Uganda’s Drama Festival

The women of the Alcholi community in northern Uganda have been rebuilding and recovering their lives and communities after over 25 years of violent conflict. They all face the challenges of poverty and are working hard, committed to creating a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities. For the past eight years, the community has participated in a wonderful and meaningful event brought to them by Women’s Global Empowerment Fund (WGEF) – whose mission is to reach underserved women in northern Uganda though microfinance land and education programs. We are thrilled to support them this year as they put on their 8th Annual Drama Festival!

Set for October 3rd, 2015, the festival – which fosters a stigma-free environment – addresses the issues of gender inequality, violence, land rights, food security, HIV/AIDS, and other issues facing women in northern Uganda. As part of the drama competition, “Kikopo Pa Mon,” women in WGEF’s Credit Plus Program create original plays that highlight their own stories through music, drama, and dance. Past themes have addressed equality, educating girls, land and property rights for women, domestic violence, and women as a force for peace, security, and democracy. Women use this unique opportunity as a vehicle to directly speak to the men and community leaders who are in attendance. Because the issues addressed are sensitive and can be difficult to discuss directly, using music, dance and drama offers a different way to communicate, while providing many other benefits including maintaining and celebrating cultural traditions. The festival ultimately promotes unity and team building, elevates women’s voices, and offers the opportunity to be creative and innovative. Now that’s awesome.

The AWB grant will be put towards the costs associated with venue, media, T-shirts, awards, food, and printed materials.

Learn more about WGEF by visiting their website, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages.