Joviah Komugisha: Raising the voice of rural women

On 14–15 October 2025, as the world marked International Day of Rural Women, leaders, policymakers, and grassroots voices gathered at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Among them was Joviah Komugisha, a coffee farmer and grassroots women’s leader from Mbarara District in western Uganda.

Joviah is the founder of Kakiika Women’s Group and a passionate advocate for women’s rights to land and natural resources. Representing the Stand for Her Land (S4HL) Uganda Coalition, she joined fellow women leaders, civil society partners, and government representatives to push forward the agenda of securing land rights for women across Africa.

Why women land rights matter

At the heart of the commemoration was one urgent message: without secure land rights, women cannot fully thrive. For Joviah and millions of rural women across Uganda and Africa, land is more than soil: it is security, food, and dignity. Yet, despite strong legal frameworks, women’s access to and control over land continues to be undermined by cultural norms, weak policy implementation, and limited awareness of their rights.

During the panel discussion organised by the S4HL Campaign, participants reflected on these challenges and outlined practical actions to bridge the gap between law and lived reality. These included:

• Raising awareness among rural women about their legal rights.
• Working with traditional and religious leaders to shift cultural norms.
• Strengthening accountability in land governance.
• Ensuring long-term funding and legal support for grassroots organisations.

Joviah’s voice at the AU

As a farmer and community leader, Joviah brought a powerful grassroots perspective to the continental stage. Her testimony highlighted how rural women, though central to agricultural production, are often cut off from land ownership and decision-making. She emphasized the importance of organizing women at community level, building their confidence, and creating platforms where they can speak for themselves.

Echoing the spirit of the Stand for Her Land Campaign, which is active in Uganda.

Looking ahead

The Addis Ababa gathering was more than a commemoration; it was a call to action. For women like Joviah, the journey continues at the grassroots level, where the struggle for equality meets the realities of culture, law, and livelihood. Her participation symbolised the growing recognition that grassroots women leaders must shape the policies that affect their land, lives, and futures.

As we continue to celebrate the International Day of Rural Women, we honour leaders like Joviah Komugisha, whose courage and vision remind us that securing women’s land rights is not only a matter of justice but also a pathway to stronger communities and sustainable development.