Category: CAPACITY BUILDING

In September 2024, 30 dedicated Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) from the Rwenzori region gathered at the Rwenzori International Hotel in Kasese for a two-day coordination meeting focused on enhancing leadership, well-being, and collaboration. The gathering provided a much-needed safe space for these defenders to share their challenges, reflect on self-care practices, and strengthen their collective protection networks.

The meeting’s objectives were clear: create supportive environments for WHRDs to openly discuss their fears, challenges, and needs, and build solidarity across regions. These efforts were aimed at fostering stronger connections and trust among WHRDs while enhancing their ability to respond to the risks they face in their work.

Throughout the meeting, participants shared the unique difficulties they encounter in conflict and crisis situations, such as violence against women, child labor, and community insecurity. From cross-border conflicts to physical threats and social stigma, the WHRDs described the emotional and psychological toll of their activism. Despite these challenges, the defenders found strength in one another’s stories, forging bonds of sisterhood that are crucial for their continued work.

One of the most valuable sessions focused on self-care, which included activities like relaxation, socializing, and seeking guidance from peers. This initiative underlined the importance of maintaining mental and physical well-being amidst the intense pressures faced by WHRDs. Reflecting on these activities, participants expressed how moments of self-care and solidarity visits had significantly improved their emotional resilience.

Moreover, the meeting highlighted the importance of building protective networks. Through role-playing exercises, WHRDs learned how to mobilize support and respond quickly to emergencies within their regional network. The value of working together for mutual safety was emphasized, with the network serving as a collective safety net for those at risk.

While the meeting was successful in fostering collaboration, it also revealed challenges. Burnout, stress, and logistical barriers to effective coordination remain pressing concerns for WHRDs in the region. However, a commitment to ongoing mentorship, training, and capacity building offers hope for overcoming these obstacles.

As these defenders return to their communities, they are determined to continue their work with renewed strength, drawing from the solidarity they built during this meeting. They are already planning follow-up actions, such as radio shows, solidarity visits, and reporting cases of violations against WHRDs. These efforts are essential to ensure the safety, well-being, and continued impact of the WHRDs in the Rwenzori region.

In Uganda, women who champion human rights face immense challenges, yet their resilience and dedication remain unwavering. Recently, a two-day regional coordination meeting in the Acholi region provided a safe space for Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) to share their experiences, strengthen their networks, and enhance their protective capacities. The meeting brought together over 30 WHRDs, who discussed the severe risks they face, including gender-based violence, land disputes, and judicial harassment, often exacerbated by cultural and legal barriers.

Key discussions revolved around collective protection, emphasizing the power of solidarity and collaboration in safeguarding these courageous women. By building strong networks, WHRDs can amplify their voices, mitigate risks, and support one another in times of crisis. The participants shared practical strategies for overcoming the isolation that many face, from mobilizing local resources to using secure communication platforms for coordinated responses.

Despite their shared commitment to justice, WHRDs in Uganda continue to confront significant obstacles. Many operate in isolation, facing physical threats and societal stigmatization. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for collective action and the importance of engaging community leaders to protect defenders on the frontlines.

Looking ahead, WHRDs are committed to engaging clan leaders, religious groups, and peace committees to bolster their safety and promote peace-building initiatives. Through these continued efforts, WHRDs in Uganda can build a more resilient and united movement, ensuring that their invaluable contributions to human rights are protected, recognized, and celebrated.

This gathering has shown that while the path for WHRDs is fraught with risks, unity and collaboration are powerful tools in overcoming adversity and securing the future of human rights advocacy in Uganda.

The Women Human Rights Defenders Network-Uganda (WHRDN-U) recently concluded a transformative four-day feminist documentation training for 16 Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in Kampala. The training, held from May 20th to 23rd, 2024, focused on equipping WHRDs with essential skills to document the violations they face from a gender-sensitive perspective, while also fostering their physical, mental, and digital security.

The training provided a safe and inclusive space for WHRDs to share lived experiences, engage in self-care practices, and build solidarity networks for mutual support and well-being. Participants acquired skills in holistic security, digital safety, and physical protection—tools critical for their activism in an increasingly hostile environment.

One of the standout moments was a session on documenting violations against WHRDs. Facilitated by experts in feminist documentation, the session highlighted the power of recording incidents of violence, gender-specific attacks, and patterns of abuse. The participants learned how to collect and preserve evidence, capture testimonies, and apply a “do no harm” approach, ensuring dignity and confidentiality for survivors. This session inspired many WHRDs, with some reflecting on their past inability to recognize and report the gender-based violence they had endured.

WHRDs shared personal stories that revealed the harsh realities they face in the field. From threats of eviction for supporting survivors of gender-based violence to being labeled as “marriage breakers” or “prostitutes” for their advocacy work, these women have shown remarkable courage. Despite the challenges, the training provided them with tools to document these violations and seek protection and accountability from relevant authorities like the Equal Opportunities Commission.

The inclusion of self-care and collective healing sessions was another key highlight. WHRDs engaged in sleep therapy, somatic exercises, and wellness reflections, which allowed them to reconnect with themselves and prioritize their well-being. Many confessed to never having set aside time for self-care before the training. One participant shared, “I have never felt so cared for and loved.”

The training also emphasized the critical role of WHRDs in building stronger networks and coordination strategies. Participants learned how to provide peer support, maintain safety while gathering evidence, and strengthen alliances with institutions like the Equal Opportunities Commission. Such partnerships will ensure that violations against WHRDs are formally reported and addressed.

The impact of this training is undeniable. The WHRDs left the sessions more empowered, inspired, and determined to support fellow defenders at the grassroots. WHRDN-U remains committed to continuous mentorship, practical training, and sustained support for WHRDs. As the stories shared during this training reveal, the path to justice and protection for WHRDs is fraught with challenges, but with the right tools, skills, and networks, they can continue their advocacy work with greater safety and resilience.
This initiative is a testament to the power of feminist documentation as a tool for justice, accountability, and the protection of women human rights defenders across Uganda.

On May 14, 2024, a pivotal regional coordination meeting was held in Masindi district, where 28 Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) from the Albertine region gathered to enhance their skills in identifying and mitigating the risks they face in their vital work. This event, organized by the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U), provided these activists with the knowledge to protect themselves from both online and offline threats, empowering them to continue their work with greater security.

The meeting highlighted the numerous challenges these defenders face, ranging from physical threats such as raids and unlawful arrests, to online attacks like cyberbullying and doxing. Many participants shared personal experiences of intimidation and violence, underscoring the ongoing risk to their safety and well-being as they advocate for human rights. Despite the threats, the WHRDs continue to work relentlessly for justice, often at great personal cost.

This meeting not only equipped the WHRDs with practical tools for security, such as securing offices, computers, and mobile phones, but also emphasized the importance of solidarity. The defenders committed to strengthening their networks, sharing resources, and supporting each other in their fight for justice.

However, a significant challenge remains: many WHRDs do not prioritize their own protection, often focusing solely on the communities they serve. To address this, it is crucial to continue providing training on legal protections and digital security tools. As the WHRDs in Albertine region move forward, their call for ongoing capacity building and a more coordinated approach to activism remains clear.
Their resilience is commendable, and with continued support, these defenders can better safeguard their rights and continue their critical work in promoting human rights for all.
Article published by Brenda Kugonza, Executive Director of WHRDN-U.

The recent regional coordination meeting for Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in Lango marked a significant step in empowering women defenders to navigate and overcome the challenges they face in their vital work. Organized by the Women Human Rights Defenders Network-Uganda (WHRDN-U) and held at Pacific Grand Hotel in Lira district, the one-day gathering provided a safe and collaborative space for 19 women defenders from the Lango region.

The meeting aimed to enhance the capacity of WHRDs to identify and mitigate the growing threats they encounter both online and offline. Through insightful training on digital and physical security, participants gained practical skills to protect themselves, their families, and their workspaces. The sessions also emphasized effective documentation of human rights violations and explored ways to foster greater solidarity within the Lango WHRDs network.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the session on identifying online and offline threats. Women defenders revealed the alarming range of risks they face, including cyberbullying, smear campaigns, online shaming, and hacking of digital platforms. Offline threats were equally concerning, with reports of physical surveillance, threats of arrests, attacks on homes and offices, and public defamation. These experiences underscore the urgent need for more robust protection mechanisms for WHRDs.
To respond to these threats, participants were equipped with vital knowledge on physical and digital security. Training sessions focused on home, office, and mobile phone security, as well as safeguarding computer systems. WHRDs were taught how to secure access to their devices, protect sensitive information, and use security tools to shield themselves from both physical and cyber threats. The emphasis on practical, hands-on skills allowed participants to develop personalized security plans that can be implemented in their daily lives.

Another key session on human rights documentation equipped WHRDs with the skills to record and report incidents of violence accurately. Participants practiced filling out incident forms using real-life scenarios, which enhanced their capacity to seek justice and demand accountability for violations against WHRDs.
Beyond the skills-building sessions, the meeting also strengthened solidarity among WHRDs in Lango. The network emphasized the importance of coordination and collective advocacy. Participants committed to enhancing their support for one another through relationship-building, joint advocacy, and shared resources. Such collaboration will be critical in sustaining the momentum generated by the training.
The meeting’s successes were evident in the active participation and commitment of all 21 attendees. The knowledge and skills acquired are expected to have a lasting impact, enabling WHRDs to navigate risks and continue their essential human rights work more safely and effectively.
However, challenges persist. Deep-rooted societal attitudes, limited resources, and systemic barriers continue to hinder the work of WHRDs in Lango. Overcoming these barriers will require sustained awareness-raising, strengthened partnerships with law enforcement, and continued mentorship and training for WHRDs.
WHRDN-U remains committed to supporting the defenders in Lango. Moving forward, the organization will facilitate follow-up initiatives to ensure the commitments made during the meeting are realized. Through continued capacity-building and solidarity, WHRDs will be better positioned to overcome threats and champion human rights for all.