The fourth annual convening of the Uganda Feminist Forum began on Tuesday 8th November 2011. Uganda is proud to be the first and most active national offshoot of the African Feminist Forum. This year, participants will interrogate power, both personal and political for collective visioning and strategising for greater political accountability to women’s issues in Uganda
A taste of some of the sessions:
‘Women, Money, Power and Politics’ – facilitated by Marren Akatsa Bukachi
Christine Mugerwa shared her experiences running for a parliamentary position in the 2011 elections. She spoke about running a clean campaign and the impact of money on elections in Uganda. Patricia Munabi Babiiha shared her journey embarking on business ventures after being inspired during the last Feminist Forum and shared her vision to contribute to a fund supporting Feminist political candidates during elections
Self care and renewal session: Introduction to Afrikan Yoga – Ife Piankhi
Ife introduced the concept of Afrikan Yoga, stating that yoga, which many think of as foreign actually originated in the Nile Basin. She spoke of processes of self care and renewal to counter burn-out, despair and feminist exhaustion. Women need to learn how to relax; to nurture ourselves. Ife promised to deliver more during the longer Thursday evening session
African sexualities and how it connects with all that we do – Solome Nakaweesi-Kimbugwe
Inspired by readings from the ‘African Sexualities Reader’, edited by our own Dr Sylvia Tamale, participants discussed sexualities and power. This juicy session touched on topics of sex work, nudity and morality, homosexuality and a whole range of issues that affected many of the participants personally. The challenge that came out is how women can use our sexual power in a way that is advantageous.
Wednesday ended with participants excited about the prospect of Day 3 during which they would visit Kitooro Market and Nakiwoogo landing
site to learn how to package and market their vision in order to build a broader movement for women’s equality in Uganda and Africa at large
By: Kampire Bahana
