Forum for Women in Democracy

The Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) is a leading non-partisan women’s rights organization based in Uganda, established in 1995. It emerged from the Women’s Caucus of the 1994–1995 Constituent Assembly, which played a pivotal role in drafting Uganda’s gender-sensitive 1995 Constitution. FOWODE was co-founded by influential Ugandan women, including Winnie Byanyima, Margaret Ssebagereka, Esther Opoti Dhugira, and Tezira Jamwa .

Vision and Mission

• Vision: A Ugandan society where women and men equally participate in and benefit from decision-making processes in both public and private spheres.

• Mission: To promote gender equality in all areas of decision-making.

Core Programs and Initiatives

FOWODE operates through several key programs:

1. Women and Leadership: This program focuses on building transformative leadership by mentoring women and girls, enhancing their participation in political and civic spaces.

2. Gender and Economic Justice: FOWODE has been instrumental in pioneering Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) in Uganda since 1998. Their efforts contributed to the inclusion of gender and equity budgeting in Uganda’s Public Finance Management Act of 2015, making GRB mandatory for all government entities .

3. IDEAS (Institutional Development, Engagement, and Sustainability): This initiative aims to strengthen FOWODE’s institutional capacity and ensure the sustainability of its programs.

Additionally, FOWODE has launched strategic initiatives such as:

• Imara Women’s Centre: A space dedicated to feminist leadership development and community engagement.

• Speak FM: A community radio platform that amplifies women’s voices and promotes dialogue on gender issues.

• Pamoja SACCO: A savings and credit cooperative that empowers women economically.

Impact and Reach

Since its inception, FOWODE has achieved significant milestones:

• Trained over 21,000 leaders in gender-responsive policymaking.

• Established 233 Village Budget Clubs to promote accountability and citizen participation.

• Mentored over 866 young women for transformative leadership roles.

• Engaged more than 12,000 men in promoting gender equality and positive masculinities

Leadership

Patricia Munabi Babiiha serves as the Executive Director of FOWODE. A lawyer and human rights activist, she has been instrumental in advancing women’s rights and gender-responsive policies in Uganda .

Collaborations and Recognition

FOWODE collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government agencies, and international partners. Notably, the organization has received support from entities like UN Women and the Hewlett Foundation, which awarded FOWODE a $500,000 grant in 2021 to bolster its advocacy for inclusive governance and budgeting

• Address: Plot 15, Vubyabirenge Close, Ntinda, P.O. Box 7176, Kampala, Uganda

• Phone: +256 414 286 063

• Email: fowode@fowode.org

• Working Hours: Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

For inquiries related to the Imara Women’s Centre, you can contact:

• Contact Person: Isabella Akiteng

• Phone: +256 777 610 053

• Email: imarawomenscentre@fowode.org