Food and Your Menstruation Cycle!
samantha • June 11, 2024
The menstrual cycle is an important part of many people’s lives. Despite this, misinformation, silence and shame abound around the topic.
For menstrual hygiene day, I set out to write an article strictly about how you can use food to optimize your wellbeing during your period but I ended getting a lot more than that from my interview with Gilbert Nsanzimfura, a nutritionist with TMR International Hospital. He shared in detail about the 4 stages of the menstrual cycle, how you may feel, what you can eat and what you should avoid to get through each like a champ. Enjoy!
Nutrition takes place for the entirety of mankind’s life, but for this article we are going to focus on nutrition for women of reproductive age. The menstrual cycle has 4 phases: Menstruation phase, Follicular phase, Luteal phase and Ovulation.
- Follicular phase: This is the phase between the first day after blood flow has stopped up to about the 13th -14th day when ovulation normally occurs. This stage involves a follicle stimulating hormone which facilitates the growth of follicles. These follicles will harbor a mature egg during the ovulation phase.
- Ovulation phase: This is where a mature egg (ovum) is released from the fallopian tubes. This is the shortest phase of the cycle, it can last up to 24 hours. This is called the excitement phase of the entire menstruation cycle.
- Luteal phase: It normally collides with menstruation and sometimes they are even confused to be the same phase. In the Luteal phase, the body is getting ready to start mothering an embryo; the egg is already released into the uterus for fertilization. This stage involves multiple hormones at the same time, including progesterone and oestrogen. These two hormones are very stubborn in that their reactions are very rapid. They both, each at a time, support the thickening of the uterine walls. This stage lasts about 10 to 15 days, from your ovulation day to the day you experience your first drop of blood flowing through the vagina if fertilization does not take place.
- Menstruation: This is normally the most distressing phase of the entire cycle. It lasts about 3-7 days although some might experience it for up to 10 days. Some women have them heavy, others light, others painful and others very painful.
NUTRITION AND THE MENSTRUATION CYCLE
First there are foods that need to be taken throughout each of these phases. These are foods you cannot do without, the first being Vitamins and minerals. The body cannot manufacture them on its own. The good news is that the body does not need a lot, this is why they are called micronutrients. Others are proteins, carbohydrates for energy and lipids.
NUTRITION DURING THE FOLLICULAR PHASE
At this point, your body has gone through changes.
−You have lost blood, iron and minerals
−Dizziness may be felt
−You may feel weak
Here it’s like building a house from ruins. You need to take all the food stuffs but mainly you need to replace the lost iron, the lost calcium and the lost magnesium.
Foods to eat
•Boiled eggs
•Chicken
•Sea food like salmon and sardines. (There is a difference between sea food and fresh body food. You can have Nile perch and Tilapia but they will not give the exact replacement.)
•Plant protein
•Legumes like beans and lentils
•Liver and other Vitamin D rich foods. We want Vitamin D because it facilitates absorption of calcium in the body.
•Leafy vegetables
•Purple vegetables
But because most people feel dizzy and are not interested in working and the like, we also encourage that you take more protein and plenty of water.
Foods to avoid
•Take carbohydrates but sparingly. If you take too much, it may make you feel dizzier. This is because digestion of carbs leads to production of glucose. Accumulation of glucose leads to high sugar levels which can cause symptoms like thirst and dizziness and other long term symptoms.
•Avoid all trans fats, from red meat like beef and goat
•Avoid processed food stuffs including bacon
•Minimize salt intake, especially added salt. It can make you spot further because it encourages water retention.
•Limit sugar intake. Like salt, it may make you spot even when you have finished your menstruation.
If you flow heavily, we encourage you to do light and not vigorous exercises.
Important to note: ALL junk foodstuffs should be avoided in all the phases. Junk food has been earmarked as a leading factor of almost all non-communicable diseases. All adults should be cutting out fast, foods, especially Irish potato chips.
NUTRITION DURING OVULATION PHASE
This is the shortest and most ‘excited’ phase. You are in a very good mood, you want to eat anything, and most females want to engage in sex. This is when people tend to have cravings for fast foods, snacks, sweet things and pastries. But if you are planning to get pregnant this is when you should start preparing.
Go for:
•Instead of sweets, go for an apple, a mango
Avoid:
•Fatty foodstuffs
•Alcohol
•Use of nicotine, coffee and caffeine. These 3 have an effect on oxygen production. If the egg is fertilized that night and you used these, we could end up seeing defects later in the child.
NUTRITION DURING THE LUTEAL PHASE
This phase happens whether the egg has been fertilized or not. Here, a foundation is being built, creating an environment to support a growing embryo. A good diet in this phase is key whether you are planning on getting pregnant or not. Not having healthy eating patterns can result in a very painful period, you may have clots.
This stage requires a lot of:
•Plant protein
•More fruits and vegetables.
NUTRITION DURING THE MENSTRUATION PHASE
Towards menstruation, some people have an urge for sex, some lose appetite, become restless, or experience stomach ache. The symptoms of this phase are many; from headaches to dizziness, apathy, disinterest in doing exercise, in doing work and cramps. Every female experiences it their own way.
To relieve headaches and anxiety, you can have scents and aromas in your room.
We encourage you to eat:
•Bananas. They are happiness fruits, they trigger the release of melatonin which helps you to feel relaxed.
•Watermelon
•Easily digestible fats like avocados
•Carrot and orange juice will help you replace the minerals you are losing
•Plenty of water. Warm or hot but not cold
•Beans, lentils and legumes are very important
•Get plant protein to help build back on what has been shed
•Eggs and milk because they are rich in calcium and iron. We are losing a lot of it so we want to replace it.
•Vegetables because they have a lot of mineral deposits
•Whole grains
•And, not very highly recommended, but if you have a sweet tooth, you can take some chocolate.
Foods to avoid
•All cooking oil should be avoided, whether vegetable or avocado, margarine, kimbo, sunflower or sunseed. Oil increases free radicals in the body, this may promote inflammation and make menses heavier, longer and more painful.
•Avoid all red meats during menstruation for the same reason as oil, free radicals. It can be eaten at least 7 days after the last day of menses.
•Sugars and salt should be minimized
•Avoid coffee because of its production of caffeine
•Avoid alcohol because it’s a like a blood thinner. It may make your flow heavy, and may lead to lengthening of the menstruation phase
•Processed grains
•Carbonated drinks like soda
•Paw paw
Do light exercise such as a walk to relieve cramps and facilitate easy flow.
As an end note: Some people have very very painful periods and this can happen at any age. It may be due to heavy production of a hormone called prostaglandin during menstruation. I advise them to see a doctor for a hormonal balance treatment routine.
Article by: For Food's Sake Eat (https://4foodssakeeat.com/)
The interplay between civil society and technology in Uganda's electoral context presents both challenges and opportunities. As the 2026 elections approach, it is imperative for stakeholders to collaborate in fostering a digital environment that promotes transparency, inclusivity, and democratic participation while safeguarding against potential abuses of power. Through concerted efforts, Uganda can harness the potential of technology to strengthen its democratic processes and civic engagement. Think about it, as Uganda approaches its 2026 general elections, the intersection of civil society and technology has become increasingly significant. Civil society organizations (CSOs) are now more than ever leveraging digital tools to enhance civic engagement, promote transparency, and advocate for democratic reforms. Simultaneously, the government's approach to digital regulation and surveillance has raised concerns about the balance between national security and civil liberties. Let’s together explore the evolving landscape of civil society and technology in Uganda, highlighting key developments, challenges, and opportunities as the nation prepares for its next electoral cycle. We shall dive right into the various digital initiatives contributing to conscientization of citizens and holding government accountable. Ugandan civil society has embraced technology to foster greater citizen participation and governmental accountability. Some notable initiatives include: Parliament Watch Uganda: this platform monitors parliamentary proceedings and disseminates information to the public, enhancing legislative transparency. The Citizen Report : By promoting a civically engaged public, The Citizen Report aims to cultivate well-informed communities where both leadership and citizens are equipped with knowledge of their responsibilities to each other and their society. U-Report: Launched by UNICEF Uganda in 2011, U-Report is a mobile-based platform that engages youth in national dialogues through SMS polls on various social issues. Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET): Established in 2000, WOUGNET empowers women through ICTs, focusing on digital literacy, online safety, and advocacy against online gender-based violence. Among many other initiatives, and now with the increased usage of social media and all her platforms, society has been provided with alternative spaces for discourse, especially among the youth, who constitute a significant portion of the population. Social media platforms like Tik Tok, Facebook, Twitter (now X), and WhatsApp have become vital tools for political mobilization and civic engagement in Uganda. These platforms have been instrumental in organizing protests, sharing information, and fostering community discussions on governance and human rights, social media has become a civic space! Social Media Regulation The Ugandan government has announced plans to regulate social media ahead of the 2026 elections, citing concerns over misinformation and national security. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, stated that new policies and technologies would be introduced to monitor and control digital communication platforms. While the government asserts that these measures aim to prevent the spread of false information, critics argue that such regulations could suppress freedom of expression and silence dissenting voices. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) also plans to acquire advanced digital monitoring technologies, including AI-powered tools, to filter harmful content online. These systems are expected to identify hate speech, incitement, and misinformation, with capabilities for real-time monitoring of high-traffic social media channels. While the government emphasizes user safety, civil society groups express concerns about potential overreach and infringement on digital rights. That’s not all. The Electoral Commission of Uganda is already facing challenges in implementing a mandatory biometric voter system for the 2026 elections. Issues include low participation in voter register updates, technical and logistical hurdles, and concerns about potential voter disenfranchisement. Experts warn that without adequate preparation and voter education, significant portions of the electorate could be excluded from the voting process. So what does all this mean for civic space and organizing? Civil society organizations must advocate for expanded public consultation and transparency in the implementation of biometric systems. They ought to emphasize the need for inclusive processes that consider the technical, financial, and social implications of such technologies to ensure electoral integrity and public trust. It is very clear that the government's efforts to regulate digital spaces raise critical questions about balancing national security with individual freedoms. While combating misinformation is essential, it is equally important to safeguard freedom of expression and prevent the misuse of surveillance tools for political repression, but at what and whose cost ? There is a pressing need to enhance digital literacy among citizens to navigate the complexities of the digital information landscape. Civil society can play a pivotal role in educating the public about digital rights, online safety, and critical evaluation of information sources, as they already have been doing - so why does the journey seem far from ending? While this dance takes shape and everyone slowly finds their footing, let us all be reminded that ensuring safe and practical technological advancements in the electoral process with inclusivity is vital. Special attention should be given to marginalized groups, including women, rural populations, and persons with disabilities, to prevent digital divides from exacerbating existing inequalities. And while all that is happening, will technology save us this election cycle or make things worse? Think about it! Article by Penelope Sanyu
In the hills of Mbale, a foreign company builds a factory. The community loses its water source. In Kampala, a social enterprise struggles to scale because funding only follows profit. The pattern is clear: capital is flowing, but impact is not. In Uganda, investment is not new. Capital has always found fertile ground here. But the question is no longer whether we are attracting investment. It’s whether the investments we attract are building communities, or simply extracting from them. Impact investment offers an alternative; a model that marries financial return with measurable social and environmental outcomes. Yet in our local context, where traditional investment models still reign supreme, this approach remains misunderstood, underutilized, and sometimes outright ignored. Traditional investments in Uganda concentrate in high-return sectors that often benefit the few at the expense of the many. Real estate and construction have transformed Kampala’s skyline, but these developments frequently exclude low-income communities and drive up the cost of living. In extractive industries like oil, gas, and mining, profit margins soar while the communities closest to these resource zones are displaced, under-compensated, and left worse off than before. Large-scale commercial agriculture has expanded, often through foreign direct investment, but local farmers are pushed to the margins. Land grabbing, loss of biodiversity, and exploitative labor practices are recurring themes. Meanwhile, microfinance institutions and traditional banks lend at high interest rates, trapping borrowers in cycles of debt. Import-driven trade, though profitable, does little to empower local industries, and infrastructure deals under public-private partnerships often prioritize returns for the private sector over access and affordability for citizens. The result? A lopsided development trajectory: profitable on paper, extractive in practice. Impact investment disrupts that narrative. It is not philanthropy dressed as finance; it is intentional capital that asks harder questions. Can we generate returns while reducing maternal mortality? Build solar grids that deliver both power and profit? Empower women entrepreneurs and still grow the bottom line? Globally, the impact investment movement is expanding. From climate-smart agriculture in India to affordable housing in Latin America, investors are realizing that doing good does not have to come at the expense of doing well. But in Uganda, this ecosystem is still young. Awareness is low. Platforms for social entrepreneurs are few. Incentives for community-aligned investing are even fewer. And yet the need has never been greater. Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world. Youth unemployment, gender inequality, and the climate crisis are not just development challenges, they are investment opportunities waiting to be redefined. Social enterprises are emerging, civil society organizations are innovating at the grassroots level, and women are leading informal businesses with grit and grace.
When we hear the word “wellness,” images of green juices, yoga mats, and solo getaways often come to mind. But for African women, wellness is something much deeper. It’s not just about spa days or self-help books. It’s about survival, liberation, and creating space to breathe in a world that rarely pauses for us. Wellness, for many African women, is an act of resistance. It means fighting for access; to quality healthcare, mental health support, reproductive services, and safe maternal care. Far too often, we carry the emotional, physical, and financial load for our families and communities, with little support in return. Prioritizing our health is not a trend. It’s a radical claim to our right to exist fully and freely. Economic stability is not just a pillar of wellness. It’s a foundation for freedom. The ability to earn a living, own property, and make independent financial decisions gives African women the power to build lives on their own terms. It’s about more than survival. It’s about agency. With economic autonomy comes the capacity to prioritize health, escape cycles of exploitation, and invest in personal and generational growth. It’s a kind of security that strengthens not just the body, but the mind and spirit too. And rest? It’s essential. We’re often celebrated for being strong, but strength without softness leads to burnout. The “strong Black woman” trope may sound empowering, but it can also be isolating. True wellness is about giving ourselves permission to stop, to heal, and to feel joy without guilt. It’s about choosing rest as a form of resistance and joy as a form of healing. At the heart of it, wellness for African women is about wholeness. Physically. Mentally. Financially. Spiritually. It’s about dismantling the systems that keep us in survival mode and building communities where we are seen, supported, and celebrated. We deserve more than survival. We deserve to thrive. By Hellena Sakisa
On March 7, 2025, we gathered for a moment that was both historic and deeply personal—the launch of the Virtual Museum of African Feminists. This museum is more than a digital archive; it is a testament to the resilience, brilliance, and activism of African feminists throughout history. At the heart of this moment was Penelope Sanyu, the Chief Steward of Femme Forte Uganda, whose powerful speech captured the spirit of the museum and the movement it represents. Her words reminded us why this space is necessary, why our stories matter, and why we must continue to fight for visibility, justice, and liberation.
A Museum that Feels Like Home - By Penelope Sanyu
Kampala, Uganda - February 2025 Femme Forte Uganda is thrilled to announce the launch of Her Virtual Museum of African Feminists, a groundbreaking digital platform dedicated to honoring the legacies of feminist icons across Africa. The museum, set to be unveiled on March 7, 2025, ahead of International Women’s Day, stands as a tribute to the sheroes who, in many ways have and continue to pave the way for gender justice and a more equitable society. Rooted in the wisdom and resilience of siblings who came before us, this museum is a space to celebrate movement wins, amplify feminist narratives, and collectively build upon the foundations of liberation laid by African feminists throughout history. Rather than merely drawing inspiration from existing frameworks, the initiative recognizes the urgent need to create alternative feminist knowledges, ones that center African art, realities, experiences, power, and radical imaginations. Initially conceived as a data bank of African feminist icons and their work, this gift has evolved into a virtual museum to provide an interactive, engaging, and immersive experience. “This museum is more than a digital archive; it is a living, breathing testament to the power of African feminist’s past, present and future,” said Penelope Sanyu, Chief Steward at Femme Forte. “By curating these stories, we not only honor our sheroes but also commit to expanding and strengthening feminist and allied movements that love and support women.” Key Features of the Virtual Museum: Interactive exhibits: Engaging storytelling through multimedia presentations on African feminists and their contributions. Educational resources: Curated materials for students, educators, and activists to deepen their understanding of African feminist movements. Accessible design: Ensuring inclusivity and seamless engagement for a global audience. Why Launch Before International Women’s Day? The timing of the launch is strategic, aligning with International Women’s Day to spotlight the importance of inclusion and feminist leadership. The museum represents Femme Forte’s offering to the broader feminist movement, a digital archive preserving the contributions of African feminists for future generations. Launching a day before International Women’s Day 2025, the museum is Femme Forte’s contribution to the global feminist movement. It serves as a digital monument to the legacies of African feminists, ensuring their contributions are preserved, celebrated, and serve as a catalyst for future generations of changemakers. The Virtual Museum of African Feminists will be accessible online at https://bit.ly/3DOCVNv . About Femme Forte Femme Forte is a feminist organization dedicated to movement building by championing body rights and integrity, economic inclusion, and transformative feminist leadership in Uganda. Through advocacy, education, and innovation, Femme Forte strengthens intergenerational pathways between young and older feminists who aspire to contribute meaningfully to the broader women’s movement in Uganda and beyond.
The global gag rule, officially known as the Mexico City Policy, is not just a policy; it is a deliberate attack on bodily autonomy, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), and the feminist movement at large. It is a political tool wielded to control the choices, voices, and futures of women and marginalized communities, particularly in the Global South. When the policy is in effect, it blocks international organizations from receiving U.S. global health funding if they so much as provide information about abortion even with their own, non-U.S. funds. This is not just a matter of financial restrictions; it is a suppression of knowledge, agency, and power. Power and Control: Who Holds It and Who Suffers? First implemented in 1985, the global gag rule has been a political pendulum, reinstated by Republican presidents and rescinded by Democratic ones. Over the decades, its impact has only grown more severe. The most devastating expansion came in 2017, under the Trump administration, casting an ominous shadow over global health systems. The policy was no longer just about restricting funding for abortion-related services; it cut off support for a broad spectrum of essential health services, including U.S. global HIV (under PEPFAR) and maternal and child health (MCH) assistance. As of January 25, 2025, President Donald Trump has reinstated the policy. It is, at its core, about power. Who holds it? Who enforces it? Who is stripped of it? Power is in the hands of policymakers, primarily wealthy, conservative men in the U.S. government who make decisions that shape the reproductive destinies of millions of women across the world. They dictate what can be said, what services can be provided, and who is deemed worthy of care. This is not about protecting life; it is about maintaining control over women's bodies, particularly those in the Global South, where foreign aid is often a lifeline for essential healthcare services. Power is also in resistance. Feminists, activists, healthcare workers, and grassroots organizations continue to fight back, despite the chilling effect of the gag rule. Every time this policy is reinstated, we see a rise in unsafe abortions, a surge in unintended pregnancies, and a setback in access to contraception because banning organizations from using even their own, non-U.S. funds to provide abortion services or advocate for reproductive rights doesn’t eliminate abortion; it only drives it underground. And yet, we persist. The right to decide what happens to our bodies is not up for negotiation. As we wait for a future progressive government to revoke this policy again, the damage is already being done. Delays in action are not neutral; they actively harm the feminist movement and the right to bodily autonomy that we fight for. Think about it: Comprehensive sexuality education programs are losing funding, leaving young girls without access to critical knowledge about their bodies and rights. Feminist health initiatives that provide contraception, post-abortion care, and maternal healthcare are shutting down or scaling back due to financial constraints. Advocacy organizations are being silenced, unable to speak openly about abortion rights without jeopardizing their entire operations. Community health workers, often women, are losing jobs, cutting off local access to trusted sources of reproductive healthcare. These are not just abstract losses; they are direct assaults on the feminist movement’s ability to empower, educate, and protect. Break the Gag: A Call to Action The global gag rule must not only be revoked; it must be permanently abolished. We cannot continue this cycle where every change in U.S. leadership dictates the fate of women's healthcare worldwide. Feminist organizing, advocacy, and pressure have forced reversals before, and they will again. But we must demand more than temporary fixes. What can we do? Raise our voices on social media, in our communities, and through every available platform. Silence only serves the oppressor. Support feminist organizations that continue to provide SRHR services despite financial challenges. Pressure our governments to fund SRHR independently, reducing reliance on U.S. aid that comes with strings attached. Educate and engage because knowledge is power, and power is what they fear most. We will not be gagged. We will not be silenced. We will fight for choice, for power, and for the feminist future we deserve. Article by Samantha Agasha and Hannah Stacey Baluka Reference List: Abortion. (2024, May 17). World Health Organization. Retrieved February 5, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abortion Global gag rule: How U.S. aid is threatening health and speech worldwide. (2019, April). Open Society Foundations. Retrieved February 5, 2025, from https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/explainers/what-global-gag-rule Impact of the Trump administration’s global Gag rule on sexual and reproductive health in Uganda. (2022, December 13). Guttmacher Institute. Retrieved February 5, 2025, from https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/impact-trump-administrations-global-gag-rule-sexual-and-reproductive-health-uganda Trump administration reinstates the global gag rule in a setback for health, gender equality, and human rights. (2025, January 25). Centre for Reproductive Rights. Retrieved February 5, 2025, from https://reproductiverights.org/trump-administration-reinstates-global-gag-rule/
My dear traveler, I have a serious problem. My period has decided to go on strike! It packed its cramps, mood swings, and chocolate cravings and just disappeared. I have been waiting patiently, like a mother waiting for her child to come home from school, but this child is missing in action. At first, I thought maybe it was just being fashionably late, you know, like those aunties who say they are "on the way" but haven’t even left their house. But now, it’s been too long, and I am starting to have negotiations with my ancestors. Did I offend the gods of ovulation? Did my uterus decide it needs a vacation without informing me? Or worse, should I be worried about an unexpected guest arriving in nine months?! This is where I must remind you, my sister, that we must take care of our sexual and reproductive health! We cannot leave things to chance and "vibes." Check your cycle, know your safe days (but don't trust them too much, eeh!), and if you are engaging in adult activities, please be responsible. That kind of Qweshunga is all fun and games until... Anyway, let’s not play hide and seek with pregnancy tests, thinking they will change their minds if we check five times in different lighting. As for me, I am off to have a serious conversation with my womb. I will give it one last chance before I start writing missing person reports. Meanwhile, please take care of yourself, visit a doctor when necessary, keep track of your health, and don’t let your period catch you by surprise like an uninvited wedding guest. With love and mild panic, Fellow traveler. (Article by anon, via Qweshunga)
Dear Femme Forte, As we bid farewell to an extraordinary year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the strides we have made together. Femme Forte Uganda stands as a testament to the power of feminist movement building, a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream of a world where equality and equity is not just a distant ideal but a lived reality. This year, 2024, our collective commitment to advancing equality found expression in remarkable ways. From hosting transformative conversations to amplifying the voices of the marginalized, we deepened our roots as a movement that centers justice, care, and systemic change. Through collaborations with partners across various sectors, we challenged norms that uphold inequality, created spaces of healing and growth, and fostered solidarity across communities. These connections remind us that feminism is not an individual pursuit but a collective endeavor that thrives on the strength of our relationships. Our work in 2024 reaffirmed that collaboration is the lifeblood of movement building. Together, we launched groundbreaking initiatives and projects that were bold acts of reclaiming our narratives. We stood united in the fight against femicides, sexual and gender based violence, technology-facilitated gender-based violence, reproductive justice, among others, recognizing that equality in the digital age demands that no one is left behind. We championed leadership transitions and inter generational conversations that honor feminist principles, ensuring that our work reflects not only where we stand today but where we aspire to go tomorrow. These achievements would not have been possible without the relentless dedication of our staff and board. To the Femme Forte Uganda team, thank you for embodying the values we hold dear and for your tireless commitment to driving the feminist agenda forward. Your creativity, resilience, and passion have been the backbone of every success we celebrate today. To our board, thank you for your wisdom, guidance, and belief in the transformative power of Femme Forte’s vision. Together, you have been architects of change, creating pathways for a more inclusive and equitable future. As we step into 2025, let us continue to harness the power of collaboration and movement building to dismantle systems of oppression and co-create a world where equality is not negotiable. Feminist work is work for the long haul and it is deliberate, as it is bold and hopeful. Let us recommit to doing this work with care, compassion, and conviction. To our partners, thank you for standing with us, for dreaming with us, and for walking this journey side by side. To our constituents, your courage inspires us, your stories empower us, and your resilience strengthens us. Femme Forte Uganda exists because of you, and we are honored to serve as stewards of this shared vision. Here’s to 2025, a year of greater strides, deeper connections, and transformative impact. Together, we will continue to rise, to build, and to lead. In gratitude and solidarity, Penelope Sanyu Chief Steward Femme Forte Uganda
