In a groundbreaking move to uplift Uganda’s film industry and empower young women, Reach a Hand Uganda (RAHU), in collaboration with Sauti Plus Media Hub, has officially launched the Leesu FemPower Project. This innovative initiative is dedicated to amplifying the voices of aspiring female filmmakers and addressing critical societal issues through the power of storytelling.
The Leesu FemPower Project aims to create a platform for young women to share their authentic experiences, challenge societal stereotypes, and advocate for social change. By fostering creativity, providing essential resources, and encouraging collaboration, the project seeks to empower female filmmakers to tackle pressing issues such as gender inequality, women’s rights, education, and sexual and reproductive health.
Transforming Challenges into Advocacy Through Film
As part of the initiative, beneficiaries will gain access to capacity-building opportunities to refine their storytelling skills. These young women will be equipped to craft compelling narratives that shed light on challenges such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), fistula, high teenage pregnancy rates, and gender-based violence. At the end of their training, participants will receive grants to support the production of impactful films that resonate with communities and drive meaningful conversations.
Speaking at the launch, Humphrey Nabimanya, CEO of Reach a Hand Uganda, emphasized the importance of the project in giving women the platform to tell their stories authentically.
“This project will amplify the voices of our mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters, enabling them to tell their own stories through film and documentaries. We’ve seen the power of storytelling through past projects like Sex and Climate Change and Sex for Pads, which have significantly contributed to reducing teenage pregnancy rates in regions like Kasese and Rwenzori,” Nabimanya said.
A Vision for Women-Centered Filmmaking
Doreen Nabbanja, project lead from Sauti Plus Media Hub, highlighted the timely nature of the initiative.
“The Leesu FemPower Project arrives at a critical moment, using storytelling as a tool to address the challenges women face. We are excited to showcase these transformative stories at our first film festival in May 2025, offering a platform to both seasoned and emerging filmmakers,” she noted.
Beyond Film: A Commitment to Behavioral Change
Leesu FemPower is a testament to Reach a Hand Uganda’s broader commitment to driving social and behavioral change through film and the arts. Alongside initiatives like Kwiso Mu Cinema and the Ikon Young Filmmakers Fellowship, RAHU is equipping Uganda’s youth with the knowledge and tools to advocate for a more equitable and informed society.
Through projects like Leesu FemPower, RAHU and Sauti Plus Media Hub are not just empowering women but also enriching Uganda’s film industry, fostering collaboration, and paving the way for impactful storytelling that bridges the gap between art and advocacy.
