Statement on the Ratification of ILO Convention C 190 on Ending Gender Based Violence in the World of Work
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 21st November2019 On 21st June 2019, the International Labor Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 (C190) on Violence and Harassment was adopted in a historic moment that ushered in a fresh set of protections for workers and established global standards to end gender based violence and harassment in the world of work. The centenary […]
If You Make Abortion Illegal, It Will Happen Anyway –Akina Mama wa Afrika at the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, where 179 governments adopted a landmark Programme of Action which set out to support women and girls to reclaim their bodily autonomy and choice, for their sake and that of their families, communities and nations. Akina Mama wa […]
#CSOToo: Women in the Civil Society Organisations in Uganda Call for Improved Solidarity with Survivors of Sexual Violence
#MeToo, #ChurchToo, #AidToo and related campaigns took the world by storm as thousands of women across entertainment, religious groups and politics called for action against sexual violence by highlighting the pervasiveness of the vice. Incidences of sexual harassment and abuse were brought to light leading institutions on paths of greater transparency with the end goal […]
It Is Not Right for the Rich to Prosper At The Expense Of the Poor – Conference on Living Wage and Living Income in Global Agri-Food Supply Chains
The fight for a living wage and income is essential to creating sustainable supply chains and driving better livelihoods. According to studies, women working on flower farms in Uganda who earn a meagre pay of USD28-46 a month are reported to be living below the poverty line. Their plight is not news to anyone in […]
The Beijing Dispatch: Call for articles on progress in achievement of women’s rights and gender equality as the Beijing Platform for Action Turns 25 – Deadline Extended
The year 1995 was a turning point for the women’s movement in Africa and the world at large with the unanimous adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) by 189 countries. This agenda has been defined as the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing women’s rights and the key global policy document […]
Where is the money? Why Illicit Financial Flows Are a Violation of Human Rights.
The pounding pleas for better public services, social protection and better employment opportunities by citizens have time and again been responded to with “where is the money?” stances from governments. Confirming that social justice is not a priority for them, we have watched governments tolerate widespread tax abuse at the expense of the citizenry. Worse, […]
Assessing Progress in Achievement of Women’s Rights and Gender Equality as the Beijing Platform for Action Turns 25
The year 1995 was a turning point for the women’s movement in Africa and the world at large with the unanimous adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) by 189 countries. This agenda has been defined as the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing women’s rights and the key global policy document […]
Advancing Girls’ Rights in Tanzania: The AWLI Strengthened My Foundation – Lydia Wilbard
Having grown up in Bukoba rural district in Kagera region bordering Uganda, Lydia Wilbard is the current National Director at the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in Tanzania. She is also a founding member of the Visionary Women Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCOS) and a Vice Chairperson of the Tanzania Education Network – TenMet. […]
This Is How Young Women Are Coping With Sexual Harassment at Universities
In April 2018, Rachel Njoroge Njeri reported Edward Kisuze an administrator at Makerere University to the police for sexually molesting her. He was proved guilty and suspended from Makerere University which sparked off a debate on sexual harassment by staff at Makerere University on different social media platforms. Female students in higher institutions of learning […]
What Is The Point Of The Revolution If We Cannot Dance? – Interrogating the State and Celebrating the Gains of Feminist Organising In Uganda
The essence smelt right, the candles burnt subtly but visibly, colorful mats, cushions and bitenges (African fabric) beautifully and skillfully laid out, it was time for the feminist dance. I have come to the realization that nothing compares to feminist spaces where we are free to challenge ourselves reenergize and re-strategize. This is what the […]
Creating Safe Spaces to Break the Silence on Violence for Differently Abled Women in Uganda
When it comes to violence against women and girls, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that women with disabilities often suffer double catastrophe. Frequently abandoned, women with disabilities are vulnerable to sexual abuse and while most women are no stranger to one of patriarchy’s ugliest faces in the form of sexual […]
Staying business savvy to survive on the flower farm
Namatovu is the popular socks vendor among her colleagues. At the end of her work day, outside the changing rooms, she turns into a trader – showcasing her product, conducting negotiations, and recommending what pair and color of socks one should buy. Each pair goes for 2,000 Uganda Shillings (USD 0.54), earning her a 1,000 […]
Feeling the pinch of the gendered burden of parenting
“My name is Specioza, and I am 50 years old. I work as a supervisor in Green House 12 and I have worked here for 14 years.” This is not the first time Specioza is working at a flower farm. Before her job here, she worked at another farm, still as a supervisor, where she […]
A pregnancy while still in school forged a different path for her
23 year old Rita is a mother of two, a 7 year old and 2 year old. She doesn’t often see the older one who she says she had, unprepared. “I did not even breastfeed her. As soon as she was born, my mother took her, while I began to look for work. She still […]
Fighting for women’s labour rights in the workers’ committee
Felista has a delightful personality. She smiles, greets and is eager to explain and to give whatever information needed about her work. It is clear in her clarity and swiftness to answer, that she has mastered the ins and outs of her job’s task, and that of the others. Felista has worked at the farm […]
Motherhood, labor, family, struggle and survival: The untold stories of women breathing life into flower farms in Uganda
Motherhood, labor, family, struggle and survival: The untold stories of women breathing life into flower farms in Uganda
Do HR Managers in the horticultural sector care about gender relations in the workplace? We are making sure they do!
The Women@Work campaign supported by Hivos has been running for a few years now. The task of the campaign is clear, but not simple; achieve decent work for women working in global value chains in the horticulture sector most notably flowers, fruits and vegetables grown for export. The campaign works on a myriad of issues […]
Catalyzing New Levels of Transformative Mentorship to Strengthen the Voice and Agency of Young Women Leaders
Studies have found that limited mentorship programmes exist for women in political leadership. This coupled with a lack of systematic strategies to attract and retain young women to join leadership and participate in governance processes continue to hinder young women’s leadership development and the full unleashing of their potential. Some young women have gone ahead […]
Promoting Decent Workplaces for Women to Thrive
In Uganda, working mothers are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave on full wages with a guarantee of the job they left behind (or its equivalent) waiting for them when they get back to work. This requirement is provided for in Section 56 of The Employment Act of 2006. This is the only provision […]
Building a Movement of Young Women Equipped To Respond To Limited Participation of Women in Leadership and Decision-Making
Young women in politics suffer double discrimination by age and gender despite women’s proven abilities as leaders and agents of change as well as their right to equal participation in political processes. While all young people are hindered from participating in active politics because of their lack of experience, young women are doubly hindered because […]