I met Mary Helda Akongo during my trip to LA in September. She is a fellow Internet Society 25 Under 25 Awardee and works with Zimba Women who “are using technology to find innovative solutions to create sustainable futures for African women”. Since we met we have been talking about the challenges women face in our countries. She told me about the prevalence of violence and sexual violence towards women and the poor attitudes held by police and government. Not only this but since May 2017, 23 women have been brutally murdered in the capital city — although many arrests have been made and numerous motives proposed, the killings continue (source) and it’s a cause for concern.
We are currently in the planning stages of a larger collaborative project that will promote women’s safety with technology. In the meantime we have worked together (and with a few friends in the UK) to create a fundraising campaign that will help already established Ugandan organisations raise awareness of the violence against women. The local organisations have also welcomed the idea of a self-defense workshop and protection packs for women in Kampala.
On 23rd November 2017, my good friends and I will be hosting a variety show in Nottingham City Centre to raise funds to help support the Ugandan organisations continue their work.
You can purchase your ticket here: https://www.fatsoma.com/uganda-fundraiser/9acha7gy/uganda-fundraiser
Or if you can’t make it and would like to make a donation you can do so here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/women-safety-fundraiser