Fighting the Giant: Re-energizing the Feminist movement

It was that time of the year when the members of the Uganda Feminist Forum convened with the objective of reflecting, caring for one another as sisters but also to strategize on how to deal with a militaristic state as they advance the feminist agenda. 

The three day workshop gave space to re-energize, collective reflection, visioning and planning a way forward in defeating the giant that manifests itself in various forms even in the political world where it is subtle.

Through Leonard Okello’s presentation, the women’s eyes were open to the subtle nature if the giant that employs through tactics of manipulation, decoy that leads to self-censorship a detractor to women’s empowerment.

Health is vital for the movement to thrive, a health session was conducted where the women were advised on well being and introduced to juicing a good practice phenomenon that is practiced in the western countries to reduce diseases such as cancer that has killed large scores of women in the movement worldwide. To share her struggles with cancer was the Executive Director of EASSI Akatssa-Bukachi Marin; a story that brought the reality home. Her resilience and courage was a take away for many. 

The young women were also given an opportunity o share how patriarchy manifests itself in their generation; this discussion revealed that the movement has been attacked through social media where derogative messages are passed on deliberately by the young generation that transfers their anger and permissiveness on the women.

Therefore with renewed focus, the women understood that there is need to position and strengthen the feminist and women’s movement for greater political impact in Uganda.

“ There have been struggles to keep the feminist agenda alive and there are more struggles ahead but we must not quit.” Fatuma Nakazzi said.

When the three days were over, there was renewed enthusiasm. The women laid out plans to move ahead, reclaiming the ground they seem to have lost and key to this was to identify the role that each member plays in building the movement. If each member took their position as mobiliser, organiser, supporter, associate or even activists then the women would be a force to reckon.