HERI is a women-led organization established by a team of women in 2020, founded by a collective of passionate Women Human Rights Defenders in Uganda. We work to defend, protect, and advance the rights of rural, marginalized, and indigenous women. Our approach is fully inclusive and non-discriminatory; we welcome and serve everyone regardless of ethnicity, disability, religion, social status, or any other distinction, ensuring no one is left behind.
Our core areas of work include: Climate Justice, Environmental Sustainability, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, Digital Security, GBV Prevention, Economic Justice, and expanding Civic Space. Through advocacy, partnerships, and direct support, we create safe spaces where every woman’s voice is heard, valued, and protected
A just society where rural and indigenous women enjoy full rights, safety, equality, and recognition as leaders and custodians of their communities.
To defend the rights, safety, and dignity of rural and indigenous women through protection, advocacy, climate action, digital empowerment, and economic justice.
To protect, defend, and advance the rights of indigenous women through advocacy and rapid response to ensure justice and safety for all, without discrimination.
Welcome to Her Roots, Her Rights Initiative (HERI). For over four decades combined, the team at HERI and I have stood alongside rural and indigenous women in Uganda, witnessing both their immense strength and the severe injustices they face daily. In 2020, driven by a shared passion for justice and a deep understanding of the gaps in service delivery, we came together as a collective of Women Human Rights Defenders to change this narrative. We asked ourselves: “If we do not stand for these women, who will?”.
Since then, with limited resources but boundless commitment, we have worked tirelessly to defend land rights, expand civic space, ensure bodily autonomy, protect women from violence, and build digital safety. We have walked with women through evictions, stood beside them when their voices were silenced, and supported them to claim their rightful place in society. Our work is deeply grassroots-led, participatory, and rooted in the belief that every woman regardless of her status, ability, or location deserves dignity, safety, and equality.
What makes HERI unique is our origin: we are from the communities we serve. We understand the culture, the traditions, and the hidden barriers because we live them too. We have proven that even with volunteer effort and community solidarity, we can achieve great impact. But we also know that the challenges are evolving climate change, digital threats, and shrinking civic space require us to be stronger, better resourced, and more visible.
Our vision is clear: a society where rural women are not just beneficiaries, but equal leaders, custodians of their land, and masters of their own destiny. As we look to the future, we are eager to expand our reach, strengthen our systems, and build strategic partnerships with allies and donors who share this vision.
I invite you to explore our website, learn about our work, and join us in this journey. Together, we can ensure that rights are protected, voices are amplified, and justice is realized from the roots up.
Thank you for standing with us.
Akampurira Patience Gift
Executive Director
Her Roots, Her Rights Initiative (HERI)