending land, environment and resources are often excluded from land ownership, community negotiations and decisions about the future of their lands. When they engage in activism, they are often criticized for neglecting their domestic duties and endangering their families.

In addition she stated that, in some cases, perpetrators deliberately target women in communities as a strategy of intimidation and fear. Some WHRDs of APPA land conflict in Acholi sub regions were killed & arrested criminal charges for her work in defending land and environmental rights. Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) confronting extractive industries in Uganda are regularly harassed and threatened. They face violence, intimidation and threats and also members of their families. She emphasized that although they face these risks, there is a need always to speak out so that people can understand these challenges in order to be protected.

Gladys Oyenboth, one of the participants shared that she was threated to be raped and killed when she defended a mother of 8 children to attain equal shares with from her ex husband in Bullisa. She called journalists who wrote a story about that saga, she is scared of her life and her family members.

Mawa Jackline also expressed that because she defends women to access their property, society has misconceptions that women should not own properties for example land. This has made her human rights work hard.

 

Gladys Oyenboth (on the right) and Mawa Jackeline (on the left) sharing their lived experiences on the risks and attacks they have faced.

Ms. Rukanya Beatrice further encouraged participants that amidst their challenges and threats that come along with their work, WHRDS need to take care of themselves. She said these while leading participants into a 30 days selfcare challenge that involved what they must do to get relief and enjoy their activism work. She emphasized the importance of selfcare saying that, human rights work is challenging and many defenders have continued to work in a trauma-based environment, violent, and fatigue. She encouraged them to take on this challenge in order get relief from stress.

Ms. Asingwire Bonita also called upon participants to seek support when they are attacked by reporting cases to the secretariat. “If we don’t report we won’t be supported”. She encouraged participants to always call WHRDN-U helpline when they face gender-based attacks. She further took participants through how to fill in the incident forms.

By the end of the workshop, female journalists got inspired and recognized risks, attacks, and the need to take care of themselves before others. They also promised to recommend at least two members to the secretariat and reach out to their colleagues in case they are attacked.

Bonita taking participants through how to fill in the incident forms.

 

On 18/01/2022 Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) organized a workshop for 15 disability Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDS) at Arch Apartments in Kampala, who continue to face stigmatization, discrimination, torture and sexual violence because of their disability and human rights work.

The workshop aimed at raising the visibility of conditions violations faced by disability WHRDS, share best practices for the protection and encouraging solidarity among WHRDs.

The workshop began with a reflection on a journey of being a defender led by Ms. Asingwire Bonita from WHRDN-U, which she termed the “River of life”. Bonita explained different ways how a river flows. “The river flows calmly, and this is when people want to sit by the banks and feel the breeze. Some seasons of a river come with waves, at this point, no one wants to come or sail on it. A river sometimes flows on narrow paths, this causes it to hit the banks. But finally, if find it way and flows. She further asked participants to relate their journey as women human rights defenders to that of a river.

Angella a WHRD from Arua mentioned that she started her journey after she received funding of  one million shillings from NOWUDU. Members in her organization attacked her saying she ate the money. She almost gave up but continued to do the right thing until members understood and elected her as their leader. Chelain Dorcus a WHRD fighting against FGM shared girls and women came to her home during the time of circumcision. Her husband ran way saying he can’t support children that are not his. People in the community told her  that she is a cursed woman went on to contest for counselor position which she won.

Bonita Asingwire leading a session on river of life.

While leading a session on the risks and attacks, Ms. Kabagenyi Peluce, shared some of the threats disability WHRDS face. “We Women with Disability human rights defenders, we face double oppression, disability-based discrimination, and gender-based discrimination. We face stigma associated with being disabled, a woman and WHRDS. This has significant impact upon our lives as Women with Disability human rights defenders. Because of our human rights work, some perpetrators use aids to physically hurt us and use our aids to sexually assault us. This is intended to silence us. “I was following up a case of a girl who was raped by a soldier at Bwera boarder, when I showed up at the police, one police man said ‘now you with one hand what can you do”. Peluce explained.

She emphasized that although they face these risks, there is a need always to speak out so that people can understand challenges disability WHRDS face because safety is crucial for WHRDS.

Joy Rufunda one of the participants share that disability WHRDs who are visually impaired are bullied when they go to report cases to the police. Policemen tell us, ‘How will you recognize a person? How can we catch the person’. We do not get justice in most cases.

Peluce Kabagenyi facilitating on the risks and attacks disability WHRDS face.

The workshop also involved a session on selfcare and wellness where Bonita Asingwire led participants into the 30 days selfcare challenge that involved what they must do to get relief and enjoy their activism work. She emphasized the importance of selfcare saying that, human rights work is challenging and many defenders have continued to work in a trauma-based environment, violent, and fatigue. She encouraged them to take on this challenge in order get relief from stress that is likely to come along with their work.

Bonita Asingwire taking participants through selfcare session during the workshop

The workshop ended with female youth defenders sharing their lessons learnt with the secretariat as most of them learnt how to document and report cases, the types on violence they face and the importance of selfcare in their work. Youths also committed to recommend at least two members to the secretariat and reach out to fellow youth defenders in case they are attacked.

Participants sharing their lessons learnt

 

15 female journalists from across Uganda were trained on the protection measures at a workshop organized by Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) on 15^th/01/2022 at Arch Apartments in Kampala.

The workshop aimed at raising the visibility on violations faced by female youth defenders, share best practices for the protection and encouraging solidarity among female journalists.

The workshop was facilitated by Ms. Amviko Sarah, a journalist at Radio Pacis in Arua district and Ms. Kyomukama Edwig from WHRDN-U kicked off with an energizing session called “The river of life”. Edwig told participants that being a female journalist working as frontline defenders is a journey which she related to that of a river. “There is a point when the river is high, calm or under pressure, it is finds huddles, hitting the walls. You even hear people say “Leero Omugga Gutabusse” but finally the river finds a way.” She explained.

Reflecting on her work, Christine Kyampaire, one of the participants shared her journey that she started her career well until when she begun to face challenges from duty bearers and politicians but with the solidarity from fellow journalists, she sustained. Kasigwa Rose also shared her journey of journalism started with a lot of vigor and energy, however along the way she encountered challenges like less pay. Because of her efforts, she got recognized and put on payroll.

Edwig Kyomukama leading a session on the river of life.

 

Rose Kasigwa (on the right, in a yellow T-shirt) and Christine Kyampaire (on the left) sharing their journey as defenders.

While facilitating on the violations faced by WHRDS, Sarah Amviko explained to the participants that female journalists face risks and attacks similar to those of their male counterparts, but encounter additional risks and attacks such as sexual harassment, non-recognition, marginalization, body shaming, and sexuality baiting among others. These threats and attacks are imposed to them based on their sexuality, gender stereotypes and cultural norms.

Sarah added that, in some societies, women are often reduced to their roles as mothers, daughters and caregivers rather than seen as legitimate political and economic actors in all spheres of society. Female journalists are regarded as ‘bad mothers, difficult women, loud/rumor mongers, or prostitutes.’ She emphasized that although they face these risks, there is a need always to speak out so that people can understand these challenges in order to be protected. Participants also revealed that they faced some of these risks.

Female journalists face censorship and restricted to reporting some information. In Luweero, journalists were burned to reporting and publishing issues related to land grabbing. Said Brenda Kugonza from WHRDN-U.

I was threatened by the community after reporting a story about mismanagement of hospital ambulances in Arua district. They sent threatening messages like; ‘We know you, we know where you stay, We are coming for you’. Said Sangi Mara from Next media.

When I got a husband, he told me to leave journalism work and he starts a business for me. Said Kajumba Goretti.

During COVID 19, I was the only journalist permitted to move freely, So I could leave work late, one day I was about to be raped. I called my bosses and informed them but they did not care, I couldn’t quit my job because I needed it. Said Masika Joy.

My fellow female journalist lost her job after she had taken her maternity leave. As soon as she left, a male journalist was recruited. Said Ajok Flavia.

 

Ms. Amviko Sarah taking lead in the understanding risks and attacks WHRDS face.

The workshop also involved a session on selfcare and wellness where Edwig Kyomukama led participants into the 30 days selfcare challenge that involved what they must do to get relief and enjoy their activism work. She emphasized the importance of selfcare saying that, human rights work is challenging and many defenders have continued to work in a trauma-based environment, violent, and fatigue. She encouraged them to take on this challenge in order get relief from stress that is likely to come along with journalism work.

Ms. Kyomukama Edwig facilitates a selfcare session.

Ms. Asingwire Bonitah from WHRDN-U also encouraged female journalists to seek support by reporting cases of violence to the secretariat. “If we don’t report we won’t be supported”. She encouraged participants to always call WHRDN-U helpline when they face gender-based attacks. She further took participants through how to fill in the incident forms.

By the end of the workshop, female journalists got inspired and recognized risks, attacks, and the need to take care of themselves before others. They also promised to recommend at least two members to the secretariat and reach out to their colleagues in case they are attacked.

On 12/01/2022, Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) organized a workshop for 15 indigenous women defenders from the Batwa, IK and Bennet communities at Arch apartments in Kampala, who continue to face prejudice, discrimination, torture and sexual violence because of their struggle to defend their rights, and ancestral land.

The workshop aimed at raising the visibility on the risks and attacks faced by Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDS), share best practices for the protection and encouraging solidarity among WHRDS.

The workshop began with a reflection on a journey of being a defender led by Ms. Asingwire Bonita from WHRDN-U, which she termed as the “River of life” where WHRDS shared challenges and achievements they have faced. Viola, a WHRD from Kaboong shared how the Bennet lived in peace until the government started evicting them from their land, which prompted her to become a defender. “The work of being a defender came with pressure from the government but that didn’t stop me from fighting. Through lobbying and advocacy, the government recognized our work and gave us another land for settlement and from then things stated moving on smoothly.”-She added.

While leading a session on the risks and attacks, Ms. Sange Jackline, shared some of the threats minority WHRDS face. “We the Batwa, IK, Bennet and the pastoralists have lived in territories rich in natural resources for example our forests. So, we have all the time refused people to grabbing our resources and to endanger our traditional livelihoods. We are defending our rights, lands, culture and our children.”– She explained. Sange emphasized that although they face these risks, there is a need  always to speak out so that people can understand challenges minority WHRDS face because safety is crucial for them.

Sange Jackline facilitating during the ethnic minority group workshop

The session enabled participants  also to share some of the experiences they faced. Ms. Edreda Digolo shared that, while fighting for their ancestral land, they face stigma from community members calling them “the landless.” Ms. Mbatina Grace added that Batwa women do not get medical attention from health workers when they go to hospitals for treatment and as a result, many pregnant mothers have died while giving birth. Gloria from the IK shared that IK students have been nicknamed “Ndorobos” literally meaning the minority by the Sabiny’s students at university.

 

Through group discussion, participants were tasked to identify the advocacy opportunities in their community and the best practices to protect. The IK women defenders presented that, being in space of fellow WHRDS, documenting and reporting cases to WHRDN-U, networking and coordinating with top securities would be their best practices to ensure their protection. For the Batwa, coordination with Uganda Wildlife Authority Park reserves officials and solidarity with WHRDS under attacks would be their best protection measures while the Bennet presented that, networking with CBOS and local councilors’ and registering their organization was their best practice for protection.

Group discussions among the ethnic women defenders

The workshop ended with a selfcare session where Sange Jackline told participants why selfcare is important saying that, human rights work is challenging in a way that many WHRDS spend so much time working on complex issues and forget to take care of themselves. She further told participants that when they don’t take care of themselves well, they will start to feel so tired, and give up. She mentioned these while leading them into a 30-day selfcare challenges that involved what WHRDS must do to get relief and enjoy their work.

The IK, Bennet and Batwa women defenders interacting after a selfcare session.

By the end of this session, WHRDS got inspired and recognized risks, attacks, and threats as serious to their lives and activism work. The Batwa committed to creating  bonfire areas that they named as “matidya mbakaswa” where they would come together to protect and take care of their community. They stated that they will use these meetings to talk about problems, and exchange ideas about solving them. IK revealed that they will, identify activities for cohesion, women empowerment and local advocacy. The Benet WHRDS committed  to create a safe space for protection in case a defender is intimidated. WHRDN-U gave them a flower as a symbol for safe space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 29^th November 2021, Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) in partnership with the UN Women Uganda, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), launched the safety and security guidelines as a strategy to strengthen the capacity of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDS) to mitigate the impact of gender-based violence against their work.

WHRDS and their networks continue to face specific risks and are often targets of serious abuses due to the nature of human rights work they do. They therefore require enhanced protection from attacks at all levels. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Uganda as there are no clear policies to protect WHRDS.

It is from this context that WHRDN-U together with UN Women and OHCHR developed safety and security guidelines to enhance the protection of WHRDS by providing practical safety measures.

The guidelines for WHRDS presents the best practices both online and offline, highlighted in sections 3, 4 and 5, recommendations and key considerations also highlighted in section 6. The best practices are discussed below;

• Individual WHRDS are encouraged to join the networks for solidarity, enhance their accountability and understand how to operate online, be conscious of their security all times, safeguard all evidence and report cases.
• WHRDS organizations are encouraged to develop and implement a security plan, nurture space to speak up, use collective care, wellness approach, and adopt to technology for online activism and rapid response.
• Social movements are advised to develop a database for referral of services, create support spaces at district and regional levels, and alliance building with like-minded actors.
• The guidelines also provide digital and social media mechanisms to help WHRDS and their organizations prevent online violence such as use of Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware protection, managing social media and phone settings, blocking abusers by using social media features such as unfollowing/unfriending, reporting and muting among others.

Furthermore, the guidelines offer recommendations for the key actors in the protection of WHRDS such as;

1. WHRDN-U: To establish a clear referral pathway for WHRDS, foster safe networking space for WHRDS, expand online activism, and equip WHRDS with knowledge and skills on human rights work including knowledge on ICT and put in place an emergency fund to address issues of WHRDS.
2. UN Women, OHCHR and other partners: To support recommended actions to push the implementation and effective utilization of these guidelines, set up an emergency fund that addresses the unique gender attacks and violations that WHRDS face and prioritize support for self-care, wellness and healing justice for WHRDS
3. WHRD Networks, organizations, and CSOs: To institute internal institutional WHRDS programs and interventions aimed at enhancing institutional safety mechanisms, safety protocols and staff capacities.
4. State Actors, Non-State Actor and Communities: To enact enabling laws that curb violence targeted at WHRDS such as POMA, Computer Misuse Act, Penal Code and Sexual Offences Bill that are often used to violate WHRDS and address impunity at institutional and community levels.

To access a copy of the Safety and Security Guidelines for WHRDS click here.

From 21st to 25th September 2021, Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U), in partnership with Frontline defenders, conducted a workshop on visibility for protection of 21 WHRDS at Sky’s Hotel in Kampala. The specific objectives were to reflect on the multi-layered aspects of visibility and the protection methodologies for WHRDS.

During those five days, WHRDS discussed how visibility has affected their work, the gender specific threats, strategies to respond to those threats, and shared their experiences on the visibility for protection.

The first session of the workshop marked interventions from Marie San Martin, advocacy manager for Frontline Defenders. Marie explained what visibility means and its impact on the work of WHRDS noting that visibility is fundamental feature for WHRDS as it promotes their work. One participant shared that visibility has helped her take back her power as a woman defending rights of sex workers. She has set the pace for other sex workers to also speak out and defend their rights. Another participant noted that visibility is important for resource mobilization since donors are interested in seeing progress of their work.

Marie San Martin leading a session during the visibility for protection workshop.

The second day led by Brenda Kugonza focused on identifying gender specific threats against WHRDS. She mentioned that threats such as, defamation, smear campaign, stigmatization and online violence are being used to harm their reputation. One of the participants mentioned that she has been named ‘a prostitute’ by the community. “Look at you, do you also have children? you don’t deserve them, you are only a prostitute’’- she expressed.

Brenda Kugonza facilitating on gender-specific threats during the workshop.

The third day of the workshop involved participants brain storming on protection strategies they can use to respond to risks and attacks they face. They also drafted action plans that analyzed risks they face. The action plans elaborated measures they can use for their visibility such as;

• Sensitization and information
• Temporary relocation
• Disclosing to their families the work they do
• Increase legal capacity
• Self-care and seeking counseling.

Participants drawing action plans on how they will protect their visibility. 

The fourth day focused on digital security management and the intervention of internet.  Sandra Kwikiriza, the Executive Director at Her Internet, told participants that there is a need for them to tighten their digital and physical security. She encouraged WHRDS to use the following digital safety tips

• Data backup
• Strong passwords
• 2 factor authentication
• The Onion Rouser browser. 

The fifth day marked the end of the workshop with a session on online violence by Hellen. She highlighted the new forms of violence including sexual harassment, cyber stalking and hate speech, mentioning that they are frequently terrifying and have manifested to physical violence. She enabled group discussions where participants identified the following digital security tips;

• Installing cameras in their workplace,
• Keeping information confidential
• Monitoring their movements.
• Change of office locks

During the workshop, participants hard a self-care and wellbeing session.