Protecting property rights of women in cohabiting relationships in Uganda

The stakeholder mapping and advocacy training provided by the ICR Facility expert to FIDA Uganda increased its members’ knowledge in women’s economic empowerment and capacities to advocate efficiently for equality in the law in the Ugandan context. FIDA staff who participated in the training and benefited from the stakeholder’s analysis confirmed that they were more knowledgeable and able to take part in the current campaign calling for a reform of the laws governing women’s property rights and economic interests in cohabiting relationships.

In addition, the Stakeholders Dialogue that took place in June 2023 in Kampala enabled FIDA to rally new allies such as the Members of Parliament, academics, and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL) which has 4.7 million members across the country and can serve as a relay of influence for the campaign, to make the voices of businesswomen heard. The dialogue also enabled a frank and honest conversation with groups that were not initially aligned with FIDA’s plea but could then understand the harmful consequences the current state of the law has on women.

Following the intervention, FIDA used the stakeholders analysis and new alliances and partnerships built through the ICR Facility intervention, to continue its campaign to reform laws governing property rights and economic interests of women in cohabiting relationships. FIDA is organising talks, meetings, online and in-person events, with the civil society but also politicians and business membership organisations, to explain how the law affects women and why reforms are necessary to ensure gender equality and women’s access to economic security and opportunities.