BREAKING PATRIARCHAL CULTURAL BARRIERS: A WOMAN’S DARING JOURNEY TO FIGHT FOR INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP AGAINST CULTURAL NORMS

For generations, cultural beliefs have exacerbated patriarchal norms that affect women and girls while reinforcing men's dominance over them. In some cultural settings, leadership is viewed as a man’s destiny, and the idea of a woman standing among the elders is seen as an abomination. Such beliefs regard women as subordinate across various aspects of life, including social, economic, political, and cultural spheres. In this setting, men remain dominant in shaping society, while women merely listen and are servants of men, which has rendered women subject to men over time. 

One such clan that practiced these beliefs is the Payira Pachong clan of Lakech Ocot of Atanga Sub-County in Pader district in northern Uganda.  For generations, like many other African societies, this clan restricted women from participating in the decision-making processes of the clan by enforcing laws with stringent penalties that targeted women. Only men deliberated on matters that affected everyone, yet women provided for the general welfare of the clan, such as providing food and water during clan meetings. 

Jennifer Makeba Acayo

It’s, therefore, against these unjust cultural beliefs that inspired activist Jennifer Makeba Acayo to mobilise women to stand up against these patriarchal, repressive norms that restricted women's rights and opportunities. 

“For the first time I attended our clan meeting, I saw weird things: women were beaten, not allowed to talk, not allowed to take part in leadership positions; there was too much injustice,” Makeba said. Jennifer Makeba Acayo is a human rights activist and a  community organiser.  

The clan laws provided for punitive punishments for the offenders, including beating women to a tune of not less than ten (10) strokes for simple cases like speaking out against the clan beliefs. At its height, expulsion from the clan was for anyone who went against the established norms. Due to the stringent penalties, women remained silent and were unable to speak out on issues that mattered to them.

Fortunately, for Makeba, it provided an opportunity to rally fellow women to confront these unjust beliefs. Not even the consequences of her action could deter Makeba from speaking out. Makeba’s resolve to wage nonviolence helped her to gain tremendous support not only from fellow women but also from men.

Makeba's unmatched determination and resilience helped mobilise women’s unyielding voices to demand inclusivity within the clan.

“After witnessing so many injustices happening in my clan, I decided to gather my sisters and other women and  girls from the neighborhood belonging to the same clan. I sat them down and talked to them about the need to speak up against cultural oppression.” Makeba  argued," 

Although most women in the Payira  Pachong clan opposed the cultural norms, they remained silent for fear of the consequences of speaking out. But Makeba’s resilience in seeking change came in handy, as it paid off in the end. Through late-night meetings with women, Makeba persuaded them to support the struggle to end cultural oppression, oppression, which consequently led to her election as clan treasurer.  

Women illustrate their model village during a Women's Convening in Northern Uganda

“During the meeting, we were asked what we think the clan could do best for both boys and girls. I said to them, For us women to keep up with our boys and girls and prevent oppression, give us at least two or three leadership roles in the clan.” Makeba reiterated, adding, “At the meeting, all women agreed that I should represent them, and when I spoke, everyone, including men, voted for me.”

Makeba’s election to the clan executive signified a shift from a patriarchal society where women had been sidelined for decades to an inclusive environment where women’s voices are heard. It was a rare opportunity for women to now sit at the table where decisions that affect their lives are made.  

Makeba attributes her wins to Solidarity Uganda’s training, which she believes shaped her confidence to confront unjust cultural norms in her clan. “Through the training programs offered by Solidarity Uganda, I got the courage to talk to women, convince them, and the way they picked it, I think that is the greatest impact that Solidarity Uganda gave me.” 

Despite women making significant gains in confronting repressive cultural norms in Uganda, some communities continue to experience oppression stemming from cultural beliefs that perpetuate gender inequality and discrimination, plaguing women’s lives. To support women in advancing their rights, we must act immediately for a liberated society where women and girls can thrive.