Stronger Together: Women-Led Groups Seek Greater Policy Influence

Women-led organisations in Uganda have been urged to strengthen their collaboration and amplify their voices in governance to accelerate gender equality.

This was the key message at the National Association of Women’s Organisations in Uganda (NAWOU) dialogue held at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala, where stakeholders from civil society, government ministries, and international partners gathered to discuss strategies for impactful policy change.

The dialogue, organised in partnership with GIZ and the European Union, focused on empowering women through collective action and policy advocacy.

Ms Lucy Imalingat, NAWOU’s Programme Officer, emphasised the need for women-focused organisations to unite. “Women-led organisations are doing incredible work, but each knows only their own story. It’s time to come together, share insights, and build stronger collaborations,” she said.

Imalingat highlighted that strengthening civil society’s collective voice would enhance their influence on policymakers, ensuring gender equality remains a national priority.

“By uniting as civil society, we amplify our voice, expand our impact, and present stronger data to policymakers. Let’s work together for real change!” she added.

A Coordinated Approach for Policy Impact

The event brought together representatives from Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MGLSD), the National Planning Authority, and the Equal Opportunities Commission to discuss ways to enhance gender-sensitive policy implementation.

Ms Monica Nantume, NAWOU’s programme manager, stressed the importance of structured collaboration and the creation of working clusters for economic empowerment, leadership, governance, and climate justice.

“The policy briefs have been successfully developed, thanks to the collective efforts and active participation of everyone involved. We are making steady progress, and with continued funding for this project, we will enhance coordination and collaboration even further,” Nantume said.

The initiative, launched in May 2024, brought together 42 organisations dedicated to advancing gender equality in Uganda. Through consultative meetings and capacity-building sessions, key priorities were identified, leading to the formulation of policy briefs.

Ms Lydia Naluwende, Principal Community Development Officer at MGLSD, emphasised the need to extend national gender equality efforts to local governments and grassroots women.

“While national events highlight women’s issues, we must extend this energy to local governments & grassroots women. Real change happens at the community level!” she said.

She further noted the need for male allies in the gender equality movement.

“As women, we need men as allies. Their voices and presence matter in breaking through entrenched structures and stereotypes. True progress requires men to stand with us and support what we advocate for,” she added.

Challenges Facing Women-Led Organisations

Despite the progress made, Ms. Carol Mukisa, CEO of Warm Hearts Uganda, highlighted the significant challenges women-led NGOs face.

“High registration fees and complex compliance processes are shifting focus from impact to bureaucracy. We need a more streamlined system with simpler annual reports and MOUs,” Mukisa explained.

Mukisa, who also leads the Women, Peace, and Security Cluster, emphasised that women’s access to justice and security remains a pressing issue.

“As CSOs, we are often called to advocate for issues we didn’t initiate, but this time, we shaped the agenda ourselves, reinforcing our mandate and voice. Women’s access to justice is not just a policy issue; it is a fundamental human rights issue,” she stated.

The Women, Peace, and Security Cluster also discussed mental health issues, calling for policy integration and greater awareness. They recommended strengthening partnerships with the Ministry of Health and using media to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health services.

Path Forward: Strengthening Advocacy and Collaboration

The dialogue emphasised that moving forward, women-led organisations must maintain collective momentum.

Irene Nafungo, a Senior Compliance Officer at the Equal Opportunities Commission, urged attendees to focus on their advocacy goals.

“We must be clear about what we want to achieve. Clarity in our objectives ensures that we can hold policymakers accountable and drive real change,” she stated.

The event concluded with a commitment to continued collaboration, enhanced policy engagement, and a stronger collective voice for gender equality in Uganda.