Strengthening Women’s Access to Enhanced Rural Broadband Connectivity for a Prosperous and Knowledge-based Digital Economy in Northern Uganda is a transformative project implemented by the Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) since September 2023. With technical support from NetLabs! Uganda, a research centre at Makerere University, and financial backing from the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) and the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), this project is making strides in increasing internet access and usage among rural communities in Apac District, particularly in the divisions of Akere, Agulu, Arocha, and Atik.
Caption: Gender Equality Committee Holding a Meeting
A key milestone in this project occurred on May 29, 2024, when WOUGNET, under the Rural Voices project by WACC-Global and APC, established a Community Structure known as the Gender Mainstreaming and Governance Committee (GMC) in Apac Municipality, Northern Uganda. This initiative aims to strengthen women’s access to enhanced rural broadband connectivity, addressing the gender digital divide and promoting equal access to the Rural Community Broadband Network (RCBN) among men, women, girls, and boys.
The Role of the Gender Mainstreaming and Governance Committee (GMC)
The GMC has been entrusted with several critical roles and responsibilities, including:
- Mobilizing Community Members: Raising awareness about the Community Network project and ensuring its visibility and accessibility within the community.
- Strategic Leadership and Monitoring: Overseeing the access and usage of RCBN internet services by both men and women, ensuring equitable access.
- Supporting Women and Girls: Encouraging and assisting women and girls in accessing and using the Community Network to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Addressing Challenges: Identifying and resolving any issues that community members face while using the RCBN Innovation.
- Capacity Building: Providing simple training sessions to community members to enhance their ability to integrate gender considerations into project activities.
- Participating in Meetings and Workshops: Engaging in events organized by WOUGNET under the Community Network Project to further the Committee’s objectives.
The GMC, comprising seven members, is chaired by a member selected by the committee. The KIC/WOUGNET project officer provides monitoring support, ensuring the committee’s performance aligns with its established roles and responsibilities. This approach is designed to help community members navigate complex issues, offering flexible learning opportunities rather than rigid responses to gender equality challenges. The committee includes both men and women selected from different internet sites to foster inclusivity and comprehensive community engagement.
Voices from the Community
The impact of the GMC is already being felt within the community. Jimmy Okello, a member of the Bed Igen Women’s Group, which consists of 90% women and 10% men, highlights the challenges faced by women in accessing the internet. Many women in the group have limited educational backgrounds and lack the knowledge and ICT devices necessary to utilize the internet effectively.
“WOUGNET has purposefully established the GMC Structure to create awareness and advocate for women and girls to access and use the Community internet, just as more boys and men are doing,” says Jimmy. He further explains that WOUGNET’s efforts, including additional training in digital literacy, networking, and troubleshooting, have empowered the GMC members with technical skills to assist the community. “I am determined, willing, and ready to impart knowledge to community members,” Jimmy adds. “On behalf of my group, we greatly appreciate WOUGNET, KIC Apac, Makerere University, APC, and WACC for their support in ensuring that rural communities have the opportunity to access and use the internet.”
WOUGNET’s Commitment to Digital Inclusion
WOUGNET, a non-governmental organization founded in May 2000 by several women’s organizations in Uganda, is dedicated to developing the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among women. Together with its network partners, including NetLabs! Uganda, APC, and WACC, WOUGNET is committed to delivering meaningful and inclusive internet access to rural communities, with a particular focus on women and girls.
Compiled by:
Apio Lillian Mercy, WOUGNET Project Officer, Kubere Information Center (KIC) Apac
