Owilla Abiro Mercy
Owilla Abiro Mercy, a non-profit sector worker and co-founder of a gender tech initiative, addresses the lack of women-centric narratives in media and tech spaces in Uganda. Facing male dominance in these areas, she co-founded an organization to empower girls in both rural and urban settings.
The organization encountered challenges such as resistance from men in the field and patriarchal backlash. They struggled to gain an audience, with men in the same space discouraging them from leading the organization. Despite facing setbacks, including a man vying for the executive director role, they remained committed to their principles.
"They are creating inclusive spaces, but that's not the point. For Owilla Abiro Mercy, inclusivity only comes with active participation. Because including can also mean 'I'm inviting you to the table, but it doesn't mean you have a chance to speak out your mind and engage in the conversation.'"
The organization shifted its approach from a business-oriented model to community-focused, rejecting individuals motivated solely by personal benefits. Since its inception, the organization has trained over a thousand girls and young women, steadily building and adapting their tech hub programs for diverse contexts. Mercy emphasizes the importance of active participation, breaking barriers, and designing programs that address the unique challenges faced by women in various societal contexts.
The presentation of Owilla Abiro Mercys work was followed by a Questions and Answers session with the participants of the webinar.
Find the video with Owilla Abiro Mercy here.
(Start: 10:55 min.)
-
Cultural barriers, particularly in rural areas, present challenges for women's participation in public meetings. Dress codes are also policed in such settings. It is imperative to be mindful of these cultural nuances and align strategies accordingly.
-
Funding from donors tends to be limited, especially as many community activities start on a small scale. Despite the potential for high impact, partners often have higher funding thresholds.
-
Initiatives often face difficulties in garnering support once launched. In some cases, men may take the forefront, having access to resources but lacking genuine passion for the work.
-
Collaborating with gatekeepers or community leaders has proven to be a successful model that can be replicated. They play a crucial role in mobilizing support and ensuring political correctness.
-
Leveraging community members as local donors has shown effectiveness. They contribute in-kind support and provide resources such as workspace, equipment, and Wi-Fi.
Please finish the following statements:
- Before we started I did not know _____ .(1 minute)
- Now I have learnt _____ . (1 minute)
- Complete the Inequality Triangle [S.A.M.A] (4 minutes)