Focus on Women’s Rights and Governance

CEWIGO’s work is centred on the rights of women and girls. Women suffer inequalities in access to and control of production resources and in political participation. They are vulnerable when in ill health, and when they are pregnant or due to have a baby. In conflict and post conflict situations, they are even more vulnerable. Women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights are violated due to power imbalances within households, communities and institutions. They are subjected to harassment and abuse during election campaigns, they are sexually violated as much by their partners and relatives as they are by strangers. Young girls are violated by their teachers, relatives, guardians, parents and family friends. Women also shoulder the burden for care and support at family and community level.

Deepening Partnerships

Aware of the difficulty in challenging unequal power and injustice and the limitations that might be encountered in fighting for justice across the board, we will focus on building and mobilizing a critical mass of women and men activists, supporters, partner organizations, and all other stakeholders through movements, coalitions, networks and alliances to magnify women’s voices and men’s participation working for gender equality. In choosing who to work with, we will be guided by our principles of mutual respect, honesty, transparency and accountability. Our partnership approach will be premised on the recognition of the need for mutual accountability, a commitment to promoting women’s participation in governance, and mobilizing and organizing women and men to challenge unequal power relations and injustice which keep women marginalized and in poverty. We will enhance the capacity of organizations of working to promote gender equality. While we hold duty bearers and government accountable for promoting gender equality, we will support them with needed information to enable them play their role effectively.

Working with grassroots women and men

Much as it is important to mobilise and sensitise women to fight for their own cause, CEWIGO recognises the importance of involving men in championing the cause for women’s advancement and empowerment. CEWIGO agrees with the belief that it is practically important to partner with men who have long-standing control of power, and sensitise them to understand gender equity, equality and mainstreaming. In this way, male champions can serve as agents for change for the inclusion and effective participation of women at all levels and across all sectors including the home.

Using participatory approaches

Respect and promotion of gender equality and women’s rights can only be achieved and sustained when those whose rights are denied are at the forefront of holding duty bearers accountable. We will use our experience to work with women continuously engage in advocacy for increased participation of women in governance and leadership. We will mobilize women leaders to understand and build solidarity networks and caucuses and take action to change the condition of women in their constituencies. We will deepen participatory review and reflection processes in ways that enhance mutual accountability, learning, knowledge building and critical reflection of our own systems and methods of work.

Working beyond the Local

Addressing gender inequality in governance and women’s advancement will require engagement with those who hold the power to decide wherever they are located. We will move beyond Uganda’s boarders to link our efforts with individuals, groups, movements and institutions in East Africa, the Africa region and beyond to amplify the voices of women and girls. We will work with other women’s organizations and coalitions to build evidence for more effective advocacy.