Kigezi Women in Development (KWID) is a women’s rights non-government organization that promotes gender equality in all decision making. KWID is as a result of two development initiatives; the establishment of Women councils in Uganda and World Vision Rukiga Area Development Programme. KWID was founded in 1996 by Tumuheirwe Florence who was doubling as the women council chairperson for Kyabuhangwa parish and a guide and interpreter for World Vision technical associates, to raise awareness on gender issues affecting her rural community. KWID’s purpose is to mobilize and encourage their members and beneficiaries, who are mainly rural women, girls and other vulnerable persons to participate meaningfully in socio-economic, legal, cultural and political challenges their communities are confronted with in order to improve living standards in rural communities specifically for women. To this end, KWID follows a holistic approach that tries to address interdependent issues such as ill-health, gender-based violence, poverty, poor quality education, unemployment as well as affordable and environmentally sustainable access to water and energy.
Between 1996-2002, KWID operated as a women’s group known as Kyabuhangwa women in development operating at sub-county level in Kamwezi sub-county then in Kabale District. In 2003, KWID registered as a community Based Organization operating in one county of Rukiga. In 2012, KWID renewed her registration and changed its name to Kabale Women in Development to reflect its expanded mandate. In 2019, KWID registered with the NGO bureau and gained a local NGO status with the changed name to Kigezi Women in development to reflect its expanded mandate.
KWID envision a future where women have a voice, power and resources to enhance their contribution to sustainable socio-economic development. KWID implement her programs in 4 focus areas namely, Livelihood and Community empowerment, Education, Health , Gender and Human rights
