Women's Rights Now

In the heart of Uganda's Northern Terego District lies the Imvepi Refugee Settlement, a vibrant community where resilience and hope flourish. Here, CAFAR joined forces with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) to embark on an empowering journey focused on land rights for both refugees and host community members in the most remote areas, with a special emphasis on uplifting women.

 

Our mission was clear: to illuminate the path of knowledge for land renters about their contractual rights in regard to accessing, utilizing and owning land. Through heartfelt conversations with residents, we uncovered stories of individuals misled by rental or land ownership agreements, unexpected hikes in rental fees, unnotified evictions and, in rare but troubling instances, disputes escalating to gender-based violence.

 

Determined to make a difference, together with Imvepi community duty bearers, we wove together a tapestry of creative and impactful strategies. We employed the platform of Village Savings and Loans Associations to enhance the financial acumen of 180 women across four villages. These dynamic women are now blossoming into entrepreneurs, soon to be guided by our Income Generating Activities (IGA) program, which offers hands-on business development through creative play, before establishing a much-needed new business.

 

Our community art facilitator led mediation sessions that utilized art to find commonalities and highlight the solidarity and unity that only art can convey. These sessions culminated in several group murals that celebrated the strength of women and provided essential information about available helplines.

By training local actors in the art of forum theatre, together we brought pressing issues to the forefront, sparking community-wide discussions and awareness, before collectively seeking potential pathways to change. Our 'under the tree' sessions provided a serene space for community members to share experiences, fostering mutual understanding and unity.

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Partnering with paralegal experts, we have equipped residents with essential knowledge and tools to navigate and uphold their contractual rights confidently and provide legal clinics for other community members.

 

This initiative stands as a testament to the transformative power of community collaboration, creativity, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

 

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