Action for Development (ACFODE)

ACFODE joined its partners in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against #GBV at Kyaka II Refugee Settlement in Kyegegwa District. As part of this event, school-based initiatives, including a GBV Prevention Club at Itambabiniga Primary School and a drama group from the settlement, showcased their creativity and commitment to the cause by presenting a poem and a traditional dance to raise awareness within the community. This active participation reflects ACFODE's ongoing dedication to combating violence against women and girls through fostering community engagement and making a lasting impact in the fight against #GBV.

ACFODE staff and management thank everyone who contributed to our #1kit1girlinschool campaign, because of your generosity, 250 girls in the refugee settlement and surrounding communities can go about their studies with no interruption. Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

ACFODE with financial support from @WeEffectEA is conducting an Organizational Development training for Busoga Growers Cooperative Union Ltd's Board, Management, staff, and primary cooperative representatives, focusing on enhancing roles and identifying leadership and governance gap.

Uganda's Journey to Uphold Women's Rights through the Maputo Protocol.

ACFODE has conducted an exposure visit for women cooperators from Kasese, the selected farmers were in Fortportal. The visit highlighted the critical role that farmers play in utilizing their land for income generation and ensuring access to safe, nutritious food. It was particularly interesting to see the contrast between those with larger plots, who can employ diverse farming strategies, and urban farmers, who creatively maximize small spaces. This experience underscored the importance of supporting local agriculture, as it directly contributes to food security and community health. WomenStrong International

We stand with all women's rights organisations and the world to strongly condemn Femicide and all forms of violence against women. Let us all rise together and amplify our voices for justice to reign. 💪 #Notanotherowan #ENDVAWG

Despite progress, many women still face socio-cultural beliefs, gendered organizational structures, negative gender norms and stereotypes that are barriers to their participation in leadership and decision-making roles, despite their capabilities and qualifications. To break these barriers, ACFODE is conducting confidence-building and Leadership Training for We Effect core partners, starting with Busoga Growers Cooperative Union in Jinja. This training tackles issues such as; understanding self-confidence, identifying personal strengths & weaknesses, emotional intelligence &emotional mgt #communicationskills, leadership styles, decision-making problem-solving, conflict management and resolution. InLeadership. The aim is to have women equipped with tools to build their confidence and enhanced leadership skills and those that contribute meaningfully across various spheres of life.

ACFODE with financial support from We Effect has supported two partners namely; Busoga Growers Cooperative Union in Jinja and Bushika Integrated Area Cooperative Enterprise in Bududa, to develop Gender Policies. This was a recommendation from the gender audit exercise, as a key driver to promoting equality and fairness within the cooperatives and their members. The consultation process has brought on board Management, Staff, Board and members of primary societies to create ownership and sustainability. Through this process, ACFODE has been able to ✔ (i) Educate participants about the importance of gender equality and the specific goals of the gender policy. ✔ (ii) Collect diverse perspectives and insights on the particular needs and concerns of different groups within the organization, such as women, men, youth and persons with disabilities, ensuring that the policy is inclusive equitable and ✔ (iii) Collaboratively develop practical strategies and action plans for implementing the gender policy, including specific interventions and timelines.

ACFODE with Financial support from the Swedish Foundation for Human Rights,has conducted Civic Education in Acii and Opali Sub-Counties in Amolatar District, targeting women in VSLA groups, Women leaders, youth groups, Religious leaders, cultural leaders, local council leaders and community members. The participants were oriented on the concept of Gender, women's participation in leadership and how community members can support more women in leadership. Stakeholders committed to advocating for girl child education and combating issues like child marriage and school dropouts. They pledged to support women in income-generating activities through access to soft loans and government programs. A parish gender forum was established to sustain advocacy for women's rights across various community platforms. They also recommended expanding civic education efforts to all sub-county parishes. Women were encouraged to take on leadership roles in community institutions, while men pledged to share household responsibilities to enable women's greater community involvement.

Together we are unstoppable! Together we can rewrite the story for refugee girls. Let us empower them with dignity kits so they can focus on their education, not their challenges. Every coin counts, and every effort counts. #1kit1girlinschool.