VISTA FOUNDATION
Our Programs
Creating pathways for adolescent girls and young women to lead, thrive, and transform communities
Justice & Leadership
Feminist Power & Accountability Program
Overview
The Feminist Power & Accountability Program strengthens the leadership, voice, and collective power of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) to influence decision-making, challenge harmful social norms, and access justice. VISTA works at the intersection of leadership development, social norm transformation, and accountability.
The Challenge
Despite AGYW being a majority of Uganda’s population, they remain excluded from governance and decision-making spaces. Gender-based violence, discrimination, and rights violations persist due to harmful social norms, limited legal awareness, and barriers to accessing justice particularly for survivors from marginalized communities.
Why This Program Matters: Leadership without justice is incomplete. Justice without power is unsustainable. By integrating feminist leadership, norm transformation, and access to justice, this program addresses the root causes of inequality. harmful social norms, limited legal awareness, and barriers to accessing justice particularly for survivors from marginalized communities.
Our Approach
VISTA addresses power, norms, and systems simultaneously. We work by:
- Building collective leadership and organizing capacity.
- Challenging harmful gender norms through community engagement.
- Strengthening access to justice and accountability mechanisms.
- Bridging grassroots advocacy with local government.
What We Do
- Establish Community-based feminist advocacy hubs (CoFAH).
- Support AGYW to organize advocacy campaigns.
- Conduct Structured dialogues with community leaders, men, and boys.
- Strengthen access to justice and legal aid (Legal literacy, referral pathways, peer advocates).
Impact
- Increased participation of young women in governance.
- Improved access to legal aid and justice services.
- Reduced tolerance for harmful gender norms and impunity.
- Stronger community and institutional accountability.
Health & Well-being
Safe Bodies, Strong Minds Program
Overview
Advancing bodily autonomy, sexual and reproductive health, and mental well-being for adolescent girls and young women. This program supports AGYW to make informed decisions about their health and exercise bodily autonomy.
The Challenge
Uganda continues to face critical adolescent health challenges. One in four girls aged 15–19 is pregnant or already a mother. Young women aged 15–24 account for the majority of new HIV infections, while mental health needs remain largely unmet due to stigma.
Why This Matters: Health is foundational to agency and opportunity. When girls have control over their bodies and access to supportive care, they are better positioned to stay in school and participate fully in community life.
Our Approach
VISTA takes a holistic, rights-based approach to health. We work by:
- Creating safe, youth-friendly spaces for health education and support.
- Integrating mental health and psychosocial care into SRHR programming.
- Engaging communities to strengthen support for adolescent health
What We Do
- Community based-Safe Health Spaces for SRHR information and mental health peer support.
- Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (Peer-led counselling, resilience sessions).
- Menstrual hygiene education and access to products.
- Community SRHR Outreach & Dialogue with parents and leaders.
Impact
- Increased health-seeking behaviour among AGYW.
- Reduced vulnerability to early pregnancy and HIV.
- Improved mental well-being and resilience.
- Greater community acceptance of adolescent health rights.
Livelihoods & Agency
Economic Justice & Futures Program
Overview
Creating pathways to skills, income, and financial independence for young women. This program equips AGYW with the skills, resources, and networks needed to achieve economic independence.
The Challenge
Nearly half of Uganda’s youth are not in employment or training, with young women facing compounded barriers like limited access to land, credit, and market-relevant skills. Economic dependence increases vulnerability to exploitation and early marriage.
Why This Matters: Economic independence is a foundation for dignity, choice, and leadership. When young women control resources and income, they are better able to shape their futures.
Our Approach
VISTA prioritizes long-term economic agency over short-term income support. We work by:
- Building market-relevant skills aligned to local opportunities.
- Strengthening access to financial services and asset-building.
- Connecting AGYW to mentors, markets, and career pathways.
What We Do
- Digital, vocational, and entrepreneurship training.
- Formation of AGYW-led Self Care and Advocacy Groups (SAGs).
- Career Pathways & Mentorship (Internships, apprenticeships, scholarships).
- Entrepreneurship & Market Linkage for young women-led enterprises.
Impact
- Increased employment and self-employment among AGYW.
- Improved savings and financial decision-making.
- Reduced economic vulnerability and dependence.
- Stronger long-term livelihood security.
Environment & Resilience
Young Women for Climate Justice Program
Overview
Supporting young women to lead climate action and community resilience. This program positions AGYW as leaders in climate action and environmental protection, valuing their lived experience.
The Challenge
Climate change disproportionately affects women and girls in Uganda. Droughts and floods increase unpaid care work and disrupt livelihoods. Yet, young women are often excluded from climate planning and decision-making.
Why This Matters: Climate justice is gender justice. When young women lead climate action, communities benefit from more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable solutions.
Our Approach
VISTA adopts a climate justice approach that centers gender equality and youth leadership. We work by:
- Building climate literacy and leadership among AGYW.
- Supporting climate-smart livelihoods and green enterprises.
- Promoting community-led environmental protection and advocacy.
What We Do
- Climate Leadership & Advocacy Training in environmental governance.
- Support for sustainable agriculture and green enterprises.
- Local Climate Engagement by linking AGYW to decision-making platforms.
Impact
- Increased leadership of young women in climate governance.
- Improved household and community climate resilience.
- Sustainable, environmentally friendly livelihoods.
- Stronger community engagement in environmental protection.
Legal Aid Services
Integral to our Feminist Power & Accountability program, VISTA provides survivor-centered legal support to ensure rights are not just known, but protected.
Legal Literacy
Rights awareness training for AGYW to navigate legal systems safely.
Referral Pathways
Safe connections to protection, social welfare, and formal justice services.
Peer Advocacy
Community-based referral support through trained peer advocates.
Learn more about Legal Services
