Before the WHRDN-U training, many Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in the Teso region felt invisible and unsupported. They faced serious threats—some were harassed by their own families, others were arrested, and many were attacked online.
But everything changed after WHRDN-U facilitated an engagement between WHRDs and the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) in Soroti. For the first time, WHRDs shared their painful stories directly with government officials. They spoke about cyberbullying, threats at home, and physical violence.
The Human Rights Commissioner admitted something big: “We didn’t even know WHRDs existed in our communities.”
Because of this meeting, UHRC promised to:
- Work hand in hand with WHRDs.
- Offer free legal support and referrals for assaulted WHRDs.
- Train WHRDs on how to report cases using UHRC toll-free lines and email.
This meeting built a bridge between WHRDs and duty bearers. It gave defenders courage and visibility. As Madam Agodo Joroline from Soroti said, “Our voices were finally heard. We are no longer working alone in fear.”
