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Empowered for change; My Journey with the Centre for Health Human Rights and Development

By Ritah Namakula | a practising midwife at Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital and Central Regional Coordinator of the National Midwives Association of Uganda, writes about her empowerment journey with CEHURD.

Midwives are essential healthcare professionals for the provision and seamless coordination of community and facility-based maternity care. As a midwife who is passionate about human rights and sexual reproductive health (SRH), I had a challenge with advocacy for SRH. Opportunities come to those who are hungry for them. Indeed, I have received several opportunities of trainings in advocacy for SRHR from the Centre for Health Human Rights and Development organization (CEHURD).

Through these advocacy trainings with CEHURD, I have learnt expound on my networking skills, obtained effective communication skills, public speaking skills, teaching skills, research and writing skills and gained confidence while presenting policy issues. With application of such skills, I contributed to 2023/2024FY Budget Advocacy Planning regarding Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.

CEHURD provided invaluable training sessions that broadened my perspective. These sessions emphasized the critical role of advocacy in effecting real change for those whose voices are often unheard. We delved into global issues surrounding Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), understanding deeply how these rights intersect with health outcomes worldwide.

Another challenge was understanding the importance of storytelling in advocacy. CEHURD taught me how personal narratives can drive change. I initially struggled to share my own experiences, but with guidance, I learned to craft powerful narratives for example, I shared my story of witnessing adolescents and women with unwanted pregnancies lose their lives due to unsafe abortion services, which has empowered these communities to seek safe services from trained service providers.

On many occasions we dug into policy advocacy. I learned essential skills such as research, writing compelling arguments, and presenting effectively to policymakers. This training highlighted the significant impact of influencing laws and regulations on improving people’s lives, which was particularly enlightening for me as a service provider. These experiences at CEHURD not only deepened my understanding of advocacy but also empowered me to advocate more effectively for human rights and health issues. During the training sessions, I realised that advocacy is not just about passion, but about acquiring the skills and knowledge to create meaningful change in communities

My perception of advocacy shifted significantly. It became clear that advocacy is more than just protesting or signing petitions, it’s about harnessing knowledge and compassion to foster tangible and impactful change. CEHURD also emphasized the value of teamwork, we engaged in collaborative group projects, pooling our strengths and ideas to tackle complex issues together. This experience taught me that advocacy can be more impactful when we join forces with others who share our goals and passions.

Generally, the Centre for Health Human Rights and Development has profoundly reshaped my view of advocacy. It has illuminated advocacy as a crucial instrument for promoting justice and equality. The trainings provided me with not only newfound confidence but also practical skills that have empowered me to effect real change in my ongoing advocacy efforts.

A version of this article was first published on July 23rd 2024 in the Daily Express   

 

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About CEHURD’s Midyear Staff Retreat 2024

The CEHURD team met in Gulu in July for the mid-year staff retreat, a valuable opportunity to refresh and plan for the second half of the year. The retreat featured a series of enriching sessions, including in-depth appraisals of our institution’s key approaches, policies, and core values. This ensured that every team member was aligned and equipped to drive our mission forward.

Additionally, we warmly welcomed and oriented new staff members, introducing them to our team’s dynamic and inclusive culture. The retreat provided a platform for meaningful connections, knowledge sharing, and collaborative planning, setting us up for a productive and successful second half of the year.

Gulu District, where we held our retreat, is one of the districts where we implement our projects. In fact, we have successfully implemented three significant projects in the northern and West Nile region, including DINU, Stand 4 SRHR, and TASO Global Fund Projects OVC phase 7. These projects have enabled us to make a positive impact in the lives of the people in Gulu and surrounding areas, and we look forward to continuing our work in this region.

𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝗿𝘂𝗮, 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗶-𝗢𝗸𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼, 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘀, 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗘𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗗’𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘀.

Mr Alfred Okuonzi, LC 5 Chairperson, West Nile Districts and focal person for NGOs and CSOs ~ ❝CEHURD has been a valuable partner in improving healthcare in Uganda, particularly in the West Nile region thereby complimenting Government efforts. He observed that CEHURD’s relationship with West Nile is like padlock and key – inseparable and made reference to CEHURD’s impactful TB contact tracing work within the last 3 years under TASO/Global Fund programme and Social Accountability and Legal Empowerment for social services under DINU project.

CEHURD’s work stands out and supports our goal of social accountability. Local Government values your role as a watchdog improving Uganda’s healthcare system and sees you as partners, not opposition.❞

Mr Okuonzi further noted that the TB detection rate is still low in the region, teenage pregnancy is 27% above national average of 24%, early marriages continue to be high, gender based violence and girls dropping out of school. He called on CEHURD to continue with the collaboration in addressing these persistent challenges and specifically requested for support in the development of Ordinances to that focus on these issues.

Mr Anyama Williams, Chairperson, West Nile Local Government Association observed that West Nile bears the burden of providing healthcare services to the districts in the region as well as the inflow of patients from neighbouring DR Congo and South Sudan, yet with no additional budget to cater for this inflow and cannot turn away patients from these countries.  

❝We appreciate the oversight responsibility of CEHURD. Please also consider paying attention to the challenge of the many young people who are already struggling with poverty and are using the little they have to buy “Mairungi”. Each week a young person spends the same amount they would spend on a bag of cement. Not many partners have picked interest in addressing this problem, yet i believe it is a social justice issue.❞

 #CEHURDStaffRetreat

Compiled by CEHURD’s Communications team.

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From a Shy to a Brave Young Advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

My name is Catherine Nassanga, and I am 23 years old. While volunteering with MildMay in 2021, I was introduced to CEHURD through a friend. Growing up as the only girl in my family, I used to be shy, which negatively impacted my self-esteem. However, through CEHURD’s interventions, I gained confidence and now speak to many fellow young people as an advocate.

CEHURD trained me in advocacy for young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including budgeting, gender-based violence, gender justice, human rights-based approaches, and HIV/AIDS. In my community, young girls often faced early pregnancies, forced early marriages, or unsafe abortions due to a lack of SRHR knowledge and support.

After being empowered by CEHURD and learning about the right to demand better health services, I gained the confidence to support girls facing SRHR challenges. CEHURD’s interventions also helped me decide to pursue a course in counseling and guidance to speak to young people from a more informed background.

The advocacy spaces CEHURD provided have given me a platform to reach out to young people with SRHR knowledge and engage with policymakers to voice issues affecting youth. I have actively participated in budgeting processes, raising young people’s priorities for the national budget. During a Universal Periodic Review meeting, I argued that denying young people access to contraceptives does a disservice to them, as many are secretly or forcefully engaging in sexual activities.

I call upon other civil society organizations to provide advocacy spaces for young people to raise issues to responsible stakeholders. I also hope that CEHURD continues to support young people with this crucial information. This year, I set a target to reach out to at least 50 young people per day with SRHR knowledge and information through my youth corner at the Mildmay facility in Lweza Kajjansi, and I have reached over 7,000 young people so far.

I envision a society where gender-based violence against girls ends with my generation.

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Empowering Youth Through Health Advocacy

My name is Semanda Anthony, and I am 26 years old. In 2022, I got to know about CEHURD, where I learned about the right to health and advocacy for young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Initially, I was unaware of my health rights, but CEHURD clarified this by explaining the process of health service delivery using the triple AAA framework.

Before joining CEHURD, I lacked knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and rights, relevant laws, referral pathways, and advocacy for young people’s SRHR. CEHURD has empowered me by enhancing my skills as a peer educator, allowing me to confidently share information with my peers.

I conduct training sessions for young people in various suburbs of Kampala, such as Namuwongo and Mbuya. I teach life skills, including how to be assertive, how to create healthy social and sexual relationships, and the use of different contraceptive options. Additionally, I have provided survival skills through joint savings initiatives.

I proudly advocate for condom use, educating young people on proper usage and disposal. Bravery, a value instilled in me by CEHURD, is something I hold dear. Currently, I serve as the youth chairman in my village of Nsambya, where I raise young people’s issues with relevant stakeholders.

Thanks to CEHURD’s support, I have taken on leadership roles, including my position as a coach with TACKLE Africa, where I share SRHR information with young people through football.

I am grateful to CEHURD for creating opportunities that have enhanced my social capital and positively influenced my career path. I am now working as a peer educator and football coach.

Lastly, I urge all stakeholders to empower boys as much as girls, ensuring that initiatives aimed at the girl child are equally extended to the boy child.

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From VHT to Male Champion: Nelson’s Mission to Create Positive Change in His Community

Nelson, a Male Champion trained and empowered under the Promise II Project-DFPA, stands as a beacon of hope in his community, earning commendation for his tireless efforts. Nelson has embarked on a mission to sensitize people on the importance of gender equality while fearlessly speaking out against Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and other gender-related injustice.

While the inclusion of women remains paramount in advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and gender justice, the engagement of men and boys is equally essential for achieving lasting change.

In the countryside of Kyabigambire Central, one Sunday Nelson is breaking stereotypes by assuming the proactive role of a male champion, advocating for SRHR and gender justice. Dismantling the notion that SRHR and gender equality are solely women’s issues.

Serving as an influential role model who is challenging harmful gender norms and stereotypes within his community.

Sunday Nelson’s dedication to this cause goes beyond mere advocacy and awareness rising; he immerses himself in the community, actively engaging men and boys in crucial conversations about gender issues and empowering couples and families to embrace gender equality and justice. He has demonstrated that supporting gender equality is not only beneficial but also essential for creating healthier and more equitable societies.

Drawing from his past experience as a VHT, Nelson transitioned into his role as a male champion, now collaborating with local leaders to challenge traditional notions of masculinity that perpetuate harmful behaviors and attitudes. His unique ability to navigate through complex issues with compassion and understanding has earned him praise and admiration from those he has helped.

By redefining what it means to be a man, Nelson has encouraged other men to embrace values such as mutual respect, consent, accountability and equality, reaching accountability and collective action.

In an interview with me, Nelson stated;

“I’m passionate about creating change in my community. I believe sensitizing communities on gender equality and SGBV is key to fostering positive change, sparking meaningful dialogue and action. As a committed male champion, selected by the community, I’m engaging men in discussions about gender issues to strengthen families and communities. The Promise II project has been a turning point for me, offering training and fostering personal and professional growth. I’ve undergone a remarkable journey of growth and advancement.”

As Nelson continues to make a positive impact in his community, his story serves as a testament to the transformative power of dedication, compassion, underscoring the importance of community empowerment, mobilization, and meaningful participation. Meaningful participation from men and boys is crucial for challenging and dismantling patriarchal structures that perpetuate inequality, discrimination and denial of services. By actively involving men and boys in advocacy efforts, male champions emphasize that achieving gender justice is a collective responsibility that benefits everyone.

“With Nelson’s and the LC’s support, my wife and I successfully addressed our recent marital issues. Our disagreements had resulted in violence, but Nelson’s guidance helped me become a better husband. The positive transformations are now evident in our home.” – stated one of the beneficiaries.

Stereotypes have long permeated our perceptions of gender roles and responsibilities, often relegating men to certain societal expectations that limit their ability to engage in issues such as sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender justice. One of the primary reasons for involving male champions in advancing SRHR and gender justice is their unique ability to resonate with other men. Research indicates that men are more likely to listen to and heed the advice of their male counterparts.

By Fatiha Nkoobe

Communications Officer,

Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD).

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