What we do
Find out how we are working to prevent violence perpetrated by boys and men against girls and women.
FOME Uganda started as Men Engage Initiative in 2016, and later changed to the Foundation for Male Engagement (FOME). FOME has two offices in Kasangati, Wakiso district, and Mbirizi, Lwengo district. We are a feminist and inclusive organisation engaged in advocacy, coalition-building, community mobilisation, communications, and training on issues that engage men and boys on gender equity.
Health
FOME works to expand access to and promote policies to health services, especially HIV/AIDS care, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. We work with partners to expand access to sexual reproductive health information and services because we believe they are integral to public health.
Gender
FOME works to advance the goals of gender equality and social justice. These include equal and co-operative and equal relationships, sharing of care and domestic work responsibilities, and reduction in domestic violence.
We promote educational strategies among boys and young men that develop understanding and support for equality and co-operation in their relations with girls and young women, and with each other; and engage in efforts aimed at challenging limiting gender norms.
We are also opposed to anti-gay prejudice and homophobia and recognise that these maintain the boundaries of patriarchy.
Economic empowerment
FOME works to empower both men and women with hands-on skills, income generating activities, seed grants and financial literacy training. We build the capacity of men so they can economically support their spouses, either through funding or practical help, and provide for their families. Experience has taught us that this helps to reduce gender-based violence, in addition to strengthening the economic standing of families.
Peacebuilding
FOME works with men and boys to bring peace in communities. Our target audience are agents of peace, and are trained in solving conflicts and injustices in homes and their communities. We empower them to break the cultural and structural barriers that lead to domestic violence and other conflicts; this helps promote social cohesion, which is a core concern for our organisation.
Preventing and countering violent extremism
Most acts of the violent extremism that have happened in Uganda have been perpetrated by young men. We work to engage men and boys so they do not involve themselves in such acts, and that they understand the impact of violent extremism on society. FOME is a member of the IGAD CSO Network on the prevention of violent extremism in East Africa.
