LBQ Loose Network, a collective of Ugandan lesbian, bisexual and queer women held the first ever Feminist Leadership Institute in Kampala. The two-day workshop which was supported by CREA took place on Thursday 30th January and Friday 31st January 2020; it was attended by over 35 LBQ women from different parts of the country.
Jay Abang, the Programs Director of Health and Rights Initiatives, oriented attendees about the which guided the gathering on a consensus of the institute's objectives and norms.
Sandra Riza, a committee representative of the LBQ Loose Network and Executive Director at HER Internet shared a brief history and explained the five pertinent priority areas of the network since its inception in 2017. These areas include tackling gender based violence, promotion of solidarity and sisterhood, mental health and wellness, culture and religion. The last objective, building and strengthening a vibrant LBQ feminist leadership birthed the idea of the Feminist Leadership Institute. "It has been a work in progress for several years and it's amazing that we are now all here," Riza said as she commended Jay and the organizing team for bringing diversity in the space. She highlighted that this has contributed to the achievement of forging stronger bonds of sisterhood and solidarity within the LBQ movement.
Riza also noted that the institute will introduce attendees to understanding feminism and how it is linked to the struggles of Uganda's LBQ women. "We realised that most of us keep throwing the word feminism around but we don't even know what it means. As part of the brief background that birthed the idea of this institute, feminism will bring us together to move as a whole pack and not with an exception of only executive directors," she stressed.
Several topics were explored during the two days; they ranged from transformative leadership unpacking feminism, patriarchy and power dynamics, strategic partnerships and networking, nurturing nontoxic mentorship and relationships, financial inclusion and resilience in relation to marginalized groups in Uganda, marginalization, discrimination and legal analysis of key populations particularly LBQ women in Uganda's context, healing justice as well as online and offline security for women's rights activists in Uganda.
There was a fire place dialogue on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Uganda where participants were allowed to have raw, honest and open discourse as they dissected issues on sex, sexual and reproductive rights, sexual orientation and love among women who have sex with women.
A mentorship program was also launched to facilitate attendees in their personal development and professional growth. It was also revealed that the creation of the LBQ Loose Network data base is also underway to set up an online out sourcing space for Ugandan LBQ women small business entrepreneurs, service providers and professionals. This will help connect them with different opportunities, create new markets and support their projects. To be a part of this, please send your information to wanyenzecarol@gmail.com or ajoan@rellawf.org. You can also contact Sophie or Joan on +256 704880447, - +256 776 891811 or +256 784 871493.
