Checking On You

Website Editor • Mar 25, 2020
We’re currently facing a global pandemic. If you find yourself saying “dear God! What do I do?!” you’re not alone. You may also be feeling anxious, scared, alone or a mixture of all. We are with you. Thinking about you, sending you good energy and hoping you feel loved and cared for in this time. 

A renegade bug is showing how deeply broken our system is. Beyond the absolutely critical tasks of taking care of yourself, harm-reduction, social distancing, hand-washing, and looking out for those around us who are most struggling, we as feminists must also make that brokenness plain. We do not get to choose the historic moments we are born into, but we do get to choose how we respond. And as we recover, and put our world back together, we have a chance to put it back together differently and better. In that spirit, we are taking time to check on you and make sure that you are taking good care of yourself. We are living in very unprecedented times where our deepest duty is to care and show sisterhood solidarity to one another. Try out these seven tings and see how they help you go through this time:

1. Take leadership in your spaces (Office, place of worship, neighborhood, family etc.). We sink or swim together! Our actions today and in the coming days must be oriented toward lifting up those on the frontlines and those that like us, maybe scared, anxious or affected by the virus. Try and do your part in these times, forgive someone’s debt, buy groceries for someone, offer paid leave, give your team time off, enable people around you access information, call and talk to someone, offer some encouragement. These are basic acts of solidarity that may help us get through this.

2. Follow simple rules. Like the coronavirus itself, which multiplies a simple cough into a global pandemic, we, too, by following simple rules — from washing hands to small acts of kindness to a flash mob in Italy that goes viral — can both defend against the virus and scale-up our activism.

3. Practice cultural Disobedience. Who knew that overthrowing patriarchy could help fight a virus, but consent culture is more important now than ever! It is not appropriate to touch or hug without asking first. We can elbow bump. We can bow. We can connect heart to heart instead of hand to hand. If slowing down and prioritizing care for loved ones is bad for the economy, then maybe it’s time for some new rules! Let’s prioritize compassion, provide needed services, and reclaim non-mainstream marginalized histories and experiences that show healthier ways of being.

4. Get creative. Business cannot remain as usual! What do you do when you can’t go out and organize mass protests? Get creative, as people all around the world are doing. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention and in response to this unprecedented moment, we are seeing a proliferation of creative tactics that build community and pressure the powerful. Be part of the solution, not the problem. Rituals can be a powerful tool for decreasing anxiety, building community, and unlocking the power of collective contemplation and action. Many faith leaders are responding to this moment by coordinating virtual services. Our familiarity with ritual makes it a great format for self-organizing.

5. Be careful with yourself and with others. Flatten the curve. So, we can rise up together for the long haul. Rest and joy are also radical acts. Stay home, restrict movements and if you must risk exposure, be careful.

6. Find opportunity to build a solidarity economy. Why wait when we can build the future now? Many of the actions we’re seeing are prefigurative interventions: mutual aid, free online classes, food sharing, buying local and spending more time in nature. This crisis can be an emergent opportunity to change oppressive policies for good. As J.M. Greer says, “Let’s turn new normals into new beautifuls.”

7. See things differently, change your perspective. Let us reframe our work and messaging toward a systems approach. “Social distancing” can be reframed as “spacious solidarity,” which connects us together in an act of taking space, rather than self-isolation. creative re-framing can help expose those oppressive structures as arbitrary and requiring systemic change.

If you're looking for support while we are under lockdown, you can connect with us by calling or writing back to us to let us know how you are taking care of you and extending solidarity to your community.

Please stay safe! 



By Penelope Sanyu, Chief Steward 21 Feb, 2024
On 11th February 2022, I had a phone conversation with a young excited voice on the other side of the line, this voice, too curious and so eager to meet was asking to volunteer with Femme Forte Uganda. We were going through a transition around that time so I asked her to represent us at a meeting with one of our main partners ( knowing full well she was going to be frustrated and not want to return ) Alas! This was the beginning of what would be a long and beautiful learning journey for us both. Long story short, Ms. Norah joined the team as a volunteer and continued to grow through the ranks to this day. It's with mixed emotions that I bid farewell to Ms. Norah, a shining star in our feminist constellation for the past two years. As she embarks on an exciting journey of pursuing further studies, we raise a collective glass to her remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment to our cause. Norah joined us not just as an employee, but as a young, passionate advocate, a strategic thinker, and a ball of inspiration. Her dedication to our mission was evident in everything she did, from spearheading impactful campaigns to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for our team.
By Norah Gift Amala 11 May, 2023
Understanding Types, Legal Frameworks, and Effective Solutions.
By Communications Officer 03 Apr, 2023
Dear friends of Femme Forte, we are thrilled to share the August/September newsletter, take the sweet trouble and fix your tight schedules to get familiar with our last two month’s activities. This write-up comes with feminine fondness and friendliness, please scroll relentlessly and get edified with our August endeavours.
By Sarah Ademun 12 Oct, 2022
Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is any sexual act that is perpetrated against a person’s will. In Africa and Uganda in particular, it’s based on gendered norms, cultures, and unequal power relationships all being results of the patriarchal power structure in societies and individual relationships. It includes physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual violence and denial of ownership of resources or access to services. Violence consists of threats and coercion. SGBV inflicts harm on women, girls, men, and boys and is a severe violation of several human rights. Victims of SGBV in Uganda confront a political economy that undermines their access to justice, even as the rights agenda works to develop and implement laws, policies and interventions that promote gender equality and balance. This notion provides insights into the daily struggles of women who have fallen victim to the structural patriarchy that is engrained in Ugandan society. The acts of fighting sexual and gender-based violence in Uganda have become futile without the involvement of Mental Health, one cannot address social, economic, political injustice, discrimination, unfairness, oppression, abuse, and stereotypes without bringing in the context of Mental health which is sensitive to both men and women.  Sexual and gender-based violence is one of the hard realities that women in Uganda are facing, this is mostly because of a lack of power and authority due to the patriarchy we are born in. This has culminated into limited access to assets and no social networks to be sure of belonging, gender inequalities, conflict, power imbalance, insufficient food at home and alcoholism, and lack of assertiveness for those who fled their countries due to war (refugees), as a result, they are prone and all vulnerable, as we can all imagine, there is not much a refugee woman can do to keep herself occupied or safe and the inadequate or limited operation of the rescue organizations also put them at a vulnerable position where they can easily be abused or taken advantage of, these organizations fail to keep up or provide appropriate help usually due to increasing numbers of refugees coming into the refugee camps], hence increasing the rate of SGBV and creates a big setback in the acquisition of women empowerment and sustainable development in general. SGBV denies women and girls [men too] the security and freedom to explore their full potential. As long as women and girls are not given a chance to explore their full potential and build up individually, they are forced to settle for less than they could have if they had the freedom and security to do it. Very little is being said about the impact of SGBV on the mental health of the survivors and very little is being done to find out the extent of SGBV on the mental health of its survivors. SGBV has serious consequences on the psychological health of the survivors and their families, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), shock, memory loss, sexual dysfunction, and suicide are some of the psychological effects of SGBV on the survivors and their families. According to research, one-third of all cases of suicide among women, and 60% of all female murder victims are linked to sexual and gender-based violence. Different forms of SGBV also leave a deep emotional scar on many of the survivors. Research conducted by Advocate for Humans Rights revealed that hopelessness, loss of control, anger, suicide, behavior disorders, and eating disorder are some consequences of Sexual and Gender-Based violence. The most common types of SGBV prevailing in Uganda (especially, in the refugee camps) include; rape, female genital Mutilation, forced marriage, wife inheritance, wife battering, defilement, forced prostitution, and incest, and all of these practices are fueled by families that use their daughters as a source of money or resources to survive, young girls in child marriage and forced marriage to be able to get money from the men, law institutions also aid these acts by not seriously taking these cases of abuse into account and punishing the perpetrators, it is purported that when one reports the case to the police, they have to pay an amount between ugx5000-ugx50000 to the police as facilitation fees to officers to arrest the oppressor. With this, few women report these cases of abuse to the authorities considering the financial hurdles in their daily lives. The community also fuels these evil acts of Sexual and gender-based violence by blaming the women and cruising their dressing as the reason for their abuse. If a girl or woman was raped yet she was dressed in a trouser earlier, community members blame her and call her dress code indecent and hence the man goes free. In some communities, women believe that being beaten by their husbands is a sign of love, such beliefs have encouraged SGBV and some of such women have even lost their lives. All that has been shared above have resulted in Post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety, depression, loss of self-esteem, suicide, sexual dysfunction, and behavioral disorder. Aside from the community, law institutions, families, women, and young girls have little understanding of sexual and gender-based violence and its effect on their mental health. The general public’s understanding of SGBV is limited, men are isolated from discussions on ending SGBV yet they are the main offenders, and the information on which actor should end the vice has not percolated deep to some parties. While men are cited severally to be perpetrators, they too can be fighters of SGBV if sensitization had them in a plan (s). As an extra factor, there is a scarcity of information on SGBV and Mental health. Poverty is yet another reason why SGBV is prevailing because women are following men for bare necessities such as sanitary pads, soap, and lotion and have ended up being abused by these men, they cannot even report it because they will be blamed for it. There is an unmet need for SGBV and mental health services in West Nile resulting in high numbers of women struggling with mental disorders. Several organizations fighting for women’s rights and health could be motivated to take on the task to sensitize the women in these communities about SGBV and its effect on their mental health, the laws that protect them from SGBV, and where they can seek help in case they are abused, and also refer them to where they can get services and some organizations can even decide to provide these services to these survivors of SGBV and their families. Though men and women suffer SGBV, the magnitude of women victims cannot easily be juxtaposed to that of men. There is a need for all concerned to be vigilant, implement policies and handle this conundrum with compassion if we are to realize palpable results.
By Tendo Namata (Guest Blogger) 21 Sep, 2020
Not just all women but single mothers and other categories of socially discriminated women should be considered for Post COVID-19 business relief.
By Florentina Twongyeire (Guest Blogger) 21 Sep, 2020
The need to address the economic implication of COVID-19 is a critical one particularly a solution that entails taking the gender perspective into consideration. It is an opportunity for women’s voices to be heard in regard to business, inclusive markets, and their status & role in the formal labor market and include these conversations in the economic decision making both on a national & global platform. with requirements like loan documents and security, copies of audited accounts, tax clearance certificates, and proof of National Social Security Fund compliance needed to access the financing from Uganda Development Bank (UDB), it becomes impossible for small businesses (especially in the informal sector) to access this funding The Ugandan government set aside UGX 1 trillion as a stimulus package to benefit Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the aim of assisting these Ugandan businesses to increase the production of essential goods and services for import replacement and export promotion. However, with requirements like loan documents and security, copies of audited accounts, tax clearance certificates, and proof of National Social Security Fund compliance needed to access the financing from Uganda Development Bank (UDB), it becomes impossible for small businesses (especially in the informal sector) to access this funding. In addition, with the decline in sales due to the reduced purchasing power of consumers owing to the impact of COVID-19, it has reduced the ability of businesses to pay back loans. This lack of financial inclusion risks damaging the economy and regresses the steps that have been made to grow entrepreneurship especially as women in business face bigger obstacles. While governments are taking action to assist the SMEs (that operate on a larger capacity) i.e. through the stimulus package), little has been done/discussed on what will be done to rehabilitate small businesses owned by women including those in the informal sector. Furthermore, as it has been indicated that women have been the most affected by COVID-19 either through singlehandedly supporting households or working as frontline healthcare workers or losing livelihoods/employment, it would be imperative to provide support income. we need all parties involved from policymakers to the government to be aware that gender issues have to be taken into account in their decisions What can be done? We need all parties involved from policymakers to the government to be aware that gender issues have to be taken into account in their decisions. This entails protecting and enforcing women’s rights, ensuring women are represented in leadership positions in the private sector, civil society, business, and politics, and taking the forefront at providing avenues to upskill and include practical skills in the education curriculum that are relevant & offer better opportunities for the present and future of the workplace. Financial inclusion is key to ensure that money is allocated to the population and sectors that need it the most. The COVID-19 crisis is a turning point and opportunity for us to act with intention. If we take measured action and include women in key decision-making processes at all levels in different sectors, then we have a chance to build an economically sound future and make further strides in building gain towards women’s economic empowerment. We will be on our way to ensure gender equality and sustainable economic growth. Originally posted at https://medium.com/@galadrielflorentina/covid-19-womens-economic-empowerment-1a46a2fcbd23
By Tendo Namata (Guest Blogger) 21 Sep, 2020
Women constitute almost 51 percent of the population in Uganda. They also represent the biggest percentage in the trade (55 %) and manufacturing (51%) sectors. Women’s contribution to the economy though largely informal contributes to improved family and community well-being because women spend their income for the benefit of others. To this end a number of policies, laws and programs to encourage women economic empowerment have been initiated by the government. For example, Within the second National Development Plan (NDP II), the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), was identified to directly address some of the challenges and opportunities for skilling, financing, socio-cultural norms for increased economic empowerment of women in or willing to participate in business. Even with these measures, women still represent the biggest number of poor in Uganda and 70% of vulnerable employment. Businesses started by women in Uganda remain small with low profitability and shorter life span. Women in Uganda often face sex related issues that restrict their ability to make decisions to grow their business. These different issues such as the inability to access loans, gender digital gap, un-paid care work burden and lack of general business information have been exuberated by COVID-19. COVID-19 and effect on women businesses Government measures and presidential directives to stop the rapid spread of the virus in Uganda have included the closure of businesses, public institutions, social distancing, the ban on public transport and the closure of borders. These largely gender-blind measures have had catastrophic effects on trade. According to a May 2020 report by Private Sector Foundation in Uganda, most private businesses that previously operated at 50-60% capacity have already declined to about 20% capacity and general business activity has already declined by over 50%. With these disruptions, women shoulder the biggest burdens as small business owners or employees. With no safety nets for informal business owners (the largest percentage of them women), the failure and closure of businesses has become rampant. Women further report reduced income and failure to provide for their families with the several measures instituted to clamp down petty and market vending activities. For example, on the 25 th March, the president announced a ban on the sale of non- food items in Ugandan markets for two weeks to keep social distancing measures affecting women who constitute the biggest number of sellers in markets. Additionally, vendors, selling food items were required to sleep in the market. A failure of women in markets to balance care work and productive work forced many to choose more home-based enterprises with less profit. Moreover, media reports were awash with un-precedented brutalizing of women street vendors to keep them off the street. Digital Platforms as a coping strategy Even with the present-day ease of COVID-19 measures, women traders have been thrown to the sharks with noted low government commitment to provide information and support. The president has encouraged that business owners find new ways of doing business. Women working in the informal sector have no idea where and how to start. With the shift of a number of business to digital platforms, women remain further marginalized due to gender digital gap. For example, more men (58%) than women (46%) own a mobile phone in Uganda. Beyond ownership is the ability to use ICT based technologies for business growth if available. And yet digital platforms are important to foster proper decision making and ensure that government Standard Operating Procedures like social distancing are followed, keeping women healthy and safe. Digital platforms allow women access agricultural and business advisory services, market linkages and market services. Additionally, access to information around source of loans and their conditions, training opportunities plus sensitization of laws and policies will be widely distributed if platforms like radio and phones are employed. As of 2016, up to 80 % of the Ugandan economy was informal constituting of mainly women. Government has availed stimulus packages for formal businesses including loans and information non-reflective of these statistics. However, to cushion women businesses from shock and recapitalize them, government, business developers and women organizations must play a crucial role in helping women access and utilize technologies or digital platforms to make trade information and services easier and faster. Originally posted at https://pebbletalk.wordpress.com/2020/08/31/its-time-to-leverage-digital-platforms-for-womens-small-business-growth-post-covid-19-in-uganda/
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