National Association of Women Organisations in Uganda (NAWOU)

Background: The National Association of Women Organizations in Uganda (NAWOU) was formed in 1992 by members of non-governmental and community-based organizations. The time between 1993-1995 was a period of establishment, growth and definition of her mandate. The mission of NAWOU then was to promote a coordinated network of member organizations for efficient use of resources in order to improve the status and living conditions of women in Uganda.
At the Beginning the Main Concerns of NAWOU Were: Solidarity Building Coordination and Cooperation Capacity Building through Training and Networking with Each Other Information Sharing and Sharing of Materials and Human Resources Resource Mobilization and NAWOU Sustainability NAWOU Works to Meet the Following Needs of Women: Raising awareness of the needs, rights and responsibilities of women. Empowering men to fulfill their potential within the family, community and on decision-making bodies. Cooperating at all levels with other non-governmental and community based organizations, local and international partners. Networking through meetings, seminars and workshops at the international, regional, sub-regional and national levels. Monitoring the status of women with special focus on legislation, implementation, conventions, and human rights, and sustainable development (social, economic and political). Specifically looking at health, nutrition, environment, habitat, education and empowerment for rural and urban women.
NAWOU's Strengths: Status as a fully registered local NGO, an umbrella for national, professional women organizations and community based organization. Special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Capacity to mobilize for any women's issues at the national and grassroots level, and therefore is a strong voice that is heard by government and other development partners. Varied membership with the skills and the experience and are people oriented. An organized membership registered with a permanent national secretariat and district networks (a few of which have officers).