how it all started
In the heart of Kampala’s ghettos, a group of Public Health students from Cavendish University, led by Shyaka Farid Lwanyaaga, embarked on a mission to unlock the boundless potential of young individuals from marginalized and underprivileged communities. Our journey began with a focus on menstrual health management, an area often shrouded in stigma and shame. We aimed to create a platform for untold stories, believing in the power of these narratives to unlock limitless possibilities.
We, known as the Wellbeing Foundation, later rebranded as BWEN, held a firm belief rooted in our own life experiences. We believed that when a young person from a marginalized community rises, they not only gain the power and experience to communicate with those different from them but also become a beacon of knowledge and inspiration for others like them. This ripple effect empowers others to rise, lead change, and combat inequality from the ground up.
These young individuals contribute to the world through their stories, owning their voices, and leaving a legacy. They open doors and ensure they remain open for others to pass through. Our university education had made us aware of the stigma and challenges associated with menstrual health, providing an opportunity to turn this awareness into reality.
When a capacity-building project, in partnership with the Swedish organization Wise Economy Global Association and funded by FORUM SYD, came our way, it presented an opportunity to further our cause. The project’s focus was on governance, project management, advocacy work, and methodology for menstrual health talks. The goal was to empower BWEN as an organization and expand our network in the region.
This project allowed BWEN to develop a volunteer model, train volunteers, increase partnerships, grow in media reach, and gain adequate knowledge of key subject matters such as Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Menstrual Health Management (MHM), human rights, and governance. It enabled us to have a more sustainable model, engage more communities, and gain social awareness crucial for working towards a more equitable world.
BWEN’s journey is a testament to the power of young people’s potential when given the right platform and resources. It’s a story of transformation, from stigma to empowerment, and a beacon of hope for marginalized communities.