Zoota runs community-led projects that strengthen livelihoods and education through cross-border trade, the prevention and response to gender-based violence, improve health and well-being, advance climate justice and expand fair access to digital and technological tools for women and girls.
Our Projects
These include both our ongoing and past projects implemented in rural and cross-border communities of West Nile
The STEMES Project (Skilling Teenage Mothers and Survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence)
The STEMES Project is skilling 150 teenage mothers and survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence with business, entrepreneurship and vocational skills whilst providing survivors with psychosocial care, legal protection, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights education and mentorship so the girls can start their own IGA or gain employment, earn income, recover from emotional and pyscological abuse, rebuild confidence and move out of abusive and unsafe situations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Rural Communities
Zoota works to ensure that women, youth and informal traders in rural West Nile are not left out of the digital future. Through simple and accessible digital tools, we support rural communities to strengthen small businesses, access information, improve health and safety and connect to new opportunities. We have integrated digital skills into our work on livelihoods, gender-based violence and cross-border trade to help people who are often excluded from technology to use it in ways that improve income, protection and everyday life and have so far reached 100+ beneficiaries with AI skills.
We reach rural, underserved, fragile, and marginalised communities
1. Uganda
Arua District, Arua City, Madi-Okollo District, Koboko District, Maracha District, Zombo District and Nebbi District
2. Cross-border/Trans-border Regions
1. South Sudan and Uganda ie Elegu-Nimule and Oraba-Kaya Border Posts
2. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda ie Vurra One Stop Border Post Cluster (Vurra-Arua District, Odramachaka-Arua, Arua Airstrip-Arua City, Lia-Arua), Goli Cluster (Goli & Dei-Nebbi District, Paidha & Padea-Zombo District),
Recognitions
Honoring our impactful contributions
Zoota Initiative for Development has been honored as a Champion for Human Rights for its unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of individuals in rural communities. Through various initiatives, the organization has empowered marginalized voices and raised awareness about human rights issues. This award highlights Zoota's dedication to creating a more just society, ensuring that everyone has access to their fundamental rights. By engaging the community in civic education and advocacy, Zoota continues to inspire change and foster a culture of respect for human dignity among citizens.
Zoota Initiative for Development proudly received the Gender Equality Advocate award, recognizing its impactful work in promoting gender equity within rural communities. By implementing educational programs and support systems, Zoota has empowered women and girls to access resources and opportunities that foster equality. This award underscores the organization's commitment to dismantling gender-based barriers and advocating for women's rights. Through community engagement and awareness campaigns, Zoota continues to inspire change and build a more equitable future for all, ensuring that gender equality remains at the forefront of its mission.
Zoota Initiative for Development has been recognized as a Civic Education Leader for its innovative approach to educating communities about their civic rights and responsibilities. This award reflects the organization's dedication to fostering informed and engaged citizens who can actively participate in democratic processes. Through workshops, seminars, and community outreach, Zoota has successfully empowered individuals to understand their roles within society and the importance of civic participation. This recognition not only highlights Zoota's efforts but also emphasizes the vital role of civic education in strengthening democracy and community cohesion.
Zoota Initiative for Development has been honored as a Champion for Human Rights for its unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of individuals in rural communities. Through various initiatives, the organization has empowered marginalized voices and raised awareness about human rights issues. This award highlights Zoota's dedication to creating a more just society, ensuring that everyone has access to their fundamental rights. By engaging the community in civic education and advocacy, Zoota continues to inspire change and foster a culture of respect for human dignity among citizens.
Zoota Initiative for Development proudly received the Gender Equality Advocate award, recognizing its impactful work in promoting gender equity within rural communities. By implementing educational programs and support systems, Zoota has empowered women and girls to access resources and opportunities that foster equality. This award underscores the organization's commitment to dismantling gender-based barriers and advocating for women's rights. Through community engagement and awareness campaigns, Zoota continues to inspire change and build a more equitable future for all, ensuring that gender equality remains at the forefront of its mission.
Zoota Initiative for Development has been recognized as a Civic Education Leader for its innovative approach to educating communities about their civic rights and responsibilities. This award reflects the organization's dedication to fostering informed and engaged citizens who can actively participate in democratic processes. Through workshops, seminars, and community outreach, Zoota has successfully empowered individuals to understand their roles within society and the importance of civic participation. This recognition not only highlights Zoota's efforts but also emphasizes the vital role of civic education in strengthening democracy and community cohesion.