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We have trained over 40,000 women entrepreneurs in leadership, voice, rights and power, human and women’s rights. Majority of whom have taken on leadership at different levels; markets, local government, religious institutions and other platforms. IST boasts of having 1 woman in the current parliament of Uganda who we groomed and other 20 who have contested for leadership to represent their respective areas.

The women are organized into strong groups and associations to collectivize their voice and participate in market decision making. Through their voice and power, market women have used the media to advocate for policy changes and demanded recognition for their contribution towards the development of the economy. 

In 2017, IST established and held The National Market Women Entrepreneurs Symposium, a Forum which is held annually attracting market women from across the country to share experiences, network for women entrepreneurs to create more business opportunities and meet stake holders to front their issues for action and unveiled their importance in the economy. To date, the forum has been attended by over 3000 market women, men, leaders, government officials, development partners, ministries and the media fraternity.

Over time, IST observed that many male entrepreneurs in market settings lack awareness of human and women’s rights gaps that contribute to the occurrence of violence against women in these spaces. In response, IST launched GBV Male Conversation Circles (trainings) piloted in markets including Nakawa, Kalerwe Bivamuntuuyo, Ntinda, Gulu Main, Cerealeno, and Lacor.

In 2016, IST with support from UN Women conducted a study on: “Women’s access to markets and the nature and extend of GBV experienced by market women.” It revealed that 71% of the market women reported that they knew at least a woman who had been abused and had their rights violated in the past one month, 57% of the market women agreed they have ever experienced violence at work in the markets and at home. This study has informed the different interventions IST has conducted in the different markets which also include; Ending Violence Against Women/Girls trainings for market leaders and market communities, conversation circles with young women in markets who are said to experience more violence and harassment in markets.

From 2023 to the present, IST partnering with WE EFFECT has scaled the initiative beyond markets, engaging both rural and urban cooperatives such as Uganda Housing Cooperative in Luweero District, Isebwe Farmers Marketing Cooperative Society Limited in Kasese District, and Nyamahasa United Area Cooperative in Kiryandongo District.

These conversation circles are designed to increase men’s awareness of human and women’s rights, aiming not only to eliminate violence against women in market environments but also to equip men with the knowledge and tools to prevent and respond to violence within their intimate relationships, families, and communities. The sessions provide a platform for men to learn from and support one another in challenging gender stereotypes, negative social norms, attitudes, and behaviors that perpetuate violence against women and girls in market settings.

To date, more than 16,500 men have benefited from the program.