Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Norah Gift Amala • May 11, 2023
Understanding Types, Legal Frameworks, and Effective Solutions.
A workplace is ideally meant to foster productivity, growth, and individual fulfillment of employees as they, in turn, contribute to the realization of the overall desired goal of an entity. The ideal workspace should be respectful, inclusive, and with an aura secure enough to keep a worker excited and motivated enough to report to work to give their best.
Employees are however robbed of the right to experience safety when the environment turns toxic, toxic enough that they are demotivated and unwilling to give their best, and in the extreme, wish to quit the space. A toxic work environment is characterized by hostile and negative atmospheres that impact the well-being and productivity of the employees and causes them to battle with stress, anxiety, and fear among other impacts.
Sexual harassment is one of the practices that leads to toxic work environments. This is any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that results in physical, psychological, or sexual harm, that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offense or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment (Edlund, 2020). Everyone in the workplace is prone to sexual harassment, this includes workers in both low and high-managerial positions, service providers, and persons that interact with the workspace.
Quid Pro Quo (something for something) harassment and Hostile environment harassment are the two types of sexual harassment (June 2012).
(Kiwalabye, 2017) throws light on the various manifestations of sexual harassment in the workspace, that are either subtle enough to be ignored or direct enough to leave unnoticed. These take the forms of, but are not limited to;
- Unwanted sexual attention,
- Any unwelcome physical touch
- Sexual remarks on a person’s body or clothing,
- Sexual questions or jokes,
- Sexual assault and rape at the workplace,
- Receiving career threats upon refusing to accede to date or sexual favors,
- Verbal sexual harassment such as someone being addressed in a sexually offensive manner
- Displaying sexually explicit materials in the workplace without educational or work-related motives.
How Sexual Harassment at workplaces impacts workers
Sexual harassment in the workplace may cause victims short-term and long-term negative effects. It leads to depression and post-traumatic stress. Individuals may feel humiliated, lose self-esteem, and more. It may also lead to workplace problems like higher turnover, absenteeism, and decreased work performance (Yie & Ping, 2021).
The authors further stipulate that employees of various genders that have experienced sexual harassment experience negative emotions ranging from embarrassment, shame, depression, a decrease in self-esteem, and lack of job satisfaction to compromised safety.
In addition, sexual harassment at work may result in the likelihood of conducting substance abuse, experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD), and in the extremes, development, and execution of suicidal tendencies (Yie & Ping, 2021)
Legal Frameworks on sexual harassment:
National frameworks
- The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995
- The Employment Act, 2006
- The equal opportunities Commission Act, 2007
- The Penal Code Act, cap 120
Regional-level Policy and legal framework
International frameworks
- Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, 1979
- Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1995
- The International Labor Organization Convention on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, 2019 (ILO C190)
While having a robust sexual harassment policy in a workspace is plausible, it is not an absolute mechanism to completely wipe out the vice of sexual harassment in the workspaces. A regular review and update of the policy are needed to ensure it responds to the changing context of sexual harassment so it remains effective, informative, and relevant but also aligns with the current ideal practices and expectations in the workplace.
Responding to sexual harassment in the absence of legal and policy frameworks
In a rare situation that there isn’t a legal or policy framework to respond to a sexual harassment situation, most likely in an informal setting, these outlined interventions can be used to deal with the situation head-on;
- Speaking Up! Should you encounter any form of sexual harassment, there is power in airing it out. Openly speak about how you feel about the situation. It is important because there are subtle forms of sexual harassment that may go unnoticed
- Confide in a colleague you trust
- Document the sexual harassment incident. Gladly it’s an era of technology, taking videos, and making use of camera recordings are important in reporting the case
- Leverage the support mechanisms of other work entities. These could be partners, networks, or companies/organizations that have established legal or policy frameworks that address sexual harassment. These could avail information and support a victim on the required steps needed to take to reach justice and healing.
The procedure for handling sexual harassment complaints (Act, 2023)
Upon receipt of a complaint, the labor officer shall promptly investigate a complaint by taking the following steps;
- Register the details of the complaint in the form prescribed in the Second Schedule
- Interview the complainant to ascertain the facts of the matter;
- Obtain from the committee the written report of their investigation and decision on the complaint;
- Notify the employer of the complaint and direct the employer to respond to the complaint;
- Investigate the complaint to ascertain the facts to the extent practicable, throughout the investigation and consult the union office where a union exists in the establishment
- In case of a labor officer not being a labor Commissioner, dispose of the complaint or refer it to the Labor Commissioner in case of deadlock;
- Inform the employer and complainant of the decision in writing;
- Inform the employer that he or she will not engage in retaliation against the complainant or anyone else who cooperates with the investigations;
- Order the employer to separate the complainant and the person alleged to have harassed to avoid further harassment without adverse discrimination affecting their working conditions; and
- Continuously monitor the interim measures that are being taken by the employer throughout the investigation and after that
The emotional gap in legal and policy frameworks
Policies and laws alone cannot be completely effective tools to prevent and respond to sexual harassment. Victims of sexual harassment, who are absolute emotional beings, are at the core of response and intervention, and policies cannot fully address the emotional scars that sexual harassment can have on an individual, both at the workplace and in spaces beyond work. It’s plausible that these policy and legal frameworks provide guidelines and consequences for the vice. They also may not be enforced adequately and under the fact that they are frameworks, the language therein could be limiting enough for the victims to hold back on reporting for fear of retaliation of the unseen or unclear consequences.
It is therefore most important to have support systems in workplaces that are preventive, restorative, and responsive. These systems may include;
- Establishing sexual harassment committees in the workplace to register complaints, investigate and respond to the complaints.
- Readily available counseling services,
- Training of all individuals (employers, employees service providers, and all individuals that are affiliated with the workspace) on sexual harassment
Employers should therefore be in a position to identify and respond to situations that depict sexual harassment and take measures to prevent sexual harassment and generally promote a safe working environment for all workers in the space.
References
Act, E. (2023). Employment ( Sexual Harassment ) Regulations, 2012.
Edlund, C. (2020). Prevention of Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Abuse of Authority Policy. UNWomen, 1–18. https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About Us/Accountability/UN-Women-Harassment-sexual-harassment-discrimination-and-abuse-of-authority-policy-en.pdf
June, I. (2012). Sexual harassment in the world of work. 190, 789. www.ilga-europe.org/resources/glossary
Kiwalabye, F. (2017). Sexual harassment at the workplace : A case study of the Uganda police force. Youth Crime Watch Uganda/IgnitusWorldwide Uganda, P13.
Williams, T. H., & Williams, N. M. (1999). Preventing and responding to sexual harassment. Family Practice Management, 6(9), 32. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cin20&AN=1999073011&site=ehost-live
Yie, C. E., & Ping, N. T. S. (2021). Sexual Harassment in Workplace: A Literature Review. The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, 9(8). https://doi.org/10.24940/theijhss/2021/v9/i8/hs2108-023
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
