WHRDN-U pledges support for women human rights defenders during election period
She noted that while women have equal opportunities to influence Uganda’s agenda, many still face challenges including harassment and physical attacks particularly female journalists.
Kampala: The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) has pledged continued support for women human rights defenders throughout the election process.
The pledge was made by WHRDN-U Executive Director Brenda Kugonza during the commemoration of International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, which also marked the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, culminating on December 10 International Human Rights Day.
Kugonza emphasized the importance of collective action to ensure peaceful engagement in Uganda’s civic processes, guided by this year’s theme: “Amplifying the voices of women human rights defenders through collective action for peaceful participation in Uganda’s civic process.”
She noted that it is time to hold the government accountable, pointing out that although the Domestic Violence Act exists, it has never been fully implemented due to a lack of political will. She added that the 16 Days campaign creates opportunities to engage policymakers, the public, and communities while shedding light on the violations women continue to face.
Kugonza acknowledged the significant work being done by women human rights defenders, including efforts toward environmental justice, the rights of persons with disabilities, access to justice, and the fight against discrimination and marginalization. She reaffirmed WHRDN-U’s commitment to supporting women defenders involved in election-related activities through rapid response mechanisms such as emergency assistance, medical support, and relocation in cases of threats or attacks.
In her keynote address, Swedish Ambassador Maria Hakansson pledged continued support for women human rights defenders and stressed the need for men to join efforts aimed at eliminating inequality. She noted that while women have equal opportunities to influence Uganda’s agenda, many still face challenges including harassment and physical attacks particularly female journalists.
Robert Sempala, Executive Director of the Human Rights Network for Journalists Uganda, also expressed concern over increasing threats to press freedom. He highlighted the growing trend of online harassment and body shaming targeting female journalists.
