On November 25th, 2022, a significant milestone was achieved as FIDA Uganda joined forces with Lady Justice Eva Luswata to inaugurate a pioneering Leadership Academy.
This academy is purposefully designed to equip interested stakeholders with the expertise to apply regional and international instruments in advancing gender-responsive litigation and the prosecution of cases. Notably, the Academy has garnered accreditation from the Uganda Law Council, allowing its attendants to accrue Continuing Legal Education (CLE) points as well as solidifying its authority to offer paid courses focusing on gender dynamics, access to justice, and legal principles
Lillian Adriko, FIDA Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, underscored the profound significance of this initiative. She affirmed that the Leadership Academy stands as a pivotal step towards fortifying the organisation’s financial resilience, thereby ensuring enduring impact. Adriko emphasized that the Academy’s core objective extends beyond financial gains. It seeks to bridge critical knowledge gaps pertaining to women’s rights, gender intricacies, access to justice, and legal nuances. Additionally, the Academy aims to bolster institutional capabilities, enabling the adept employment of legal and feminist methodologies. These encompass strategic interest litigation, public interest litigation, and other judicious interventions such as amicus curiae submissions. By harnessing these approaches, the Academy aspires to adeptly advocate for an inclusive and conducive environment that fervently upholds women’s rights, facilitates access to justice, and advances the cause of gender equality.
In essence, the inauguration of the Leadership Academy served as a turning point. It signified a resolute commitment to not only elevate the expertise of legal practitioners but also to proactively shape legal landscapes that champion the rights of women and promote gender parity.
Since its establishment, the Academy has successfully organised three sessions and four FIDA Coffee Series events, featuring notable guest speakers like Jackie Asiimwe and Winnie Byanyima. The Academy has played a pivotal role in connecting grassroots women with professional mentors, thereby establishing a robust infrastructure for knowledge sharing on various subjects, including public speaking and policy advocacy.
Furthermore, FIDA Uganda is developing a curriculum that emphasizes understanding policy and advocacy through a feminist gender lens. This curriculum will serve as a key resource to be disseminated through the Academy, enhancing its role as a platform for empowering women in these critical areas.
