THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019

THEME: STEP INTO YOUR PURPOSE AND REFOCUS FOR 2020 DATE: 12TH DECEMBER, 2019 VENUE: GOLF COURSE HOTEL, The Human Rights Centre

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Published by The Human Rights Centre, Uganda, Plot 198, Mugulusi Close, Kyanja P.O Box 25638, Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 414 266186 / +256 704 424466 Toll Free: 0800333000 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hrcug.org Twitter: www.twitter.com/hrcug Facebook: www.facebook.com/hrcug

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 Abbreviations and Acronyms. i. HRCU The Human Rights Centre Uganda ii. WHRD Women Human Rights Defender iii. PWG Phenomenal Women Uganda iv. ED Executive Director v. CEO Chief Executive Director vi. Phenomenal Women Global (PWG) vii. PWU Phenomenal Women Global viii. OIKOS ix. NGOs Non-Government Organizations x. IV Intravenous xi. ULS Uganda Law Society

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 Background

In October 2017, HRCU launched and economically empowered. its first thematic report on Women Human Right Defenders Basing on the above background, (WHRDs). Women human rights HRCU in 2018 organized inaugural defenders (WHRDs) are broadly Women HRD conference at Golf defined as both men and women Course hotel where Women HRDs who work in defense of women’s shared various issues they had rights or on gender issues. Many faced in the due course of their WHRDs work without realizing work. And in a spirit of follow that they are directly or indirectly up concerning the resolutions on working as WHRDs in the areas their challenges. In December of health, education, family, Law, 2019, HRCU in collaboration with Advocacy and empowerment of Phenomenal Women Uganda with women among others. the financial support from Irish Aid through Defend defenders Part of the findings of the organized the Women Human report were that the challenges Rights Defenders’ Conference in WHRDs faced were determined Kampala, Uganda. Phenomenal by the prevailing social, Women Uganda (PWG) is a non- cultural, economic and political profit organization affiliated to environment that lead to poor Phenomenal Women Global in funding and capacity, challenges Geneva, Switzerland which has a of access to Justice, inadequate mission to empower and provide support mechanisms among leadership skills to women and others. girls in order for them to achieve their personal and professional The Centre recognized that in goals, in particular those from order for women human rights underserved communities. This defenders to mitigate some of Conference was the second these challenges and realize their conference to be held in Uganda full potential while maximizing with the funding support of the impact with increased efficiency Embassy of Ireland through and effectiveness, there’s a need Defend Defenders. for women to create networks; and for them to be politically, socially It was a one day conference for

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 1 Women Human Rights Defenders meaningful and lasting and leading women from different impact in their spheres of Economic, Political and Social influence; and enhance their spheres of influence in Uganda current career or business and internationally under the opportunities theme, Step into your purpose and • Provide Young Women refocus for 2020 and the guest of Human Rights Defenders honor was—Her Ladyship Justice with the opportunity to Catherine Bamugemereire. The discover various career paths specific objectives were; and options while reflecting on their professional Objectives development.

• Provide a platform for women The conference aimed at Human Rights Defenders enabling WHRDs create to network with a purpose authentic networks with women and build partnerships with professionals, entrepreneurs, and leading women and other innovators to enable a thriving Women Human Rights future, including through career Defenders from differentadvice and mentoring while also economic, political and social supporting women in underserved spheres of influence in Uganda communities. • Provide inspiration, opportunities and innovating Target Group ideas for Women Human Rights Defenders to step into The Conference brought together their purpose and realize their WHRDs, generations of women life goals, while maintaining a who are achievers, middle-level- healthy work- life and spiritual emerging leaders and young balance students as well as participants • Equip Women Human Rights from Government institutions, Defenders with the necessary Civil Society Organizations, knowledge and leadership international organizations and skills to achieve their full diplomatic missions. potential in order to attain

2 THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 The conference was attended by Hoima, Jinja, Gulu, Lira, Masaka 98 participants in total of which and Kampala. Switzerland and 89 were female and 9 male. These Zimbabwe. The facilitators included Diplomats, Members of included- the HRCU staff and the Parliament, Representatives from members of Phenomenal women. the Justice Law and Order Sector, Civil Society Organizations, There were motivational speakers- Politicians, Business community, ted x style, panel discussions, students and Academia. The round table and demonstrations- participants came from Mbarara, and here were also exhibitions Mbale, Kapchorwa, Kabarole,

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 3 WELCOME REMARKS

The Executive Director of the Human Right Centre Uganda-Ms. Margaret Sekaggya gave the welcome remarks as follows: She welcomed the Guest of Honor Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, the government officials present, HRCU staff, the members of Phenomenal Women Global and the Ugandan chapter, the Human rights defenders and students to the second W HRDs conference 2019.

She thanked the Embassy of Ms. Margaret Sekaggya giving Ireland for the financial support welcoming remarks it provided for the Conference through Defend Defenders. Then she gave a brief about the Human Rights Centre Uganda. Ms. Margret Sekaggya also highlighted the objectives of the conference and stated that after the first conference, there was need to continue to engage different stakeholders and women HRDs needed a platform to discuss pertinent issues that affect them in their personal lives and in their work.

In a special way, she thanked the participants for honoring the invitation to the conference amidst their busy work schedules. Ms. Margret Sekaggya concluded by highlighting the different topics that were to be discussed during the conference and these included; Labor Export in Uganda and emerging Human Rights Issues, Women traversing the worlds of Innovation, Entrepreneurship an Technology among others and how they were to contribute to the participants’ preparation of 2020.

4 THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 OPENING REMARKS

Ms. Liza Sekaggya the founder of the Phenomenal Women Global welcomed the Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire and the participants at large to the conference.

She then gave a brief of her life’s history and how her search for purpose in life resulted into discovering a need and passion to uplift and empower women socially, economically and politically thus the formation of Phenomenal Women Ms. Liza Sekaggya giving her remarks Global to bring about the desired purpose. Phenomenal Women Global (PWG) is a non-profit organization that aims to empower and provide leadership skills to women and girls, in particular those in underserved communities. A variety of gender-specific leadership and career development events are organized including annual conferences around the world.

She concluded by showcasing a short documentary on the milestones of Phenomenal Women Global (PWG) done in Switzerland, Boston, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 5 INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER

Breaking Barriers, Changing the Narrative and Restoring Hope to Become the Best of Who You Are

“Let’s Write Life”

The inspiration speaker of the day She reiterated the fact that what was Ms. Beatrice Byemanzi the happened in the past cannot be OIKOS ,Director at the Worship changed so people should purpose Harvest Ministries. to move on past their past.

She spoke against holding onto She encouraged participants to the past and the troubles that take control of their lives and come with such a mindset. She stop blaming everyone for their cautioned all participants that failures in life. And on the road people with a negative mindset to taking control of one’s life, she never move on into their future encouraged the participants to and thus crippling their success make friends and get mentors. in both the present and the future.

Ms. Beatrice Byemanzi giving her Motivation speech.

6 THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 Key note Address by the Guest of Honour: Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire

The Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire was the Guest of Honor and gave a key note address; "Step into your purpose and refocus for 2020". . She is the Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry into land matters and also a Justice of the Court of Appeal/ Constitutional Court of Uganda. She thanked the Human Rights Centre Uganda and Phenomenal Women for inviting her to the event and later went on to give the participants an eye opening and enlightening speech. The following are the The guest of honor- Hon. Lady Justice highlights from the the speech Catherine Bamugemereire giving her she gave; Speech

She shared experiences from her the young girls how to become professional, career growth and phenomenal women. Lady personal life experiences. The Justice informed the members Justice informed the participants that most African governments that defending human rights is not mainly focus on the 1st and 2nd an easy task and thanked HRCU generational rights in respect to for the good work in respect to implementation and tend to forget defending the rights of HRDs. the 3rd generational rights where Women's rights are found. In The Justice also stated that women respect to the above she thanked are a source of life that is through Lisa from phenomenal women giving birth to children and thus for not waiting onto government bringing up those children well to bring into actualization of and they should specifically teach the 3rd generational rights most

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 7 specifically women's rights by the participants never to give up individually promoting women's a task/job because it seems hard rights through the phenomenal but and strive on to overcome women organization. the hard task/situation/challenge. This inspiration as she noted She further noted that in respect was derived from challenges she to leadership posts in government obtained during the period she and employment in general led the Land inquiry commission. there is room at the top and she The challenges during her work encouraged the participants to as Chairperson did not deter her apply however she cautioned from pressing on and accomplish women against fighting each her tasks as assigned. other.

She concluded by encouraging

8 THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 PANEL SESSIONS

PANEL 1: Labor Export in Uganda and emerging Human Rights Issues

The panelists were Ms. Agnes Igoye (Director Coordinator, National Counter Human Trafficking Task force, Ministry of Internal Affairs), Ms. Lilian Ayella (Program Director, Willow International), Ms. Enid Nambuya (Executive Director, Uganda Association of External Recruitment Agencies) and Ms. Jacque Kasoma Kawumi who moderated the session. .

The panelists who all work in the labour related organizations and institutions, shared their experiences and knowledge in respect to Labor exporting in Uganda and emerging Human rights issues.

Ms. Agnes Igoye (Director Coordinator, National Counter Human Trafficking Task force, Ministry of Internal Affairs)

She shared the mandate of the have been trafficked in and out Task force. Then she went on to of Uganda and it requires not encourage the participants and only the Task Force but the entire the community at large to actively country to take part in fighting the take part in the fight against vice and to end it. human trafficking. Mainly girls

Ms. Lilian Ayella (Program Director, Willow International)

Lillian is a Clinical and Counseling placements to the returnees. Psychologist who works at Willow International. shared with the She further noted the challenges participants a brief on what the those who seek employment organization she works with does abroad and those who are that is they carry out rehabilitation trafficked face while working to those who have been trafficked, in the Middle East. Some of the they provide legal Aid, offer challenges she highlighted were: counselling services and offer job little pay, failure to given breaks

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 9 during work hours, failure to be She concluded by encouraging the given holidays, confiscation of government to do more in respect their travel documents, being to enforcement of the pre-existing beaten among others. laws on human trafficking.

Ms. Enid Nambuya (ED, Uganda Association of External Recruitment Agencies)

Enid an advocate shared with criminals who traffic them at a the participants that the general less cost monetary wise, with very public finds illegal practices few legal requirements and with more attractive than what is legal. them not going through long and She further stated that to legally burdensome legal procedures. obtain a passport and all other legal documents/requirements She later on stated that legally, takes long which frustrates most domestic labor is only allowed in Ugandans who are unemployed Jordan and Saudi Arabia hence and are seeking employment whosoever has an offer job in other abroad. Hence some Ugandan middle Eastern/Asian countries have opted to be trafficked by apart from the mention two is illegal labourcompanies and mostly likely being trafficked.

Plenary session

The participants inquired about families. what the country was/is doing in respect to stopping the illegal In response to the above inquiries, trafficking of Ugandans and what the panelists informed the kind of help has been done so far participants that government/ by CSOs and government for those NGOs were indeed helping to who have been trafficked and are stop human trafficking thus suffering in foreign countries. giving examples of the passing of They further inquired if indeed the Prevention of Trafficking in those who have been trafficked Persons Act, 2009, establishing have been reconnected to their National Counter Human

10 THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 Trafficking Task force, offering that there is a lot to be done and counselling to returnees and Human Rights defenders and the offering to them alternativegeneral public should join in the business ventures on arrival back fight against human trafficking. to Uganda. However the stated

From L-R: Ms. Lillian Ayella (Program Director, Willow International), Ms. Enid Nambuya (Executive Director, Uganda Association of External Recruitment Agencies), Ms. Agnes Igoye (Director Coordinator, National Counter Human Trafficking Task force, Ministry of Internal Affairsand Ms. Jacque Kasoma Kawumi (moderator)

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 11 PANEL 2: Women traversing the world of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology

The panelists on the second panel were: Ms. Ruth Biyinzika Musoke (The Head, skills Development Facility), Ms. Philippa Ngaju Makobore (The Head, Department of the Instrumentation Division, Uganda Industrial Research Institute), Ms. Alice Namuli Blazevic (Partner at Katende, Ssempbwa & Company Advocates & Founder of Coffee With Alice) and the Moderator was Ms. Barbra Nambi Bunya.

Ms. Ruth Biyinziba Musoke (The Head, skills Development Facility)

Ruth advised the women to work women not to settle for small hard and and grow their assets tasks/business and instead strive while they are still young and to bigger tasks/dreams. unmarried (single). In her view, with a family and a partner, it She later concluded by gets hard to make decisions since encouraging WHRDs present to they always have to consult their actively mentor young girls and partners on every business idea. their peers in order to improve the world that we live in. She further encouraged the

Ms. Alice Namuli Blazevic (Partner at Katende, Ssempbwa & Company Advocates & Founder of Coffee with Alice)

Alice shared that Uganda is of oil. With the discovery of oil developing economically and one came land conflicts, contractual of the reasons of the above being disagreements, issues relating discovery of Oil in the Albertine to taxes among others between region. The discovery of oil has civilians, government and opened up new opportunities multinational corporations. for many Ugandans for example She observed that the disputes many Ugandans have obtained take long to be resolved hence employment due to the discovery curtailing development in Uganda

12 THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 due lengthy and expensive court up mentorship programs for processes. In abide to resolve the Children to learn coding and the above issue, she developed an Computer skills in general. She Artificial Intelligence system that further encouraged the ladies to simplifies Arbitration processbecome computer literate because between parties. technology is the future and most job opportunities will/require She also shared how she deals in computer literates. Data security and how she opened

Ms. Philippa Ngaju Makobore (The Head, Department of the Instrumentation Division, Uganda Industrial Research Institute)

Philippa shared her experience electronically controlled gravity and where she draws her passion feed infusion set (ECGF) which to health matters. While she was has helped with intravenous (IV) working, she visited hospitals in therapy thus saving lives. Uganda and she discovered that many children were dying as a She concluded by retaliating result of improper application the need for innovation and use of the Intravenous (commonly of technology in Hospitals to known as “IV”). Together facilitate in the saving of lives. with others she designed an

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 13 From L-R: Ms. Ruth Biyinziba Musoke; Ms. Alice Namuli Blazevic; Ms. Philippa Ngaju Makobore ,Ms. Nambi Barbara Bunya

The speakers encouraged the participants to actively Mentor the younger generation in respect to business and were also encouraged to obtain Mentors. The panelist also reiterated the need for technology in all aspects of life that is business, in the medical sector among others.

PANEL 3: Women and Health

The panelist of the above session were as follows: Dr. Sabrina Kitaka (Pediatrician, Hospital), Dr. Etheldreda Nakimuli-Mpungu (Senior Lecturer and Psychiatric Epidemiologist, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, ), Dr. Faridah Nansubuga (Obstetrician and Gynecologist, St. Francis Hospital ) and the Moderator of the session was Dr. Christine Wilshire.

14 THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 From L-R: Dr. Sabrina Kitaka; Dr. Faridah Nansubuga; Dr. Etheldreda Nakimuli- Mpungu; Dr. Christine Wiltshire

The panelists encouraged mothers to always be honest to their children most especially in matters concerning biological issues like menstruation among others. They stated that parents should be active counsellors to their children.

Dr. Sabrina Kitaka (Pediatrician, Mulago Hospital)

In respect to Children’s health, children. she advised mothers to always ensure that their children are fed She also advised parents not to on a balanced diet at all times or lie to their children that they else it would result to poor growth were bought in a Shops but they and health. She emphasized the should in a subtle matter explain need to invest in good feeding for to their children on how they are a

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 15 productive of a natural biological especially in matters concerning process. biological issues like menstruation. She also informed the participants In addition to the above, she that at Mulago there are sections encouraged mothers to always where they can take their children be honest to their children most to learn about sex education.

Dr. Faridah Nansubuga (Obstetrician and Gynecologist, St. Francis Hospital Nsambya)

Dr. Faridah informed the periods. participants that the use of Birth control methods is medically fine She highlighted the fact that and does not result into infertility Menopause is a normal biological as some people believe. However occurrence and women should she stated that some of the birth prepare for them with a positive control methods like use of bills mindset. These normally occur at have side effects like prolonged the age of 45. menstrual period or even delayed

Dr. Etheldreda Nakimuli-Mpungu (Senior Lecturer and Psychiatric Epidemiologist, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Makerere University)

In terms of Mental Health, Dr. individuals thus causing a mental Etheldreda shared that most break down hence resulting to people become mad due poor or madness. no mechanism skills of copying with both negative and positive She advised the participants stress factors. The positive stress to identify what in their lives factors may include: obtaining a can easily overwhelm or has new job, getting married among overwhelmed them. After others. While the negative stress identifying the issue, she then factors may include divorce, rape advised the participants to seek among others. She stated such professional counselling. issues may overwhelm some

16 THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 PLERNARY SESSION

The participants sought more information in respect to the mandatory immunization of children and how safe the drugs being used were. In response the panelists put their fears to rest by informing them that the drugs the government was using were safe. They further stated that the drugs which were being used were the same drugs for example Mulago uses during immunization of children thus encouraging the participants to take their children for immunization for health reasons.

Session 2: Experience sharing by Women Human Rights Defenders.

This session was moderated by Ms. Margaret Sekaggya and the panelists were: Ms. Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa (Financial Advisory Consultant), Ms. Lorna Chebet (Kapchorwa Civil Society Organization Alliance) and Ms. Rose Achayo Obol (Chairperson, National Union of Women with Disabilities in Uganda). Three Women Human defenders shared their experiences in their journey to strive for human rights and the cross cutting challenge was that they have experienced intimidation, threats and discrimination from mostly Male individuals in the fight to promote Human Rights.

Ms. Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa (Financial Advisory Consultant).

Geraldine shared her life focused on the job and working experience working abroad with hard. This eventually paid off racist and sexist workmates who since those who had thought at one point assumed she was a tea she was incapable later on were girl. She shared her experience of praising her for her good work how she was discriminated in the ethic and professionalism. . And work sphere for being a woman. this was the kind of attitude and However she stood tall amidst the determination she desired the discrimination by being tolerant, participants to emulate.

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 17 Ms. Rose Achayo Obol (Chairperson, National Union of Women with Disabilities in Uganda).

She stated that she worked in a community financially that is she predominately male work place stated that they give the women and but due to persistence and loans for purposes of helping consistence, she was also able them start up money making to succeed. She informed the opportunities. She then concluded members that her organization by encouraging the participants to has endeavored to empower the mentor and empower the young women with disabilities in her women.

Ms. Lorna Chebet (Kapchorwa Civil Society Organization Alliance)

Lorna shared her experience been intimidated, discriminated in respect to fight for women’s and threated by community rights in Kapchorwa and most members. But even amidst the specifically about her fight against challenges, she is determined to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) improve the welfare of women in in the Sebei Region. She informed her community thus the continued the participants that the fight has defending of women’s rights. been challenging because she has

Breakout sessions

The participants broke out into 3 table sessions which compromised of the following topics; Women Beauty and Wellness, Women, the Law and Human Rights and Women, Money and investing.

Women Beauty and Wellness-Table 1

The speakers were Ms. Cerinah Tugume (Founder and CEO of Serene Beauty), Ms. Christine Anyumel (Nutritionist & Founder of Healing Naturally Together) and moderated by Ms. Marita Mugasha.

18 THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 Ms. Cerinah Tugume (Founder and CEO of Serene Beauty)

“True beauty comes from the was the fact that it was important inside and what is done on the to have good morals/discipline outside-should only enhance because these ultimately truly what is already within”. Ms. enhance one’s outer/physical Cerinah shared external beauty beauty. tips for the WHRDs that gathered She cautioned the attendees against around the table. She also carried buying cheap Make up because practical demonstrations on how this can result into diseases like to apply make-up for different skin cancer if applied. She also occasions. She show cased (on cautioned the participants against willing participants) which kind sleeping with Makeup as it leads to of make-up is suitable for work skin break-out. (professional appearance) and make-up for parties or any other She then encouraged the celebrations outside work. participants to buy genuine Makeup because it safer in respect One of the key issues emphasized to health.

Ms. Christine Anyumel (Nutritionist & Founder of Healing Naturally Together)

Christine shared her life threating eating healthily. story of how she almost died due to an abdominal problems while She advised the participants she was abroad and how through to drink water, eat fruits daily the help of her Asian colleague she and other nutritious food stuffs. obtained Herbal medicine which However she discouraged helped her recover. And ever since participants from eating raw her recovery she has been a strong vegetables at night because they advocate of Herbal medicine and would be hard to digest.

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 19 Table on Women Beauty and Wellness in progress and Ms. Cerina carrying out a practical demonstration on how to apply makeup that is suitable for professionals.

Women, the Law and Human Rights-Table 2

The Speakers on the table were Ms. Primah Kwagala (CEO, Women Pro Bono Initiative), Ms. Pheona Wall (Vice President, Uganda Law Society & Senior Manager Legal Services, National Walter & Sewerage Corporation), and John Mary and moderated by Mr. Eric Namungalu.

Ms. Pheona Wall (Vice President, Uganda Law Society & Senior Manager Legal Services, National Walter & Sewerage Corporation)

Pheona informed the participants of secrecy and self-preservation. that basing on research, 15% of women had been forced to leave She then shared that it was their jobs due to sexual harassment through having a register of sexual worldwide. She then stated one of offenders for purpose of records, the biggest issues affecting cases of naming and shaming perpetrators Sexual harassment was the culture and punishing them that sexual

20 THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 harassment would be reduced. it had or occurs to them and others. She further stated that The Vice president of ULS in the ladies can report such cases conclusion encouraged the to the different Legal Aid Service participants to report cases of Providers or even the different sexual harassment just in case women bases NGOs.

Ms. Primah Kwagala (CEO, Women Pro Bono Initiative)

The following are the views Ms. Primah shared concerning Maternal Health is still a Human Right issue in Uganda:

She informed the participants a problem because of the limited that maternal health is still an financing and as a tax payer you issue because it is not something we need to track the budget to see Uganda have made a priority. how much is put and how much She further shared that it is still has been utilized for health. In respect to ways to improve maternal health, she advised that

• The women lawyers need to track the budget to make sure that maternal health is given a priority. • Increase financing towards basic things like Mama Kits. • There is need to advocate for the right to Maternal Health.

John Mary Kimuraheebwa-Program Officer-Network for Public Interest Lawyers

Mr. Kimuraheebwa gave which affects their Constitutional guidance on common legal issues right to own property. surrounding wills and succession. One of the challenges in relation He shared that there is a need of to succession in Uganda is culture. involving cultural institutions In some cultures, women are not and making statues and culture allowed to inherit property at the amendments to reduce gender demise of their parents or even in based inheritance. some cases their own husbands

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 21 PLENARY SESSION

The participants were of the view that maternal health in Uganda is bad and they were perplexed and wondered what in particular the NGOs have done to improve it. In response, the panelists informed the members that indeed work has been done in respect to improving maternal health however Government as a key stakeholder is partly to blame due to its poor financial allocation to the health sector.

Ms. Phionah Wall giving guidance on emerging legal

Women, Money and investing-Table3

The speakers on the table were;MS. Christine Kasoma (Padre Pio Insurance Brokers) who advised the members to save and invest and DFCU-Women Investment section who encouraged women to save and do investments. Investments can be in form of investment clubs, buying shares of companies, real estates among others.

22 THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 PLERNARY SESSION

The participants inquired on how based they can balance their side businesses and their office jobs. They further inquired if they should have joint accounts with their spouses.

In response, the panelists advised the participants with businesses and office jobs that in order to balance they should ensure they closely monitor their side business through for example weekly checking books of accounts among others. They further stated that if the balancing fails, they should settle down for one of the opportunities.

In relation to the question regarding joint accounts, the participants were advised that only trust amongst the spouses can determine that decision.

Closing Session

Ms. Faridah Kyomuhangi-the Head Programmes at HRCU gave succinct recap of all the sessions and the way forward. She noted that the members can register for mentorship and HRCU will continue to follow up on key issues discussed

The Executive Director of HRCU gave the closing remarks in which she thanked the staff of HRCU, Phenomenal Women-Uganda, the Embassy of Ireland, Defend Defend Defenders and the participants who attended the second WHRDs conference.

Ms. Murungi Stella from Defend Defenders also adjoined her remarks to Ms. Margaret’s and thanked all the above stakeholders for participating in the conference. She shared the mandate of Defend Defenders. Defend Defenders is the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project. We seek to strengthen the work of human rights defenders (HRDs) throughout the region by reducing their vulnerability to the

THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 23 risk of persecution and by enhancing their capacity to effectively defend human rights. She pledged her organization’s continued support and partnership with HRCU.

The Conference was officially concluded with a networking session where the Women Human Rights Defenders obtained an avenue to network and share contacts for future networking. The participants interested in further mentorship also had an opportunity to register and there will be continued follow up with the participants.

Participants networking at conference

24 THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 HRDs having a pictorial moment at the conference.

Participants listening attentively and taking notes during the conference THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 25 HRDs pay attention to the speaker during the conference

26 THE WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CONFERENCE 2019 THE HUMAN RIGHTS CENTRE PHENOMENAL WOMEN UGANDA AFRICA Plot 83 Katalima Road, Uganda, Kampala Naguru, Kampala [email protected] P. O Box 25638, Tel: +256772587187 Kampala, Uganda Tel: 256-414-266186 Email: [email protected] Web: www.hrcug.org