On 8 to 12 July 2024, Sarah Iqbal from the Hewlett Foundation visited Uganda to connect with grantees, including Oxfam and the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), which implement WE-CARE. The visit aimed at building connections with the grantees, as well as providing them support to deliver programs well. Sarah also highlighted that this visit was aimed at deepening the relationship between Hewlett Foundation and the grantees. She visited both Oxfam and UWONET on 11 July.

While at Oxfam, Sarah met with Jane Ocaya, Women’s Rights Advisor, and discussed care work in Oxfam in Uganda’s strategy, policy, and legal context. They also discussed opportunities for synergies with other projects on care supported by other donors, such as the International Development Research Centre and the Bill and Melinda Gates in Uganda. Sarah also met with Charity Namara, WE-Care Program Manager, to discuss the need for institutional capacity building and transformative partnerships. Sarah highlighted that she was looking forward to seeing how the institutional capacity strengthening piece will evolve in the second half of WE-Care Phase 5. She likewise expressed interest in reviewing the team’s plan after the upcoming learning event in August.

At UWONET, Sarah engaged with the Executive Director and project team, discussing women’s rights, opportunities, and challenges. UWONET Executive Director Rita Aciro welcomed Sarah and extended her appreciation and that of UWONET to Oxfam for the partnership. She also extended appreciation to Hewlett Foundation for their financial support to advance gender equality and care agenda in Uganda.