Esther Mbabazi

When she arrived at the Imvepi settlement in Uganda at the age of 15, Elizabeth (pictured opposite and above on the left) says she struggled with the big life change. After hearing about the Community Transformation Agenda (COTA), she started attending workshops on leadership and women’s health. This has been invaluable in boosting her confidence and providing a space to learn about her rights. Not only does Elizabeth want to become an accountant in the future, but she also wants to use her training to help her community overcome challenges they may face.

Joyce (pictured above on the right), her mother and her siblings were forced to flee South Sudan due to ongoing conflict in the country and are now living in the Imvepi settlement. Joyce is currently accessing a good education through the Community Transformation Agenda (COTA), which she hopes will make her future more secure. Being part of the organisation has given her newfound confidence and made her a passionate advocate for girls’ rights in her community. One day, she hopes to become a lawyer and help more young women claim their right to an education.

Juliet set up the Community Transformation Agenda (COTA) after seeing how hard it was for women and girls to access essential things like soap, sanitary products and an education at the Imvepi settlement.

Through the organisation, she supports women and girls at the settlement and in the local area to build sustainable livelihoods and create a more secure future. Juliet and COTA have inspired many young women to take up leadership roles in their community, get involved in Refugee Welfare Council elections and set up small businesses.