The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Uganda has a vision of a society based on the values of fairness and social justice. There can be no development without equality. In this connection we recognise that the contribution of both women and men is necessary for the growth and development of society. While we realise that women/men and girls/boys have different needs and interests, we assert that they can perform equally given equal opportunities. Without equal rights for men and women, democracy and development remain unattainable objectives. This is the basis of our advocacy of gender mainstreaming, which in this context refers to a way of working that takes gender into account in all organisational and programme practices.

The objective of our work is to sensitise society to the participation of women in the nations' socio-political and economic development, as outlined in FES Uganda Mainstreaming Gender: The Concept. Currently our activities are concentrated on the training of representatives of political parties and local women’s organisations in order to deepen understanding of women’s new role in a pluralistic society. This takes place in partnership with the National Association of Women's Organisations in Uganda (NAWOU).

Another objective is to assist society in looking at gender-related aspects of political conflict situations, in preparation for participation in peacemaking. In co-operation with Makarere University’s Department of Gender, research has been conducted on the gender dimension, within conflicts in Uganda. Seminars are held with the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) to support women candidates for political mandates under the new political dispensation. The results of these seminars are published in gender-related reports and papers.

In this connection FES Uganda is also launching the Gender Dialogues. This series will provide a platform for different FES partners to engage with members of the media. The dialogues will bring together e.g. women who have previously participated in FES activities and will give them an opportunity of dialogue with a cross section of Uganda's media personnel.

To read the latest gender report 2007/2008 on FES gender activities worldwide click here:
Women – Men – Gender.