Building Resilience in Uganda: The Importance of Online Solidarity Movements for Structurally Silenced Women

In an increasingly interconnected world, the internet serves as a platform for empowerment and a battleground for marginalisation. For structurally silenced women in Uganda, online spaces have emerged as powerful tools for resistance and resilience. However, these spaces also amplify the dangers posed by patriarchal structures, restrictive policies, and cultural norms that seek to suppress women's voices. Online solidarity movements, therefore, have become not only a source of support but also a mechanism for women to resist silencing and assert their agency. 

In Uganda, structurally silenced women continue to face systemic challenges that silence their voices in various aspects of life, from politics to social justice, economics, and digital spaces. Although some battles have been partly won, the majority of women for example are structurally silenced, and those from marginalised communities such as women from rural areas, ethnic minorities, women with disabilities, and those economically disadvantaged are still disproportionately affected by all forms of violence and discrimination in every aspect of their lives.

These women are excluded from decision-making processes, underrepresented in leadership, and vulnerable to violence offline which later translates to the online space. The silencing of women in Uganda is largely driven by patriarchal norms, cultural stereotypes, or value belief systems that drive societal and policy agenda hence undermining fundamental rights. These oppressive norms and systems have maintained gender inequality and limited women’s participation in public discourse. Women who dare to raise their voices, particularly on contentious issues like gender-based violence (GBV), reproductive rights, and political corruption among others, face harassment, threats, and abuse. 

A Legacy of Movement Building: Offline to Online

Women, including structurally silenced women, in Uganda have a long history of movement building and active participation in social life. For example, many women are active participants in social movements and groups at the village level. This history is inextricably linked to the socio-economic account of Uganda and the policy environment for organising and activism. Over decades, we have seen the transformations of women’s rights, gender equality and empowerment also have an impact on the trajectory of online solidarity movements in Uganda; for instance, the pronounced 2011 "Walk-to-Work" that was a reaction to the high cost of living for Ugandans, and 2017 "Pads4Girls” campaigns spearheaded by Dr Stella Nyanzi, that called for giving free sanitary pads to all girls in Uganda, influence the direction of movements in the country to where we see it now. 

While online solidarity movements have the potential to build resilience and resistance, they also face significant challenges. In Uganda, women are disproportionately targeted with backlash and different types of digital threats such as hate speech, non-consensual distribution of intimate images (commonly known as “revenge porn”), online harassment, trolling, cyberbullying, doxxing and surveillance, among others. These digital threats make it difficult for women to fully participate in online movements without fear of reprisal. Furthermore, limited internet access, technology, and misinformation or disinformation also greatly affect online participation, exacerbate digital inequalities, and prevent many women from engaging in these spaces.

With limited access to digital tools and skills, they are often left out of online conversations that shape public opinion and policy. Their exclusion is not only a loss of personal empowerment but also hinders progress on broader issues of gender equality and human rights. Similarly, economically disadvantaged women, who cannot afford the necessary technology, the internet or  digital literacy, find themselves cut off from the opportunities the digital world has to offer, deepening their marginalisation.

With limited access to digital tools and skills, they are often left out of online conversations that shape public opinion and policy. Their exclusion is not only a loss of personal empowerment but also hinders progress on broader issues of gender equality and human rights.

Additionally, digital security threats like surveillance, hacking, and the use of spyware to monitor disproportionately target women, silencing them through fear and intimidation. These issues are worsened by the lack of legal protections and accountability for perpetrators of online gender based violence, leaving many women vulnerable to continuous abuse which limits women’s participation online.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for action. By addressing the gender digital divide and promoting digital literacy among structurally silenced women, Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) – a non-governmental organisation working to promote the use of ICTs among women and girls in the country, has empowered more women to participate in online advocacy and provided women with digital tools like mobile phones and the internet. Additionally, their awareness around online security and safety measures and about digital rights has been strengthened, where they are equipped  to identify and mitigate digital threats. With this WOUGNET has ensured that women can use the internet safely and effectively to advocate for their rights.

Online Solidarity Movements: A Path to Resilience

In this context, online solidarity movements are emerging as powerful tools for building resilience among structurally silenced women. These movements offer a platform for women to connect, share experiences, and advocate for change collectively. The online movements like #WomensMarchUganda, #HerRightToKnow, #SayNoToGBV, #OurVoicesOurFutures, #MeTooUganda have contributed to equip women with the information about their rights and have encouraged them to mobilise on the internet. For example, the #MeTooUganda movement which was an extension of the global #MeToo movement, raised awareness about the extent and instances of sexual harassment and abuse in the country, providing a space for women to speak up without the fear of immediate retaliation. These solidarity movements help create a sense of shared struggle, reminding women that they are not alone in their fight for justice. In addition, WOUGNET’s work for over two decades, including its ongoing work and its participation in global campaigns like  Our Voices, Our Futures (OVOF) and Civil Society in Uganda Participation project among others, have helped in creating online and offline spaces for women to express their views, access relevant information related to financial inclusion, education, sexual and reproductive health and rights, safety and security, gender inclusive policies and using digital platforms to inclusively mobilise for a cause among others. 

Through digital platforms such as Twitter, women can amplify their voices, influence policy, and demand accountability from both society and the government. WOUGNET has held Twitter spaces and chats using hashtags like #OurVoicesOurFutures and #HerRightToKnow, which has also created awareness on information about the different laws and policies, security and safety, among others helping women to protect themselves against online threats while enhancing their participation in the digital space. Furthermore, these movements provide a support network, where women can receive emotional and practical help through different communities of practice, share resources, and take collective action against injustice.

Case Study: OVOF’s Impact on Structurally Silenced Women

The "Our Voices, Our Futures" (OVOF) initiative has played a transformative role in building resilience for structurally silenced women. This initiative explores how OVOF, through digital advocacy and online solidarity movements, has empowered women whose voices are often suppressed by societal, political, and economic barriers.

According to the research WOUGNET carried out in 2022 under the OVOF project, marginalised communities often face layers of oppression due to intersectional issues such as gender, race, and socio-economic status. These women are systematically silenced by patriarchal norms, surveillance, and political disenfranchisement. For many, traditional avenues for protest or activism are inaccessible or risky. This is particularly true for Ugandan women who live under an authoritarian regime, with severely restricted freedom of speech.

WOUGNET’s work for over two decades, including its ongoing work and its participation in global campaigns like  Our Voices, Our Futures (OVOF) and Civil Society in Uganda Participation project among others, have helped in creating online and offline spaces for women to express their views, access relevant information related to financial inclusion, education, sexual and reproductive health and rights, safety and security, gender inclusive policies and using digital platforms to inclusively mobilise for a cause among others.

Over the four years of implementing the OVOF project, it has created an online community where these women can express their concerns, share experiences, and unite in solidarity. By leveraging social media and online tools, OVOF has enabled women to bypass censorship and raise their voices without the fear of physical retaliation. The #OurVoicesOurFutures campaign has been instrumental in building a community that not only supports women but also amplifies their stories globally through various forms of media – for example, through blogs, art exhibition, and podcasts. 

QueenJoy, a Twitter user who participated in the art exhibition that WOUGNET hosted, tweeted, “Thank you so much @wougnet this was so thoughtful. I really appreciate the opportunity and also for making my WORLD AIDS DAY so amazing. This day always makes me remember a lot but I am so happy that I was able to catch up with you. I give you credit”.

Queen Joy during the Art Exhibition held by WOUGNET. Source: WOUGNET

The "Our Voices, Our Futures" initiative has underscored the importance of digital solidarity in empowering structurally silenced women. By providing safe opportunities for expression, collaboration, and education, OVOF has helped build a more resilient generation of women ready to challenge the status quo, advocate for their rights, and inspire change. The movement serves as a powerful example of how online spaces can offer new pathways for activism, especially for those denied a voice in traditional arenas.

In building resilience through digital solidarity, OVOF has provided a virtual sanctuary for women who cannot engage in traditional activism. Through online forums, webinars, and social media campaigns, women have safely organised and strategised for change. Hashtags like #OurVoicesOurFutures have allowed structurally silenced women to share their narratives, creating awareness and fostering a global movement of support. This digital platform has empowered them to break free from the boundaries imposed by their local contexts. OVOF has provided women with tools and resources to better understand their rights and how to fight for them, equipping them with knowledge that builds confidence and agency. For example WOUGNET has held various  digital security and safety training sessions along with holistic security training  because the online threats spill into the physical spaces and vice versa.

During some of the Digital and Physical Security Trainings held by WOUGNET. Source: WOUGNET

The impact of the OVOF movement is that it has seen the growing number of women who have found their voice and agency online. The movement has created a global community, for example, with other structurally silenced women in countries like Sudan, Bangladesh, India, and Kenya, who support each other’s efforts, demonstrating the power of digital solidarity to build resilience and further drive change which has proven to be a powerful platform for women in regions where traditional activism is dangerous or stifled.

In building resilience through digital solidarity, OVOF has provided a virtual sanctuary for women who cannot engage in traditional activism.

In a nutshell, imagine a world where the streets we walk are mirrored by the ones we scroll through. The OVOF participants haven’t just protested in physical spaces, they ignited virtual streets with passion and creativity. They have used social media as their voice, blogs as their placards, and hashtags as their rallying cries which was a digital uprising that bypassed censorship, challenging the status quo through resistance and resilience.

Moving Forward: Strengthening Online Solidarity for Structurally Silenced Women

The future of online solidarity movements for structurally silenced women lies in continued advocacy for digital rights, access to technology and the internet, and online safety. As more women in Uganda and the Global South gain access to the internet, there is an increasing need for inclusive digital policies that protect women from online violence and create opportunities for them to engage in advocacy safely.

As we move forward, the importance of online solidarity movements for structurally silenced women cannot be overstated. These movements provide a platform for women to resist structural oppression, build resilience, and foster a sense of community. Over the years, WOUGNET’s work in Uganda and beyond has shown that digital campaigns and online networks are powerful tools for amplifying marginalised voices and promoting collective action. Through initiatives like OVOF, women can continue to challenge the systems that seek to silence them and build a future where their voices are heard and respected.

It is then crucial to continue supporting and expanding these online movements, ensuring that structurally silenced women have the tools, resources, and platforms they need to advocate for their rights and resist silencing. In doing so, we can help create a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape, both in Uganda and across the Global South.