3000 Women Empowerment programme in Uganda

Many rural ouse holds in our area of operation are having new conversations about family planning, gender roles, nutrition, and sustainable agricultural practices! 

Gender stereotypes are playing a significant role in driving adverse health outcomes for children and contribute to the risks of food insecurity. As our response together with the local government programs are to tackle food insecurity and shed light on the positive gender roles that lead to healthier families.  

The issue of food insecurity is a complex one that requires a holistic approachto address all the factors that support it. Our program focuses on the relationship between family planning and food security by educating the public through education sessions, community discussions/dialogues. 

A core objective of the program is to empower women to make more informed choices about family planning and achieve a more equitable division of labor at home. The radio shows address the many gender stereotypes that impact both men and women, providing households with the tools they need to have their own conversations.  

participants reflect on how more open communication has led to positive change in their relationships. “When men stayed at home, there were always fights because they wanted to have sex and we were afraid of becoming pregnant. But now we always follow the radio about family planning and maintain relationships with our husbands without fear. And the fights have also reduced because of family planning.” 

Thank you for your support in helping us empower women to overcome inequitable gender norms and to make informed decisions when it comes to child health, food insecurity, and family planning.

All the genorous supporters thank you! We can not do any thing without your support and finances are still lacking.

There are so many young girls that have become pregnant, facing serious consequences of having to drop out of school, and not being able to stay with their families.

Inside our empowerment program there are new materials including a hammer, a shoe stand, a cutter, spare leather and threads. There are also new sandals and damaged shoes that she will repair – a sign that her new business is getting clients.

Beneficiaries says this makes them believe that this is an important turning-point in her life following years of hardship and poverty.

Through all those stakeholders, we have been informed about the challenges that teen mothers are facing. There are so many young girls that have become pregnant, facing serious consequences of having to drop out of school, and not being able to stay with their families. They have to sometimes leave the house and try to fend for themselves. Together with the local authorities we have come up with this project so that we can provide a small contribution to solve this large problem,” Community Outreach Officer said.

Following beneficiaries training, the people in the programme set up a loan and savings group to work together to further improve their living conditions.

“In the past we did not have saving and loan associations because we did not have money to save. We also wasted even the small money that we got because we knew nothing about small savings,” Keren - beneficiary said.

“When we save money, any member who has an urgent need applies for a loan and pays it back with a small interest rate. We are planning that once we hit our annual savings target, we will rent an appropriate house where we will establish our dressmaking workshop.”

As SCOEN we are committed to extend our support to other areas where this is needed as long as we can do this in strong collaboration with our local partners including local authorities.

Thank you our supporters, people like have built confidence and improve lives of many women in the commmunities we work with.

We still appeal for your kind support towards this inovative approach.

With gratitude,

SCOEN team