Internship & Volunteer Opportunities at  Rape Hurts Foundation (RHF)

Title: Internship & Volunteer Opportunities at Rape Hurts Foundation (RHF)

Organization: Rape Hurts Foundation (RHF) – Jinja, Uganda

Location: Remote / Online

Commitment: Flexible (estimated 3 –10 hours per week)

Duration: Minimum 3 months (renewable)

About Rape Hurts Foundation (RHF)

Introduction

Rape Hurts Foundation (RHF) is a survivor-centered, community-based organization headquartered in Jinja, Uganda. Founded on the belief that healthcare, dignity, and justice are fundamental human rights, RHF is committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence while addressing the interconnected challenges that perpetuate vulnerability, poverty, and exploitation.

Our work goes beyond crisis response. RHF takes a holistic, empowering approach to human rights, recognizing that a survivor cannot truly heal without economic stability, education, safety from exploitation, and access to sustainable resources. We exist to break cycles of violence, poverty, and dependence.

Our Background

RHF was established to fill critical gaps in support for survivors of sexual violence in Jinja and surrounding communities. For years, survivors faced stigma, limited access to medical and legal aid, and no long-term pathways to rebuilding their lives. RHF began as a grassroots effort, offering listening ears, referrals, and advocacy and has since grown into an organization addressing multiple, intersecting forms of harm.

We understand that sexual violence rarely occurs in isolation. Many of the individuals and families we serve are also vulnerable to human trafficking, modern day slavery, economic exploitation, and child marriage all of which are fueled by poverty, lack of education, and gender inequality. As a result, RHF has expanded its mission to address these root causes through integrated, community-driven programs.

Our Core Areas of Work

1. Survivor Support & Advocacy

We provide psychosocial support, medical referrals, legal guidance, and crisis intervention for survivors of sexual violence. We advocate for healthcare as a human right, including post-rape care and mental health services.

1. Anti-Human Trafficking & Modern Day Slavery

RHF works to identify, rescue, and support victims of human trafficking and forced labor. We raise awareness about trafficking risks, collaborate with local authorities, and provide safe housing and reintegration support for survivors.

1. Vocational Skilling & Economic Empowerment

We believe that economic independence is a form of protection. RHF offers vocational training in marketable skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, baking, handicrafts, and small business management. These programs enable survivors and at-risk women to earn sustainable incomes and break free from exploitative relationships.

1. Girl Child Education

Education is one of the most powerful tools against gender-based violence and child marriage. RHF supports girl child education through school fees assistance, mentorship programs, sanitary pad distribution, and awareness campaigns that keep girls in school and safe from exploitation.

1. Farming & Agricultural Empowerment

Many families in our communities rely on subsistence farming. RHF trains women and youth in sustainable farming techniques, provides seeds and tools, and helps form farming cooperatives. This improves food security, generates income, and reduces vulnerability to economic shocks that can lead to trafficking or exploitation.

1. Solar Power & Renewable Energy

Access to reliable energy transforms lives. RHF promotes solar power adoption in rural and underserved households. Solar energy extends study hours for girls, reduces reliance on dangerous kerosene lamps, lowers household expenses, and creates small business opportunities (e.g., phone charging, cold storage for food). We also train community members in basic solar installation and maintenance as a vocational skill.

1. Community Awareness & Prevention

Across all our programs, we conduct community dialogues, radio broadcasts, school outreach, and training sessions to change harmful norms, reduce stigma, and prevent violence before it starts.

Our Vision

A Uganda where every survivor is believed, supported, and empowered; where no woman or girl is sold, enslaved, or denied an education; and where communities thrive through economic opportunity, renewable energy, and respect for human rights.

Our Mission

To support survivors of sexual violence and vulnerable individuals by providing direct services, economic empowerment, education, and sustainable solutions—including vocational training, farming support, and solar energy—while fighting human trafficking and modern day slavery.

Our Reach

Based in Jinja, Uganda, RHF serves survivors, at-risk women, and youth across rural and peri-urban communities. We work with local leaders, schools, health centers, and families to ensure our programs are culturally relevant, survivor-led, and sustainable.

Let us grow together

RHF is a small organization with a big vision. We welcome partners, volunteers, donors, and grantmakers who share our commitment to holistic, dignified, and lasting change.

Are You a Human Rights Defender?

• Are you a gender activist?
• Do you believe in freedom, dignity, and justice for all?
• Do you want to develop your skills and learn how every part of a human rights NGO operates?
• Do you enjoy intercultural collaboration?
• Do you like working independently while gaining real, hands-on project management experience?
• Do you have strong communication skills and know how to convey messages in a compelling way?

If you answered yes, RHF wants to hear from you.

Volunteer Role Overview

As a volunteer with RHF, you will be embedded in the daily work of a grassroots human rights organization. You will not be fetching coffee or filing papers—you will be managing real projects, leading fundraising efforts, shaping public communications, and developing content that directly supports survivors.

This role is ideal for someone who wants to build practical experience in the nonprofit sector, strengthen their project management portfolio, and contribute meaningfully to gender justice.

Activity Areas (with examples):

• Project Management – Help plan and track RHF's community outreach schedule, survivor support follow-ups, and awareness campaigns.
• Fundraising – Research grant opportunities, assist with drafting donor communications, and help organize small-scale fundraising events (online or local).
• Public Relations – Manage RHF's social media presence, respond to public inquiries, and build relationships with local partners and media.
• Content Development – Write blog posts, newsletters, survivor stories (with consent), and educational materials about sexual violence prevention and survivor support.

Requirements:

• Firsthand experience in project work (professional, academic, or volunteer)
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Strong written and spoken English (excellent command expected)
• Access to reliable internet and a computer
• Commitment to survivor-centered, trauma-informed principles
• Alignment with RHF's mission and values

Your Daily Tasks Will Include:

• Supporting daily operations and scheduling across multiple projects
• Corresponding independently via email and messaging platforms
• Helping organize and coordinate fundraising events
• Bringing forward constructive ideas and solutions
• Managing different project tasks from start to finish with minimal supervision

Your Profile:

• Sociable, open-minded, and culturally respectful
• Highly conscientious and organized
• A true team player who also thrives working solo
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Comfortable navigating the internet and researching new topics
• Quick to learn new systems and subject areas
• An excellent communicator in English (written and verbal)

What You Will Gain:

• Hands-on project management experience in a real NGO setting
• A portfolio of work you can point to (fundraising campaigns, content you created, events you helped run)
• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of your volunteer term
• The opportunity to be credited for your work (with your permission)
• Deep insight into how a grassroots human rights organization operates
• The satisfaction of directly contributing to survivor support and gender justice in Uganda

Important Notes:

• This is an unpaid volunteer role, though RHF will fully credit you for your contributions.
• RHF is committed to a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all volunteers and survivors.
• Volunteers must adhere to RHF's confidentiality and safeguarding policies.

How to Apply:

Please send the following to rapehurtsuganda@gmail.com

1. Your CV or resume (attachment)
2. A brief cover letter or paragraph explaining why you are interested in RHF and this role
3. Links to at least three examples of your online writing or social media activity (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, blog, Medium, or other platforms)

Application Deadline: 05/15/2026

Start Date: 06/01/2026

Rape Hurts Foundation is an equal opportunity organization. Survivors, women, gender minorities, and individuals from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.