Jesca Ruth Ataa

Last updated
Jesca Ruth Ataa
Born
Jesca Ruth Ataa

Kotido, Karamoja, Uganda
NationalityUgandan
Occupation(s) Human rights defender, Activist
Known forLeadership of Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA)

Jesca Ruth Ataa is a Ugandan human rights defender, Activist and the leader of Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA), a community-based organization in Kotido, Karamoja. [1] Established in 2002, NARWOA addresses issues including domestic violence, political instability, and economic empowerment for women. [2] Ataa's work has reached over 15,000 women and 250,000 children. She was shortlisted for the 2024 EU Human Rights Defenders Award. [2] [3] [4] [5]

Contents

Background and education

Jesca Ruth Ataa was born in Kotido, Karamoja, Uganda where her background and experiences in the region have significantly influenced her advocacy work. [1]

Career and advocacy

Ataa is a human rights defender, particularly known for her work with Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA). Established in November 2002, NARWOA is an umbrella organization that supports women’s groups across the Kotido District. [5] The organization focuses on addressing humanitarian crises, cross-border and inter-ethnic political instability, domestic violence, and discrimination against women. [4]

As the leader of NARWOA, Ataa has been instrumental in developing programs that empower women economically and socially. NARWOA’s initiatives have reached over 15,000 women and 250,000 children, providing them with opportunities for viable income-generating activities and improving household incomes and food security through increased agricultural production. [5] [6]

Impact and recognition

In 2024, she was shortlisted for the EU Human Rights Defenders Award, recognizing her significant contributions to human rights in Uganda. [6] [7] [8] [9]

Contributions to peace and conflict resolution

Ataa has been actively involved in peacebuilding initiatives. She has coordinated efforts with various organizations to mediate conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence in Karamoja. For instance, NARWOA organized peace expositions with funding from the Norwegian Government, facilitating dialogues between grassroots communities and policymakers on post-conflict reconstruction plans. [4] [10]

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References

  1. 1 2 "IGAD lauds Uganda over development-oriented land policy". New Vision. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  2. 1 2 "Dr Spire, two others shortlisted for EU human rights award". Monitor. 2024-04-02. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  3. ↑ Waswa, Samson (2024-04-03). "Three shortlisted for EU Human Rights Award in Uganda". Pulse Uganda. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  4. 1 2 3 "Ataa Jessica – Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda". 2022-03-24. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  5. 1 2 3 Sharon (2021-06-05). "Meet our Grassroots Partner- Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA) - Women's International Peace Centre" . Retrieved 2024-05-24.[ permanent dead link ]
  6. 1 2 Independent, The (2024-05-03). "Spire wins EU Human Rights Award 2024". The Independent Uganda. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  7. ↑ "EU Human Rights Defenders Award 2024 – Three Shortlisted Nominees Announced | EEAS". www.eeas.europa.eu. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  8. ↑ "Jesca Ruth Ataa and Doreen Kyazze. Archives". Charmar. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  9. ↑ "Why Ugandan activist Spire won EU rights award". The East African. 2024-05-15. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  10. ↑ Neiman, Sophie. "The women keeping the peace in Uganda". www.prospectmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
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