The Southern African Women’s Association (SAWA) started in Uganda in the late 90’s and has grown steadily since. Three years ago SAWA became affiliated to the National Association of Women Associations in Uganda and as of April this year there are 72 SAWA members. SAWA has a Committee which runs the organization on a volunteer basis. However, there are other key non committee members who also significantly contribute to the success of the association. An AGM is held every year in February. Karen Nugent is the Chairlady for 2008. We also have a Deputy Chairlady, Secretary, Treasurer and Social Secretary.

Membership of this association is open to all women who are passport holders/permanent residents of any Southern African Country, which include Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as to any women married to a passport holder/permanent resident of the above mentioned countries. Members pay an annual subscription fee of UgSh 20,000. The monthly SAWA meeting usually takes place on the last Wednesday of every month at a member’s home. Attendance varies between 15 and 30 ladies.

This is a social event where members have an opportunity to get together. One of the objectives of SAWA is to help newcomers settle in Uganda and to make new friends. SAWA members that work and who are not able to attend all the meetings are kept informed through monthly emails. This year SAWA hopes to hold a few evening meetings to enable working ladies to attend.

Although the SAWA teas serve as an important social meeting point, one of the other major objectives is to discuss ongoing activities and projects, and to encourage additional members to participate in fundraising activities for local charities. Guest speakers are occasionally invited. SAWA often supports smaller organizations as they can be monitored more closely by the participating members and the committee. SAWA members usually focus on different charities every year. All these various activities can keep those members who are not working quite busy.

The fundraising events that SAWA has held are: The annual International Tea where non members are invited to participate. This very popular event is normally held during May which is hosted at a members home. In the past SAWA has also held Dinner Dances and a Potjie Competition. Earlier this year SAWA held a Charity Golf Day. The support for this event was overwhelming and due to its resounding success it will become an annual event.

SAWA has supported many projects:

a children’s primary school through an extensive chicken and egg project;
donated blankets and beds to a babies home;
10 children with cancer have had Chemotherapy treatment at Mulago Hospital;
a cattery and kennels have been built at the USPCA;
painted a primary school;
bought sewing machines to help improve income generating skills.
With the growth of SAWA the organization has raised significant funds and they are now considering bigger and more challenging projects.

Should you have any questions please feel free to contact SAWA on sawauganda@hotmail.com

Any eligible ladies are invited to join.

Thank you from SAWA