Gender Equality and Women Empowerment for Development (GWEFODE) is a Community Based, Charitable and Not for Profit Nongovernmental Organization registered with the Government of Uganda. The Organization was founded in 2007 by a group of Women and Youth who were concerned about the increasing Gender Based Violence, Conflicts, Gender inequalities, discrimination and violation of the rights marginalized groups such as Women, Youth, Children, People Living with HIV/AIDS especially Widows and Orphans, People Living with Disabilities and ethnic minority groups in particular the Batwa / Pygmies.

Also, the founders came with an idea to enhance sustainable livelihoods among the local underprivileged community groups espe¬cially women and children including widows, orphans and their caregivers by working with communities to contribute to a transformation in their status and wellbeing so that they can realize their rights and full potential, and become equal and respected members of families, communities and society. The founders aimed to promote gender equality and empowerment of women and other marginalized groups to become active participants in the development process of their communities through Programs such as Human Rights and Leadership Development, Community Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment, Health Education and Advocacy aimed at addressing gender inequalities and poverty at different levels. The organization geographical coverage includes the districts of Kabale, Rubanda, Rukiga, Kisoro, Kanungu, Rukungiri and Ntungamo in Southwestern Uganda.

VISION AND MISSION

Vision
An empowered, transformed and self sustaining society free from Poverty and Human rights abuses, where Gender issues are considered and people live happy lives.

Mission
To educate, empower, mobilize and reach Women and girls, Men and boys in communities and promote gender equality in all areas of decision making through capacity building, networking, monitoring and advocacy for improved livelihoods and sustainable development

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

GWEFODE Organizational Structure comprises A General Assembly, the Board of Directors and the secretariat headed by the Executive Director who is elected by the Board of Directors every after five years. The General Assembly comprises Board of Directors, Women and Youth representatives from each of the districts of operation elected every five years by GWEFODE Community Based Volunteers to spearhead the organization programs. After every five years, GWEFODE holds a General Assembly which comprises Board of Directors and representatives from selected Community Based Volunteers.

The Board of Directors meet to discuss and agree on issues of common interest in the Organization, oversees the development of the organization policies and provides strategic guidance in the implementation of programmes including recruitment of staff. The Board of Directors convene four times in a year to discuss and approve the reports, budgets and the program work plans prepared by the Secretariat in addition to review and adoption of policies. The Board of Directors also adopts GWEFODE Constitution, scrutinizes the auditors’ reports and also approves financial statements. Members of the Board bring professional skills to the organization that has enriched GWEFODE’s performance. All the Board of Directors are volunteers.

GWEFODE has a secretariat headed by the Executive Director who manages the day to day affairs of the organization and is supported by the Head of Programs Program and administrative staff. The organisation has got a number of staff to include Head of Programs, Program officers, Accountant, Communication and Advocacy Officer, Accounts Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Support Staff and Volunteers.

OPERATIONAL STRATEGY

GWEFODE’s operational strategy is to enhance sustainable livelihoods among the local underprivileged community groups especially women, by working with communities to promote their social, health and economic well being through programs such as Human Rights and Leadership Development, Community Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment, Health Education and Advocacy. The Human Rights and Leadership Development program components include Participatory Governance and Gender Equity Advocacy, Gender Based Violence Prevention and Response, Conflict Resolution and Peace Building. Community Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment program components include Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, Sustainable Energy Efficient Technologies and Vocational Training. The Health Education and Advocacy program components include Water Sanitation and Hygiene, HIV/AIDS and Malaria Prevention, Maternal and Child Health.

KEY STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

Gender Equality and Women Empowerment for Development Key Strategic Directions (KSD).

• KSD 1: Promote and advocate for Good governance and Human Rights (Economic, Social, Cultural, Civil and Political Rights).
• KSD 2: Promote Peace and Reconciliation through mediation and Dialogue.
• KSD 3: Promote Gender equality and Women’s Empowerment
• KSD 4: Promote Livelihoods through Sustainable Organic Agriculture; Efficient Energy Technologies and Vocational Training
• KSD 5: Identify and address HIV/AIDS related Injustices and ensure that Malaria Prevention and Control is undertaken in the Community
• KSD 6: Promote access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Women in Water stressed areas
• KSD7: Enhance organizational development for a democratic, vibrant, learning and facilitating GWEFODE with a predictable resource base
• KSD 8: Mobilize and manage resources effectively and efficiently to respond to the needs of the target group in a sustainable way