1.Introduction
Action for Development (ACFODE) is a national women’s rights organization founded on November 1985, with a mission to advance gender equality and empowerment in Uganda. Over the past four decades, ACFODE has built strong grassroots connections, forged relationships with leaders at all levels, and achieved tangible change in the lives of women and girls through policy advocacy, research, and rights-based programming. Guided by core values such as integrity, learning, volunteerism, respect, teamwork, fairness and equity, ACFODE envisions a just society where gender equality is a reality. ACFODE’s programs focus on key thematic areas, of Leadership Development, Women Girls and Economic Security, Climate Justice and Energy; Women, Peace and Conflict and Institutional Governance and Management.
The organization has set strategic objectives to guide their efforts: 1) Enhance women’s and girls’ agency and voice, 2) Improve women’s, girls’, and youths’ economic security, 3) Advance gender equitable social norms, 4) Influence policies, systems, and practices that promote women’s empowerment and gender equality, and 5) Strengthen ACFODE’s institutional stability to effectively, efficiently deliver this strategic plan and its mandate. ACFODE is dedicated to empowering women, youth, and girls, fostering a culture of equal opportunities and social change.
2. Overview of the Project
Despite significant progress in advancing gender equality, the implementation of the Maputo Protocol continues to face systemic challenges, including inadequate political commitment, insufficient resources, and persistent socio-cultural barriers. Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) have played a critical role in advocating for the Protocol’s implementation and driving progress on women’s rights. However, many WROs lack the institutional capacity, financial resources, and evidence-based advocacy tools necessary to enhance their effectiveness and sustainability.
There is a pressing need to strengthen the capacity of WROs to document their contributions, advocate for policy changes, and integrate feminist approaches into their programming. Without a strong and well-resourced women’s movement, the transformative potential of the Maputo Protocol may remain unrealized. This project seeks to bridge this gap by equipping WROs with the tools and skills required to advance gender equality effectively, ensuring that their efforts lead to meaningful and lasting impact.
3. Purpose of the Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a study documenting the contributions of WROs in implementing the Maputo Protocol in Uganda. This will inform evidence-based advocacy efforts, especially regarding Uganda’s reservation on Article 14(2)(c) related to access to safe abortion services. The study will also serve to strengthen institutional capacity among WROs and develop a shared advocacy strategies to drive policy influence and reinforce commitments toward gender equality.
4. Objectives of the Assignment
- Document the achievements, gaps, and challenges faced by WROs in advancing the Maputo Protocol.
- Analyze advocacy efforts related to Uganda’s reservation on Article 14(2)(c).
- Generate strategic recommendations and advocacy messages to guide future work.
5. Scope of Work
- The consultant(s) will be expected to:
- Conduct a desk review and stakeholder interviews with at least 40 WROs and relevant actors.
- Focus on contributions linked to Article 14(2)(c) of the Protocol.
- Document findings in a report with at least three key advocacy messages.
- Present findings during a stakeholder validation meeting.
- Lead the co-creation of an advocacy roadmap endorsed by stakeholders.
6. Deliverables
- Inception Report outlining methodology, tools, and work plan.
- Draft Study Report highlighting findings, gaps, and advocacy recommendations.
- Presentation of Findings during a validation meeting.
- Final Report incorporating stakeholder feedback.
- Advocacy Roadmap co-developed and endorsed by key stakeholders.
7. Duration and Timeline
The assignment will be conducted over a two-month period (August – September 2025)
8. Minimum Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Development Studies, Law, Social Sciences, or related fields.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in research, policy advocacy, or women’s rights programming.
- Demonstrated expertise in International and Regional Human Rights Instruments.
- Experience engaging with WROs and conducting participatory research.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills.
9. Application Process
Interested individuals/firms should submit the following:
- Technical proposal with interpretation of ToR, proposed methodology, and timeline.
- Financial proposal (in UGX).
- CV(s) and evidence of similar assignments.
Proposals should be submitted by Friday 8th August, 2025 to: acfode@gmail.com / btbafaki@gmail.com with the Subject: Consultancy – Maputo Protocol WRO Documentation
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. ACFODE reserves the right to reject any or all