Our Work
Women in Leadership is a grassroots, locally led and feminist organisation working with women and girls to challenge inequality and advance human rights.
Our work began in Uganda, where we work alongside communities and local partners to support women and girls through health, education and economic empowerment. We help create opportunities for women and girls to build knowledge, confidence, health, livelihoods and leadership.
Our programmes contribute to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those connected with good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, decent work and reduced inequalities.
Change led by women and communities
We believe lasting change is strongest when women and communities help shape the solutions. Our approach is grounded in women's rights, local knowledge and participation.
Grassroots
We work close to the communities we serve and focus on issues that affect women and girls in their everyday lives.
Locally led
We work alongside local people, facilitators and partners. We value their knowledge, experience and leadership.
Feminist and human-rights-focused
We challenge inequality and support women and girls to know their rights, make informed choices and have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
Our contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals are a shared global framework for improving lives, protecting rights and creating a more sustainable future. Our programmes contribute to several of these goals through practical, community-based work with women and girls.
The programme sections below explain these connections in plain language.
Women's Health
Sexual and reproductive health, well-being and justice
Our Women's Health programme works to improve rural women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, gender-based violence support, mental-health services and voluntary contraception in the Busoga region.
The programme includes community-led work on gender-based violence, health information, advocacy and access to justice. It brings together local community members and health and justice actors to strengthen understanding, support survivors and improve responses to violence.
How this work supports the Sustainable Development Goals
This work supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through health information, services and support. It contributes to SDG 5: Gender Equality by addressing violence and barriers that affect women and girls. Its focus on survivor support, advocacy and access to justice also connects with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Women's Education
Literacy, confidence and leadership
Our Women's Education programme supports women and girls to develop literacy and leadership skills in the Busoga region. It provides community-based adult literacy education, including reading, writing and numeracy in Lusoga and English.
Alongside literacy, participants can develop public-speaking, advocacy, financial-literacy and leadership skills. The programme is designed around local participation, accessible community spaces and the knowledge and contribution of local facilitators.
How this work supports the Sustainable Development Goals
This work supports SDG 4: Quality Education by helping women and girls access literacy and lifelong learning. It contributes to SDG 5: Gender Equality by building women's confidence, voice and leadership. Its community-based approach also supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by widening access to learning and participation opportunities.
Women's Economic Empowerment
Skills, livelihoods and opportunity
Our Women's Economic Empowerment programme supports women and girls to develop income opportunities and business-management skills in the Busoga region.
Through practical skills development, including tailoring and craft-making, women can build capabilities that support livelihoods, financial independence and participation in their communities. The programme also creates opportunities for women to learn together, support one another and build confidence.
How this work supports the Sustainable Development Goals
This work supports SDG 5: Gender Equality by helping women build skills, confidence and economic independence. It contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through practical skills, livelihood development and business-management learning. Its focus on women and girls who may have had limited access to formal education, employment or vocational training also connects with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Connected support for lasting change
Education, health, economic opportunity, confidence and leadership are closely connected. When women and girls have access to knowledge, support and opportunities, they can be better placed to make informed decisions, exercise their rights and influence decisions in their families and communities.
Our programmes are different, but they work towards a shared purpose: supporting women and girls to build safer, healthier and more empowered futures.
Locally led change begins with listening to women and communities.
Be part of the work
Whether you are interested in partnership, volunteering, learning more about our programmes or supporting our work, we would be pleased to hear from you.
About the SDGs
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global framework adopted by countries to help address poverty, inequality, health, education, gender equality, decent work, peace and other shared challenges.
Read more on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals website.
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