Women Empowerment Program in Uganda

Women in Africa, Uganda inclusive, are an economically disadvantaged group and rural women in particular are more economically disadvantaged. The lack of economic power of the rural communities, especially among women, is a major obstacle to long term development. Although women have great contribution to the African socio-economic development, in Uganda, they still remain among the most vulnerable members of the society. Women face many challenges including; discrimination, low social status, low literacy rates, limited access to education, unequal rights, poverty, and greater risk of HIV/AIDS infection; which is directly attributed to the long-standing patriarchal traditions and extreme poverty.

These challenges are especially difficult to overcome for women, as there are fewer jobs available to them, and family concerns can often monopolize their time. Gender roles in rural Uganda still adhere to traditional and cultural codes. When a family is struggling economically, girls are more likely than boys to be taken out of school to help with income-generating activities or agricultural labor, and they are more likely to be married at a young age.

The aim of the project is to provide support to young women in developing the skills needed to carry out income-generating activities so they can provide for themselves and their families.

As a Women Empowerment Program volunteer your work will focuses on empowering women and giving them the skills to be healthy and financially independent. This project is particularly good for those with skills and interests in arts and craft-making, as well as an interest in supporting women to become self-sufficient. Volunteer duties may include helping with:

• Teaching entrepreneur business skills
  • Fundraise for the women income generating projects
  • Distributing menstrual pads to women and girls (when available or upon fundraising)
  • Assisting on a project to teach women how to breed chickens for income
  • Helping women to get finance for their start-up businesses
• Sewing and tailoring
• Candle-making
• Jewelry creation
• Courses on finance and small business management

You can also teach the local women a range of life skills such as cooking, dancing, singing, playing games and really anything that you might like to share that can be beneficial to them.

If you would like to teach or bring any specific activity to your placement that you think would be beneficial to the local women and be of their interest, please advise, and the local team will do their best to help you facilitate the activity you wish to bring to the local women.

This project is well suited to volunteers with experience in business, health or education. Typically volunteers who have skills and qualifications on those subjects can provide better support to the local women. However, anyone who is open minded and interested in supporting disadvantaged women is very appreciated! Everyone over the age of 16 is welcome to take part in this project, including male volunteers.