Maria Magezi
Uganda
I identify myself as a feminist because I am aware of the myriad forms of discrimination that
women face in different spaces; and as a result I actively seek to change that situation.
I live in Uganda and work with Akina Mama wa Afrika a pan-African feminist
organisation as a Program Officer. This means that I get to work in several
areas of Africa. I am involved in building coalitions, leadership training for
young African women to actively influence policies. Engage in national and
regional advocacy to improve the status of women.
I identify myself as a feminist because I am aware of the myriad forms of
discrimination that women face in different spaces; and as a result I actively
seek to change that situation. It is not enough for me to just see the situation
and look away. I believe feminists in Africa as a collective are faced with a
lack of consistent and vibrant organising on issues. This results in piece meal
reactive action rather than proactive engagement. At individual level, even
while we claim that feminists support all women, the commitment to practically
do this is not evident when ‘controversial’ topics such as sexual orientation
and sex workers rights come to the table. This affects the collective in terms
of cohesion, commitment and probably explains the poor mobilisation and
vibrancy for certain issues. Feminists live and work in an environment that is
male dominated. Sometimes it feels like the feminist cry is a lone voice that is
worsened by negative stereotypes. Feminists have a task to prove to dissenting
voices that feminism is indeed real, African and not a western concept or an
elitist club.
urban, elite or career women. The feminist movement has to be innovative
about creating or generating funds for its constituencies. We cannot continue
to be donor funded. We also need to keep the fire burning consistently and act
pro-actively in order to be effective.
In my personal and professional life, I have addressed women in diverse
places to make them aware of patriarchy and the way it has been weaved
into society as norms and beliefs. Personally I have supported other women in
“sisterhood” in all kinds of small but meaningful ways. I have chosen to live by
example. I have also engaged in advocacy campaigns against stereotypes of
women and feminists. At a professional level, I have ensured that projects are
all inclusive of all women without discrimination ‘no “ifs” , no “buts”’. This has
also included advocacy campaigns for all women. Finally, I have volunteered
time as a Member of the Uganda Feminist Forum Working Group and offered
technical assistance to community based women’s organisations.
I am inspired by two words: change and growth. I am passionate about
creating change in the lives of women so that they can become self reliant,
make personal decisions with availability of choice and making their lives
better. This explains my interest in empowering women economically, receiving
and continuing education and above all believing in themselves that they have
the potential to make their lives better.
To address these challenges, the movement has to build the bridges between
the ‘elite’ and ‘ordinary’ women. It cannot continue to be viewed as club for
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