For years, Aneno Betty lived within the prison community as the wife of a prison warden. What she witnessed during that time changed her life forever.

Behind the high walls and locked gates, she met women who had spent years in detention without ever seeing a judge or having her day in court. Some had never even spoken to a lawyer. Their only crime was poverty, they could not afford legal representation. Many remained forgotten in the system, their cases unheard, their rights continually violated.

Beyond the injustice, Betty saw something even more heartbreaking. Women in prison lacked basic necessities including menstrual products and essential hygiene supplies. They endured their sentences in silence, stripped not only of freedom but of dignity. They had no platform to speak, no one to consistently amplify their concerns. The injustice was systemic. The silence was too loud.

Her life changed when she participated in leadership training at the Gulu Women’s Rights Centre (GWRC), where she connected with other women leaders and gained access to support networks, including pro bono legal services for incarcerated women. Through the training, she learned a deeper understanding of policy, advocacy, and the power of representation. It was there that her path became clear: she no longer wanted to help from the sidelines she wanted to influence the system itself.

Betty is now running for elected office, as Counselor of Women’s Prison, to represent and advocate for women in prison. She believes leadership is not about position, but about responsibility — the responsibility to speak where others cannot, and to act where others hesitate.

I have walked through the prison gates not as a visitor, but as a witness,” Betty says. “I have seen women lose years of their lives simply because they are poor. If given the mandate to lead, I will not sit comfortably in office  I will carry their voices into every decision-making room until justice is no longer a privilege, but a right.

Aneno Betty’s leadership journey was born behind prison walls but her vision reaches far beyond them. She is not contesting for power; she is contesting for change. Every woman, even behind bars, deserves dignity.

67 WGEF Leaders Running For Elected Office ~ Elevating Women’s Voices in Leadership and Governance!

As Uganda enters the political campaign and election season from 15th January to 26th March 2026, WGEF is proud to share a powerful milestone! This year, 67 women, supported through WGEF’s leadership development initiatives, are contesting for elected positions at a variety of levels, marking a significant step forward in women’s political participation and inclusive leadership!

Over the past year, WGEF has intentionally invested in training, mentoring, and supporting women leaders to confidently take their place at decision-making tables. Through leadership development, advocacy skills training, civic education, and peer mentorship, women have been equipped to engage meaningfully in governance processes, often for the first time.

Before the training, I never imagined myself standing for office. Today, I am confident to speak, to lead, and to represent my community,

shared one WGEF participant and aspiring councilor. Another woman leader noted:

WGEF helped us understand our rights, the laws, and how to engage constructively. Now our voices are no longer silent.

This moment represents courage, resilience, and a shift in long-standing gender norms that have historically excluded women from leadership and agency. These women are stepping forward to advocate for inclusive policies, justice, and peaceful, accountable governance.

Be inspired and support WGEF today ~ Only together, can we create a more equitable world!

Your support helps to amplify women’s voices in one of the world’s most marginalized regions. Click below to donate now through December 9 for Colorado Gives Day.

Stand with women and girls in uncertain times!

At a time of deep uncertainty and instability, we remain steadfast in our commitment to a world where women and girls have agency, and are educated, respected, and heard.

So Far in 2025

• Access to Justice Initiative: worked with 95+ cases.
• Healthy Periods Initiative (HPI): served 1500 girls and 626 boys.
• Agriculture Initiative: working with women farmers and women in agribusiness.

Member Spotlight

With support from the WGEF, Megan’s group is engaged in farming grains and vegetables; their success story is nothing short of inspiring!

Fighting for Every Child

When Ms. Harriet, a mother of one, separated with the father of her child, she was left to struggle alone because her ex-husband disowned her child. Desperate for justice and support, Harriet turned to Gulu Women’s Resource Centre Access to Justice office for help.

2024 Financials

• Programs: 92%
• Fundraising: 1.75%
• Admin: 6.75%

Mary’s journey is a powerful example of how opportunity and support can transform lives. For many years, Mary could not read or write, a challenge that severely limited her confidence and opportunities. Everyday tasks like signing her name or helping her children with homework felt impossible.

When she joined our literacy program, Mary began learning how to read and write. Step by step, she gained the skills she once thought were out of reach. Alongside literacy, she also participated in our microloan program, which equipped her with financial knowledge, entrepreneurship skills, and the ability to support her family through small business ventures.

Through these combined opportunities, Mary discovered her voice and her confidence. She began engaging more in community activities, taking on small leadership responsibilities, and soon became recognized as a woman who could guide and inspire others.

Today, Mary proudly serves as a Woman Councilor in Amuru District, representing her community with dignity and determination.

Reflecting on her journey, Mary says:

“I never believed I could be a leader. Learning to read, write, and manage money opened my eyes to what I can achieve. Now I stand before my community with confidence.”

Mary’s story is proof that investing in women’s education and empowerment creates leaders who drive real change.

Together, we can support women to rise, lead, and transform their lives and communities.