March 8 Fund Project Delivers Transformative Impact in Uganda
The GRÓ GEST March 8 Fund continues to serve as a catalyst for alumni-led initiatives that drive gender equality and social justice worldwide. Established to commemorate International Women’s Day, the Fund symbolizes the critical importance of sustained investment in gender equality. It reinforces GRÓ GEST’s commitment to supporting its graduates in implementing transformative projects in their home countries, ensuring that alumni remain empowered as change agents long after their time in Iceland. The success of the fund has been affirmed by the recent external evaluation of the GRÓ GEST Programme, which underscored the global impact of its alumni networks and funding mechanisms. The March 8 Fund was highlighted as a highly effective tool for mobilizing alumni expertise, promoting gender-responsive policies, and delivering cost-efficient solutions in diverse contexts. The latest success story comes from Uganda, where Peter Katuramu, a recipient of the 2024 March 8 Fund, has successfully completed his project, bringing lasting improvements to the lives of women and girls with disabilities in Wakiso District, Kiira Municipality.
Breaking Barriers for Women and Girls with Disabilities
In 2024, Peter Katuramu, in collaboration with the Uganda Disabled Women Association (UDWA), was awarded a grant of 9,800 EUR to implement the project “Making Every Voice of Women and Girls with Disabilities Heard in Sexual and Reproductive Health Services.” The initiative addressed critical barriers faced by women and girls with disabilities in accessing essential healthcare services in Uganda.
Over the course of six months, the project achieved remarkable results. Fifty women and girls with disabilities participated in comprehensive training sessions on their sexual and reproductive health rights, equipping them with knowledge to advocate for their needs. More than 100 caregivers received training on how best to support individuals with disabilities in accessing healthcare, ensuring broader community involvement in the initiative. A Disability Health Inclusion Corner was established at Kiira Referral Hospital, ensuring that persons with disabilities receive prioritized and accessible sexual and reproductive health services. Additionally, a dedicated WhatsApp advocacy group was created, enabling ongoing collaboration and support among disability rights advocates, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. The project also strengthened partnerships with the Wakiso District Local Government, ensuring the integration of disability-inclusive policies into local healthcare systems. Furthermore, ten women and girls with disabilities who participated in the project have now become peer advocates, continuing to mobilize and educate others within their communities.
Despite its success, the project faced challenges, including logistical difficulties due to unpredictable weather and initial resistance from local political representatives. However, by engaging stakeholders early and adapting strategies where necessary, the project team was able to navigate these challenges effectively. Inflation-driven price increases required minor budget adjustments, which were managed through local partnerships and community support. The ability to pivot and adapt strategies ensured that the project delivered its intended impact despite these hurdles.
A Model for Sustainable Alumni Engagement
The success of Peter Katuramu’s project highlights the role of the GRÓ March 8 Fund in incentivizing impact that extends well beyond fellows’ time in Iceland. By providing a structured platform for continued engagement, the fund empowers alumni to implement knowledge gained through the diploma programme in ways that drive tangible societal change.
The GRÓ GEST Alumni Strategy emphasizes the importance of initiatives such as the March 8 Fund in building a vibrant and engaged community of gender equality professionals. Through structured activities, networking opportunities, and direct project support, alumni are equipped to continue leading change long after their graduation. The March 8 Fund remains a critical instrument in this effort, ensuring that alumni-led gender equality initiatives receive the support they need to thrive.
By investing in alumni and their work, GRÓ GEST continues to strengthen its global impact, reinforcing the alumni network as a driving force in advancing gender justice worldwide. Katuramu’s project is just one example of how the alumni community—supported through strategic initiatives like the March 8 Fund—can create meaningful, lasting change in their home countries. The Fund remains an integral part of GRÓ GEST’s vision, providing alumni with the tools to turn their expertise into real-world solutions for gender equality.