HISTORY The Refugee Women-Leaders Network (REWON) is a coalition launched in 2022 to champion the rights of refugees, particularly focusing on women and gender equality. Operating as a nonprofit organization, REWON addresses critical issues at the intersection ofrefugee welfare and policy, advocating for sustainable and inclusive solutions at both the national and global levels. REWON’s establishment reflects a growing need for refugee centred leadership and advocacy in shaping policies that affect displaced communities. ACHIEVMENTS REWON is approaching its third anniversary and has successfully navigated numerous challenges, from the lingering effects of post-COVID-19 to the typical funding struggles that many new organizations face. Among its key achievements, REWON has expanded its membership to over 20 refugee women-led organizations, demonstrating the acceptance of its vision within this community. Additionally, REWON has established valuable networks with various government institutions, local non-governmental organizations, international NGOs, and diverse refugee communities. We are also fortunate to have partnered with SWUU to implement an SGBV project, which has made a significant positive impact on refugee communities. 3. INSTITUTIONAL PURPOSE Mission To promote refugee participationand gender equality in all areas of decision making through Advocacy, capacity development, community empowerment, policy engagement and strategic partnerships at national and globally. Institutional Objectives • To provide a focal point for joint activism on strengthening capacity of raising awareness at national and global refugees’ rights and crosscutting issues affecting refugee women and other refugees as well. • To bring refugees women from diverse backgrounds to advocate refugee rights through conducting a series of advocacy interventions with individual RLO at national, regional and global level with policy makers on refugee issues such as Government Un agencies and INGOs. • To bring refugee women from all walks of life to speak with one voice of seeking rights of refugees at macro level in series of advocacy intervention to articulate the demands of refugee rights in districts nationally as well globally • To carryout field and desk research on issues affecting refugees in order to develop and build on theories with a view to enhance the coalition’s efforts in promoting the rights of refugees. Field(s) of activity: • Women’s Economic Empowerment and Livelihoods • Women’s Rights and Advocacy • Education and Capacity Building • Social Protection and Well-being 4. STRATEGIC POSITIONING REWON is a refugee women-led organization strategically positioned to address the needs of refugee women in both urban and rural settlements across Uganda. Various stakeholders, including government institutions like OPM, UNHCR, and international organizations such as Oxfam and IRC, along with numerous refugee-led organizations, have tailored their efforts to support and enhance the welfare of refugees. However, there remains a significant need for additional support, especially in light of recent events leading to increased insecurity in neighbouring East African countries like the DRC, which has placed additional strain on already limited resources. The impact of initiatives from all actors often falls short and is frequently uncoordinated. REWON provides a platform for different organizations to unite, presenting a cohesive front for advocacy and other initiatives. This collaborative effort helps to minimize the duplication of activities aimed at the same population, making coordinated support more effective.

Refugee Women Leaders Network

OXFAM USA

Oxfam Novib

Oxfam Novib