Information

Gender Equality and Women Empowerment for Development (GWEFODE) is a Community Based, Charitable and Not for Profit Nongovernmental Organization registered with the Government of Uganda.

The Organization's mission is to educate, empower, mobilize and reach women and girls, men and boys in communities and promote gender equality in all areas of decision-making through capacity building, networking, monitoring and advocacy for improved livelihoods and sustainable development. It was founded in 2007 by a group of women and youth who were concerned about the increasing Gender-Based Violence, conflicts, gender inequalities, discrimination and violation of the rights of marginalized groups such as women, youth, children, people living with HIV/AIDS especially widows and orphans, people living with disabilities and ethnic minority groups in particular the Batwa / Pygmies.

GWEFODE’s operational strategy is to enhance sustainable livelihoods among the local underprivileged community groups especially women, by working with communities to promote their social, health and economic well being through Human Rights and Leadership Development, Community Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment, Health Education and Advocacy Programs.

The Health Education and Advocacy program comprises Water Sanitation and Hygiene, HIV/AIDS and Malaria Prevention, Maternal and Child Health. GWEFODE undertakes several activities concerning Water Sanitation and Hygiene in water-stressed areas, such as construction of Rain Water Harvesting Tanks and Latrines for disadvantaged Households, Communities and Schools, Water and Sanitation coordination meetings, sensitization of communities to fulfill critical requirements of water and sanitation, establishing Water User Committees (WUCs), training WUC’s and Communities on Water governance, Gender, Violence and WASH, Participatory Planning and Monitoring. GWEFODE has provided expertise to all stakeholders in the Water Sector bringing rural women on board to participate in Community Transformation through Advocacy and Leadership.

The Human Rights and Leadership Development program comprises Participatory Governance and Gender Equity Advocacy, Gender Based Violence Prevention and Response, Conflict Resolution and Peace Building. Community Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment program comprises Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, Sustainable Energy Technologies and Vocational Training.