News

Empowerment Through the Green Jobs Project: Olive Karungi’s Transformation

In the picturesque region of Fort Portal, nestled within the community of Nyankwazi Bwanika, lives Olive Karungi, a widow and mother of three. Olive is a testament to the transformative power of the Green Jobs Project implemented by Reproductive Health Uganda in partnership with WWF. This initiative aims to create and scale green jobs by applying a nature-based solution approach at a landscape level while using Gender Transformative Approach (GTA) as an entry point.

Olive’s journey began when she joined the Kichwamba Youth Vegetable Growers group, a community conservation group supported by Green Jobs project. One of the most profound impacts of the Green Jobs Project has been its role in reducing gender-based violence (GBV) within the community.

“The greatest contributors to GBV are poverty, lack of food, lack of water and making decisions between couples” Olive explains. “Women and girls were often forced to travel long distances to fetch water, exposing them to the risk of sexual exploitation and gender-based violence (SGBV).”

The community groups formed under the project have become safe spaces where members can address GBV issues within families through SRHR community dialogues. These groups have also played a crucial role in demystifying gender roles in the community. Women are now able to make decisions, especially financial ones, which were previously a domain dominated by men.

Through her group, Olive gained essential skills in sustainable agriculture and water management. “We have learned how to grow our own food and effectively store water using tanks built with skills acquired under the project,” Olive shares enthusiastically. This knowledge has been a cornerstone in fostering self-sufficiency and resilience among the community members, particularly in the face of climate-induced adversities.

Olive’s story is one of hope and transformation. The ripple effect of Green Jobs Project has led to improved living standards and enhanced safety for the people of Bwanika.

“This project has brought us together and given us the skills to make our health better. We are now more resilient, more united, and more hopeful for the future,” says Olive.

Through the Green Jobs Project, Reproductive Health Uganda has demonstrated that addressing climate change using GTA can have far-reaching benefits, extending beyond environmental sustainability to encompass social and economic well-being. Olive Karungi’s story, is a powerful reminder of the positive change that can arise when communities are empowered with GTA knowledge and skills to adapt and thrive.

Call for Consultancy to Evaluate Digital Campaigns under Right Here Right Now 2 (RHRN2) Programme in Uganda

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Evaluation of digital campaigns in RHRN2 Programme in Uganda

1.0 Introduction:

In recent years, social media has become a critical component of advocacy efforts for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), offering a powerful platform for raising awareness, mobilizing support, and promoting inclusive and equitable access to healthcare. As part of SRHR campaign in RHRN2 programme, in Uganda, we have leveraged various social media platforms to reach diverse audiences and amplify marginalized voices. However, to ensure the effectiveness and impact of our online efforts, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of our social media platforms / strategy.

This evaluation plan aims to assess the impact of online platforms/campaigns on the awareness and knowledge of SRHR among targeted people, identify areas for improvement, and provide actionable recommendations. Examining online campaigns which are implemented through social media platforms or TVs/Radio will help to refine our online programmes or strategy, enhance our advocacy efforts, and contribute to the advancement of SRHR for all individuals especially women in the reproductive age (15-49 years)

RHRN2 Programme

The Right Here Right Now 2 (RHRN2) partnership is created to allow young people in all their diversity to enjoy their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in gender-just societies. RHRN2 seeks to unleash the power of youth, to increase public support for young people’s SRHR to improve policies and laws and to strengthen civil society. Lobbying and advocacy is the main strategy of RHRN2 programme, supported by mutual capacity strengthening.

The RHRN2 programme focuses on issues and groups such as SRHR information and education and safe abortion, and advocate for the rights of marginalised groups such as girls, young women and key populations.

The RHRN2 consortium consists of the organisations Rutgers (lead), AMPF, ARROW, CHOICE, RHU, and RNW Media. The focus countries of the consortium are Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Morocco, Nepal, Tunisia and Uganda.

In Uganda, RHRN2 coalition partners are: RHU (lead consortium), Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU), The Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Alliance Uganda, The Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), The Uganda Network of young people living with HIV (UNYPA), Rights Evidence Action (REACT) and Hope Mbale. All the partners globally are committed to RHRN2 theory of change and are joining forces to fulfil young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights.

All RHRN2 partners have embraced online platforms to improve provision SRHR information to young people and other stakeholders.

2.0 Objectives of the evaluation:

• To assess the impact of online platforms/campaign on awareness/knowledge/attitudes/ behaviour towards SRHR
• To identify areas for improvement for each type of online platform/campaign
• To provide actionable recommendations for optimizing online SRHR campaigns / programmes

3.0 Evaluation questions

The following questions can be used to assess effectiveness of SRHR digital campaigns:

4.0 Scope of evaluation:

This evaluation will involve assessing impact of SRHR digital campaigns using online platforms (websites + Social media) and radio/TV. Specific campaigns will be selected for assessment. After selecting the campaign, the objective (s) of that campaign will be looked at e.g the objective of the campaign could have been to raise awareness or change behaviour of the target group or to increase condom use.

The evaluation will be conducted across 6 districts covered by RHRN2 programme (Kampala, Mbale, Kapchorwa, Kween, Kaseses and Kabarole), to assess benefits of online SRHR campaign among programme beneficiaries or stakeholders.

Therefore, the evaluation will involve looking at the following among others:

• Select about 4 online campaigns, look at the objectives of the campaigns & assess impact.
• Measure the campaigns impact on website traffic, blog engagement and conversation rates
• Analyse online conversations about the campaigns (Social media listening), including mentions, sentiment, and trending topics
• Conduct qualitative interviews about the campaigns content / quality and messaging to identify areas for improvement
• Conduct a survey among target audience to assess the campaign’s impact and resonance.

5.0 Methodology:

The evaluation approach will include applying mixed methods of research (quantitative and qualitative methods) as well as review of documents. Quantitative indicator output data from websites, social media and radio/TV programmes will be assessed. A survey will be conducted among programme beneficiaries to assess benefits of online SRHR digital campaigns.

Conducting qualitative interviews will involve interviewing key resourceful persons (Programme persons, Advocacy & Communication officers), across RHRN2 coalition partners involved in organizing online SRHR digital campaigns. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) will be conducted among young people supporting the implementation of online SRHR digital campaigns.

Reviewing of documents may include looking at various project reports such as half year or annual reports for different years (2021, 2022, 2023).

6.0 Deliverables:

The evaluation team is expected to produce the following:

• Inception report including methodologies and evaluation tools/questions
• Relevant data
• Draft evaluation report for review
• A Presentation of evaluation findings to coalition partners and stakeholders of RHRN2 Programme
• Final evaluation report in soft & hard copy

7.0 Timing of evaluation consultancy

The evaluation should be completed by 15^th October   2024. The total number of days for the evaluation exercise are estimated to be 60  working days starting from  24^th July 2024. The following is the proposed schedule of tasks:

8.0 Qualifications & Experience of Consultant:

• At-least a master’s degree or above in a relevant discipline (Communication, Marketing, Social sciences. Reproductive health, Demography, M&E, etc)
• Experience in assessing online (website + social media) digital SRHR campaigns
• Experience in social media analysis including reporting on quantitative and qualitative analytics.
• Excellent skills in conducting mixed methods research studies

9.0 Liaison of consultant:

The consultant will liaise with RHRN2 National Programme Coordinator (Mr. Sam Mwandara) and RHU M&E Manager (Mr. Lawrence Muhangi).

10. Application Process

Interested persons should submit their technical and financial proposals to RHU Executive Director (ED) at jchekweko@rhu.or.ug and cc to Annet Kyarimpa (Director of Programmes) at akyarimpa@rhu.or.ug or hand deliver in person to RHU head office, plot 2, Katego Road, Kamwokya by close of business on Friday,  12^th July, 2024 before 5:00pm.

RHU will contact persons with whom further discussion is sought.

Call for a Consultant to Develop a Simplified Toolkit for Gender Transformative Approaches, Advocacy, and Meaningful and Inclusive Youth Participation (MIYP) in Uganda

Terms of Reference (TOR) for Consultant: Development of Simplified Toolkit for Gender Transformative Approaches, Advocacy, and Meaningful and Inclusive Youth Participation (MIYP) in Uganda

1. Background:

The “Power to You(th)” (PTY) program is a five-year country program implemented by the PTY Consortium in Uganda, aiming to ensure that young people under 35 years are meaningfully included in discussions and decisions regarding the interrelated issues of unintended pregnancy, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), child marriage, and female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). The program is implemented in collaboration with three partner organizations: The Eastern African Sub-Regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women, Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU), and the Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum (UYAHF). The program operates in the districts of Kampala, Kalangala, Isingiro, Busia, Mbale, and Bukwo.

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and harmful practices, such as FGM/C, early and forced child marriage, and teenage pregnancy, are deeply rooted in harmful gender and sexual norms perpetuated by unequal (patriarchal) power relations. The Power to Youth program aims to address these root causes by adopting Gender Transformative Approaches, empowering stakeholders, including CSOs, cultural leaders, religious leaders, and young people, to critically examine, question, and change rigid gender norms and power imbalances at all levels of society.

2. Purpose:

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a simplified toolkit for Gender Transformative Approaches, Advocacy, and Meaningful and Inclusive Youth Participation (MIYP) within the context of the Power to Youth program in Uganda. The toolkit will serve as a comprehensive guide for various institutions on how to meaningfully engage and include young people, stakeholders to implement gender transformative policies and practices to address SGBV and harmful practices effectively.

3. Objectives:

• Literature Review: Review existing literature, best practices, and toolkits provided by the global team on gender transformative approaches, MIYP, and advocacy in the context of Uganda on SGBV and harmful practices.
• Toolkit Development: Develop a user-friendly and context-specific toolkit that includes practical guidance, tools, resources, and case studies for institutions to implement gender transformative policies and practices effectively, with a focus on addressing SGBV and harmful practices.
• Incorporate Youth Perspectives: Ensure that the toolkit incorporates the perspectives and voices of young people, making it a youth-friendly and inclusive resource.
• Stakeholder Consultation: Engage in consultations with various stakeholders, including young people, government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, to gather input and insights.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework that allows institutions to measure the impact of their efforts in implementing gender transformative policies and practices and in engaging youth meaningfully
• Capacity Building: Design and deliver training sessions or workshops for relevant stakeholders on how to effectively use the toolkit, build their capacity, and foster a gender-transformative and youth-inclusive environment.
• Advocacy Strategies: Include strategies and guidance for advocacy efforts aimed at promoting gender equality and reducing SGBV and harmful practices within institutions and communities.

4. 4. Scope of Work:

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Conduct a thorough review of existing literature, guidelines, and best practices related to gender transformative approaches, advocacy, and meaningful inclusion of young people in addressing SGBV, child marriage, FGM/C, and teenage pregnancy.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including the PTY Consortium members, CSOs, cultural leaders, religious leaders, andyouth advocates, young people from youth led and youth serving organizations, through interviews, focus group discussions, and consultations to gather insights, experiences, and recommendations for inclusion in the toolkit.
• Develop a simplified toolkit that includes practical, actionable, and evidence-based strategies for promoting gender transformative approaches, conducting effective advocacy, and ensuring meaningful inclusion of young people in decision-making processes at all stages and levels of programming.
• Present the draft toolkit to the PTY Consortium for feedback and incorporate any suggested revisions.
• Submit the final toolkit in both hard copy and electronic formats.

5. 5. Deliverables:

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

• Inception report detailing the proposed methodology and work plan.
• Draft simplified toolkit for Gender Transformative Approaches, Advocacy, and MIYP.
• Draft monitoring tool or guide for Gender Transformative Approaches, Advocacy, and MIYP.
• Presentation of the draft toolkit to the PTY Consortium.
• Final toolkit incorporating feedback from the PTY Consortium.
• Final monitoring tool or guide for GTA, Advocacy and MIYP

6. 6. Timeline:

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 40 days from the contract signing date. A detailed timeline will be agreed upon with the selected consultant.

7. 7. Qualifications and Expertise:

The consultant should possess the following qualifications and expertise:

• A master’s degree in social studies, Public Health, Development Studies and any other related field
• A proven track record in gender transformative programming, youth empowerment, and advocacy within the context of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
• Demonstrated experience in developing toolkits, training materials, or similar resources related to gender, youth, and SRHR issues.
• In-depth knowledge of the socio-cultural context in Uganda, particularly regarding SGBV, child marriage, FGM/C, and teenage pregnancy.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and facilitate participatory processes.
• Strong presentation, communication, and writing skills in English are paramount: the ability to understand any other local languages spoken in Isingiro, Bukwo, Kalangala, Mbale, and Busia is an added advantage.
• The consultant should have proven experience in youth friendly programming

8. 8. Reporting and Coordination:

The consultant will report to the Programme Manager PtY, the PTY Consortium and will work closely with the program’s technical team to ensure the alignment of the toolkit with the program’s objectives and approaches.

• Interested candidates or firms are invited to submit their proposals, including a detailed methodology, work plan, CVs, Detailed cost proposal including the number of days you would spend on the assignment and daily fees (budget should cover all costs in-country as well, including logistical costs) and examples of relevant previous work to email address rhu@rhu.or.ug , dnanyange@rhu.or.ug  pnabatanzi@rhu.or.ug by 25^th June 2024

9. Award of consultancy/additional notes

Power to Youth will evaluate the proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility. Power to youth reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without giving reasons and is not bound to accept the lowest or the highest bidder

Note: The TOR may be subject to minor adjustments or revisions based on the discussions and agreements with the selected consultant.

Call for a Consultant to Carry out Operations Research on Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Mbale and Busia Districts, Uganda under the Power to Youth Programme.

Call for a Consultant to Carry out Operations Research on Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Mbale and Busia Districts, Uganda under the Power to Youth Programme.

Terms of Reference for Central Operations Reserach – Power to Youth

Call for a Consultant to Carry out Operations Research on Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Mbale and Busia Districts, Uganda under the Power to Youth Programme

Call for a Consultant to Carry out Operations Research on Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Mbale and Busia Districts, Uganda under the Power to Youth Programme

The SRHR Spotlight Newsletter

The SRHR Spotlight Newsletter

Hello reader,

Welcome back to the SRHR Spotlight Newsletter! Dive into a world of curated insights, thought-provoking discussions, and fresh perspectives with our tales.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting your journey into our niche, we’ve got something special for you.

Enjoy your reading.

Reproductive Health Uganda

TRIBUTE TO RHU’S FORMER BOARD OF TRUSTEES HON JOYCE MPANGA(RIP)

“We then started talking to them- [women]- every Sunday, assuring them that family planning was regulatory and not about stopping to have children as many of them feared. That was another way of becoming a part of FPAU [Family Planning Association of Uganda, now Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU)]”

TRIBUTE TO RHU’S FORMER BOARD OF TRUSTEES HON JOYCE MPANGA

Rwenzururu Kingdom Pledges to Prioritise Sexual Reproductive Health in Climate Change Mitigation Programmes

Leaders from the Rwenzururu Kingdom in Kasese district locally known as Obusinga bwa
Rwenzururu have committed to integrating sexual reproductive health and rights into their
climate change mitigation and adaptation Programmes. Promise

Our Star of the Quarter

Olgah Daphynne Namukuza aka Auntie Olzz: at 29, she has received local and international accolades in recognition of her invaluable contribution in championing SRHR of adolescents and young people.

Our star of the Quater, Olgah Daphynne Namukuza

Inter University Dialogue 2023

The IUD or the IUD? Inter University Dialogue