Phiona Nabaasa, is an active member of the community and a VSLA leader. The VSLA facility has had a profound impact on her household income by providing an accessible line of credit. Other women in the community have shared their positive stories during VSLA meetings, where they are able to encourage each other and find solutions to issues that affect their households, significantly reducing domestic violence. Credit: RWIDF

After receiving the Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa Global Award for Women’s Empowerment in 2023, the Rukungiri Women Integrated Development Foundation (RWIDF) intensified its efforts to combat violence against women (VAW) in Uganda and advance women’s empowerment. The foundation launched strategic initiatives focused on strengthening protective services and facilitating transformative community discussions aimed at systemic change.

After winning the Award in the civil society category, RWIDF expanded its protective services to support vulnerable women in six sub-counties—Kagunga, Bwambara, Nyakishenyi, Kashenshero, Kiyanga, and Mutara—which had previously lacked adequate coverage. The expansion introduced interventions designed to reduce challenges faced by marginalized women by mobilizing communities to challenge and transform the social norms that perpetuate VAW.

A key initiative was the launch of Community Demand Dialogues, which engaged 130 community members, including leaders and decision-makers, to address root causes of violence such as alcoholism, poverty, and child neglect. These dialogues created platforms for information-sharing, awareness-raising, and collective problem-solving, enabling communities themselves to take part in generating solutions.

RWIDF also conducted training sessions for 500 women and girls, focused on self-defense and communication skills. These sessions enhanced safety, resilience, and confidence, significantly boosting participants’ self-esteem.

Understanding the critical role of men in shaping gender norms, RWIDF established 14 male advocacy groups across the targeted sub-counties. These groups encouraged men to question traditional notions of masculinity and violence, transforming them into advocates for the prevention of GBV and champions of gender equality and women’s rights.

RWIDF formed 15 Village Saving and Lending Association (VSLA) groups, recognizing the link between economic independence and empowerment. These groups provided women not only with financial resources but also with training in financial management, enabling them to start or expand businesses and strengthen their economic resilience. Furthermore, following the award, RWIDF secured an additional grant of USD 16,000 from SOS Children’s Villages Uganda to support these activities. The foundation also prioritized sustainability by partnering with national authorities and key stakeholders.

Looking ahead, RWIDF is committed to further expanding its reach through the establishment of a comprehensive service network for survivors of violence. This network will provide counseling, legal aid, vocational training, and educational opportunities, supporting survivors in rebuilding their lives, overcoming stigma, and breaking down gender stereotypes that limit women’s career opportunities.

RWIDF’s impact—amplified by the Global Award—demonstrates the transformative potential of targeted interventions and community engagement in advancing women’s empowerment. As the foundation builds on these achievements, its work stands as a powerful testament to the enduring role of advocacy and action in the pursuit of gender equality.

For more information on the work of RWIDF, please see their website: https://rwidf.org/