A Voice For the Voiceless
MISSION
The Advocacy Project seeks to produce social change by helping marginalized communities to become advocates for social justice and claim their rights
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Campaigns
Survivor Corps hopes to encourage and stimulate campaigns by survivors that will changes laws, infuence policy, and make social change. This page will carry details of new campaigns by survivors or existing campaigns that hold important lessons. As campaigns develop, we will help them to reach out to partners in neighboring countries, and outside Africa. See how you can get involved.
ISIS and Women’s Health
Uganda
The Women’s International Cross-Cultural exchange (WICCE) began work in Switzerland and moved to Kampala in 1993. In the years since, the group has worked intensively with women in conflict areas of Uganda, notably Luwero and Northern Uganda (Gulu). The groups focuses on the health needs of women, and uses this to lobby government agencies. Its model of advocacy carries important lessons for survivors.
In 1996 the group visited Luwero, 10 years after the Luwero conflict, and found that the wounds were still fresh. Women in particular had health needs – the team found many cases of uterine prolapse, which occurs when women are forced to return to hard manual labor after giving birth. ISIS documented the trauma and health needs, and then followed up by lobbying the Ugandan Ministry of Health.
Using the Luwero example, ISIS-WICCE argued successfully that mental health was a crucial national concern. This led to the mainstreaming of mental health to the point where all regional health centers in the country now have a resident psychiatrist and offer drugs.
In 1999 ISIS-WICCE began a national exchange program for women form conflict areas in Uganda, including Gulu, Luwero, Lira, Kitgum, and Teso. At first there was suspicion. Gradually, participants relaxed and learned from each other. They returned to their areas, and formed voluntary self-help groups. ISIC-WICCE has since helped several acquire legal status as NGOs and launch local activities.
ISIS-WICCE also runs an international exchange program which provides training in gender and human rights to women from NGOs in conflict-affected countries. Participants are asked to identify and document issues of concern and develop a plan of action with the rest of the group. After a process of debate and exchange, which can last up to 9 months ISIS-WICCE provides $1,000 in seed money to help the NGOs implement the plan at the community level.
- Contact Juliet Were Oguttu, Information & Documentation Programme Coordinator ISIS-WICCE
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The Advocacy Project develops partnerships with advocates on the frontline and with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). In so doing, we take our cue from partners and tailor any support to their needs.