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Our
Programmes

Have your life transformed by
getting involved in our programmes
at IST

Our
Programmes

Have your life transformed by
getting involved in our programmes
at IST

Our Projects

Economic Empowerment

IST works to empower women and girls in the informal sector (markets) which constitutes 80% of women entrepreneurs in markets in Uganda. From 2015 to date, we have worked tirelessly to equip 15,000 entrepreneurs (women and men) with knowledge and skills in business & financial literacy, savings, record keeping, mindset change and business diversification.

Market Garden App

In December 2018, IST with support from UN Women and the Embassy of Sweden developed and launched the Market Garden App an online sales platform that creates convenience for people to shop for groceries anytime, anywhere using their smartphones (mainly Android for now). The app went through several test runs in 2019 and was finally open for public use in March 2020.

Emergency Response on COVID-19

IST initiated an emergency response program for markets countrywide where we supply emergency relief items in form of; handwashing facilities, sanitary towels, tents, mosquito repellants, drinking water, mattresses, blankets, handwashing soap, sanitizers, face masks and aprons. The items promote market women and men’s safety, protection and access to markets.

Transformational Leadership

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 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 in their areas.

Cooperatives, Skilling & Revolving Fund

We have built strong cooperatives with market women in Busia, Iganga, Kampala, Wakiso, Gulu, Arua and Pader with a focus on mobilization, formation, training in co-operative formation and management, conflict management and group dynamics and mentorship in the best business practices and leadership participation for market women. 8 Cooperatives have so far been formed.

Gender Relations; GBV, Conversation Circles & Male Engagement

IST organized GBV Male Conversation circles or trainings which were piloted in the markets of Nakawa, Kalerwe Bivamuntuuyo, Ntinda, Gulu main, Cerealeno and Lacor. The conversations raise men’s awareness on Human and Women’s Rights issues so as to eliminate violence against women in the market

Transformative Approaches

From inception, IST’s primary methodology is through Training for Transformation (TFT); envisioned to transform the mind of vulnerable women who are under gender and social oppression and marginalization, by building critical consciousness to help them take actions to change their situation. The aim of this methodology is to ensure that the oppressed need not to be oppressed forever. It’s footprint in the East Africa region dates back to 1990s, when it was conceptualized and first initiated in Kenya and South Africa, through Catholic Churches offering group based conscientization sessions to women. Later it made its way in Uganda, with the establishment of The Institute for Social Transformation (IST) in 2006, with its training center in Busia District. Later it become an NGO offering women empowerment and transformational leadership training, with a broader mandate on social development work.

The Gender Action and Learning System (GALs) methodology is a participatory approach that IST also employs to integrate gender mainstreaming into its programs. It is a transformative tool designed to empower individuals especially women and marginalized groups to challenge and shift deeply rooted social norms that perpetuate gender inequalities.

GALs uses visual tools, inclusive dialogue, and collective reflection to help communities analyze and address power dynamics within households, businesses, and society at large.

Through this approach, IST ensures that gender barriers in entrepreneurship, agriculture, leadership, and economic participation are systematically dismantled. This enhances the effectiveness of IST’s interventions by making gender equity a core outcome rather than just a side consideration.

Functional Adult Literacy & Market Women Graduation

We run a needs-based adult literacy class for market communities in Kampala and Wakiso districts in Uganda. The Adult literacy classes are conducted focusing on addressing the needs, problems, and the dreams of market women.

Female Urban Refugee Project

IST has also been able to appreciate and design interventions for refugee market women and vendors who by nature of their refugee status presents them more challenges compared to their Uganda counterparts.

Water, Hygiene & Sanitation

IST is constructing a solar powered water project in Lacor market in Gulu aimed at improving access to safe water, promoting safety and hygiene for reduced incidences of diseases and health risks among market communities. The project will benefit 600 families in and around the market.

Market Women’s League

IST conducts market community activation sports activities across the country where market vendors and other community members enjoy entertainment and at the same time receive information on prevention of gender-based violence.

Laws, Policies & Regulation

IST has progressed in steering the efforts to influence the repeal of the old Markets Act of 1942. Being a highly contentious Bill, a lot of advocacy and consultations are still needed to ensure it is repealed and enacted into law.

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Climate Change, Disaster Prevention, and Environmental Conservation

Recognizing the urgent need to combat climate change, the United Nations established Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13): “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.” Uganda, like many developing nations, faces severe climate challenges, including droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns, which disproportionately affect women by limiting their access to resources and decision-making power.

The Institute for Social Transformation (IST) acknowledges the need to empower women in climate adaptation. Its baseline report highlights the distinct climate challenges in Napak and Mbale districts. Napak suffers from severe droughts, leading to hunger and food insecurity, while Mbale contends with both floods and droughts, causing landslides, soil erosion, and crop destruction. These issues create cascading effects, such as water scarcity and food shortages, exacerbating poverty.

To enhance resilience, IST promotes sustainable, eco-friendly solutions. One key initiative is the cultivation of the indigenous “Kabaka Njagala” (candle nut) tree. This tree serves as a carbon sink, improves soil health, and prevents erosion. Additionally, its seeds can be processed into valuable products like body soap, body oil, biodiesel, briquettes, and organic fertilizers, providing women with economic opportunities and financial independence. Through these efforts, IST fosters environmental conservation, disaster prevention, and climate resilience among women and their communities.

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