Rural women across Uganda remain amongst the most marginalized in terms of exclusion from political and economic power. They often face numerous violations of their human rights as a result of intersectional discrimination, poverty and lack of access to essential services. Yet, many rural women are also at the front lines of human rights advocacy, fighting for a better life for themselves, their families and communities. The obstacles that they face are often formidable, and the issues they raise often put them at risk of violence and abuse.
Rural Women who engage in the defence of all human rights and all those who defend the rights of women and work on issues related to gender equality make a vital contribution to democratic processes, securing and maintaining peace, and ensuring security, development and respect for human rights in our communities. However, in doing this work, rural women human rights defenders can face a range of violations and abuses – including gender-based violence – at the hands of State and non-State actors. States need to pay attention to the risks faced by women human rights defenders, acknowledge the value of their role, and commit to ensuring their protection.
RUWODNET is working to empower rural women Human rights Defenders. We recognize and encourage the leadership, voices, and contributions of women, and work to strengthen women’s participation. We are building new leadership and capabilities, by granting authority and legitimacy to women’s voices, and by breaking down traditional roles. We train rural women to strengthen collective leadership by and for women defenders and creating safe spaces and protective networks and healing processes among them.