We recently had the pleasure of hosting three fifth-semester Social Work students from Berlin, Germany; Carla Gebauer, Laura Sperveslage, and Jule Hauff, whose academic focus centers on women and girl empowerment. Their visit to Uganda was guided by a desire to learn directly from grassroots practice and better understand how social work is implemented within fishing communities.
Their learning experience began at our offices in Lyamutundwe, where we held in-depth discussions about the realities confronting women and girls in lakeside fishing communities.
Fishing communities are vibrant and economically active, yet they remain underserved in many aspects of healthcare and social protection. High mobility, unstable incomes, long working hours, and geographic isolation significantly limit access to essential health services. For women and girls, these challenges are even more pronounced.
During our dialogue, we explored barriers to accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, including family planning, Post Abortion Care (PAC), and other critical reproductive health services. Women in fishing communities often face stigma, misinformation, gender-based violence, and economic vulnerability that restrict their ability to seek timely and appropriate care. Many prioritize family survival over personal health, while cultural norms can discourage open conversations about reproductive health, particularly for adolescent girls.
We shared how FMP responds to these realities through community outreach, musawo sessions, integrated SRHR service delivery, and empowerment initiatives designed specifically for women and girls in fishing landing sites. Our approach focuses on reducing barriers, increasing awareness, and creating safe spaces where women and girls can make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
As part of their learning journey, we invited them to join our upcoming community outreach at Kigungu Landing Site on 6th March 2026, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on 8th March. We intentionally scheduled the activity two days earlier to ensure maximum participation for women and girls in the fishing community, taking into account their demanding daily responsibilities.
The outreach will serve both as a celebration of women’s resilience and as a practical platform for service delivery. During the event, we will conduct health talks focusing on SRHR, provide family planning counselling and services, distribute essential SRHR commodities, conduct HIV testing and counseling, and facilitate community dialogues on women’s rights and gender equality.
By taking services directly to the landing site, we aim to reduce access barriers and foster an environment where women and girls feel safe, informed, and supported.
Reflecting on their visit, Clarla, Luara and Jule expressed admiration for the resilience and strength of women in fishing communities. They emphasized the critical role of grassroots organizations in bridging healthcare gaps and recognized the importance of holistic approaches that integrate health, empowerment, and community ownership.
At Family Medical Point, we remain committed to strengthening access to essential health services and championing the rights of women and girls in fishing communities. Through continued outreach, advocacy, and partnership, we are building healthier, more resilient communities where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.
