Uganda Media Women's Association (UMWA)

UMWA seeks to promote rights and freedoms of marginalised groups in Ugandan society, in particular, through capacity building as well as sharing and disseminating information for sustainable development. Activities include:

• Rural Outreach Program (ROP) - operating in 19 districts, this programme is aimed at sensitising the community on their rights and on topical issues so that they might meaningfully participate in affairs that affect them.
• Development and management of various information and public education media campaigns, such as a civic & voter education initiative that included development of messages for radio and television spots; print media statements and articles; plays on radio and television; and a video documentary on the electoral process called "Road To Democracy."
• Career Guidance Scheme on Journalism - The goal is to encourage girls to take up journalism as a career, hopefully bridging the gap between men and women in the profession.
• Soliciting for scholarships - since 1993, UWMA has solicited 48 scholarships for members
• Public relations/advertising (for sustainability) - UWMA provides consultancy services in this area.
• Election monitoring (1996-1998) - focus was on constraints and opportunities to women's participation in politics
• Media monitoring with respect to women’s representation, reproductive health, and gender issues
• Research and documentation of issues related to the media, women, peace, politics and empowerment
• Training in specialised fields related to empowerment, and the media, such as leadership and team building, participatory planning and monitoring, Parliamentary reporting, advocacy and lobbying, court reporting, public speaking, and the rights-based approach
• Video documenation on issues including: Women’s Experiences in Politics, The Road to Democracy, Women and Governance, and Local Women’s Participation in Fighting Corruption
• "The Other Voice" - an 8-page advocacy and lobbying newspaper/pull-out that is designed for policymakers and the general public. Published in 5 languages: English, Luganda, Runyakitara, Luo and Ateso.
• Community radio station Mama FM - Mama FM (101.7) covers a radius of 450 km and reaches out to women between the ages of 15-45, as well as the general public. It aims at advocating for women; broadcasting educational programmes; offering a channel for development communication; and offering training/practical experience for female communicators.

UWMA uses information and communication technologies (ICTs) to share details about its work and to provide access to various resources and events postings. Visit the UWMA website, the UWMA and Mama FM Facebook page, and the UWMA and Mama FM Twitter feed for more information.

Women, Rights, Political Development, Economic Development, Gender, Education.

UMWA is trying to play a complementary role in the development of the Ugandan society side by side with government; however, according to UMWA, a number of policies still need to change in order for the organisation to achieve its goals.