Discover Our Work
At Zoota Initiative for Development, we are dedicated to creating lasting change through a variety of impactful projects. Our initiatives focus on human rights, women's empowerment, child protection, and climate justice, aiming to uplift communities and foster sustainable development
1. Climate Change Justice
Our climate justice work is rooted in the belief that environmental sustainability and social equity are intrinsically linked. Our focus areas include community engagement, sustainable livelihoods, clean energy use, advocacy and policy influence, research and documentation, and capacity building. Our initiatives have led to significant improvements in environmental awareness and sustainable practices within the communities we serve. At Zoota, we are committed to driving transformative change through our climate justice work, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against climate change.
2. Gender Equitable Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence fundamentally has a gender impact on our local communities. Our work around Gender Equitable AI is to promote AI Governance clearly defining the core ethical stands. We influence policies defining how we mitigate risks in our communities. There is a need for advocacy using diverse voices and lived experiences that will help us to start reskilling, upskilling and redefining what AI means, what AI means for us as a least-developed country, and what it means for our families and our societies here. We are removing biases about AI and making sure that AI will bring a positive impact on our societies and communities inclusively.
3. The Young Citizens Movement
The Young Citizens Movement (YCM) is a dynamic initiative dedicated to empowering young people to become active, informed, and engaged citizens. Our mission is to cultivate a generation of youth who understand their civic rights and responsibilities, are motivated to participate in democratic processes, and are equipped with the skills necessary to lead and advocate for positive change in our communities. Our vision under this project is to build a society where young people are at the forefront of democratic engagement, leading efforts to build accountable, inclusive, and sustainable communities
4. Migration & Regional Integration, Gender, Environment, Climate Change
Our work is encompassed in advancing the rights and well-being of migrants, particularly women, children, and minorities, etc, in the context of regional integration. Our work focuses on addressing the intersecting challenges of migration and gender, recognizing the unique vulnerabilities faced by women and minorities and the importance of their inclusion in regional integration processes.
In regions like Arua, migration flows are influenced by both environmental and socio-economic factors, and understanding the gender dimensions of migration is crucial for promoting inclusive and sustainable development. Through our research, advocacy, and capacity-building efforts, we aim to empower migrant women, enhance their access to services and opportunities, and promote their meaningful participation in regional integration initiatives.
By highlighting the experiences and contributions of migrant women, we seek to inform policies and programs that promote gender equality and social cohesion across borders. Our work reflects a commitment to realizing the full potential of regional integration as a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that migrants, regardless of gender, are able to thrive in their new environments.
5. Borderline Brilliance Project
This is a Trade Legal Clinic under our Livelihood Support and Education core area. In partnership with the Presidential CEO Forum Uganda, our objectives under this project are to promote human rights and business, to promote regional trade between West Nile and the countries of DRC and South Sudan, to provide legal aid to cross-border traders on Regional Integration Laws that promote regional trade, build the capacity of cross border traders, promote and protect the human rights of women, children, and the underprivileged in trade. We train youth in Business and Entrepreneurship such that they can participate in Cross Border Trade and earn a decent living for themselves.
6. Healing Minds Project
The Health Project in Arua District is a community-driven initiative aimed at addressing the pressing mental health challenges faced by the local population. Located in a region marked by a history of conflict, displacement, and socio-economic hardships, Arua District has seen a rise in mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma, particularly among refugees, women, and youth.
The project focuses on increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and providing accessible mental health services to the community. It includes training for local health workers and volunteers to identify and manage mental health conditions, creating safe spaces for those affected to share their experiences, and offering counseling and psychosocial support. Additionally, the project collaborates with local schools to implement mental health education programs aimed at early intervention for young people.
7. Girls Bloom Mentorship Program
Under this project, we mentor young girls to become leaders in their communities. We boost their confidence, build their advocacy and communication skills, and instill in them value-based servant leadership skills. Currently, we have 25 girls between the ages of 12-18 from 25 communities who are undergoing our locally designed mentorship program.
8. Reproductive Freedom
Sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) are fundamental human rights that empower women to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and lives. These rights are essential for achieving gender equality, improving health outcomes, and fostering sustainable development.
Our SRH work encompasses:
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Access to Comprehensive Healthcare: Ensuring women have access to quality reproductive health services, including family planning, maternal health care, HIV/AIDs, and safe abortion services.
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Education and Information: Providing accurate information and education on sexual health, contraception, and reproductive rights.
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Bodily Autonomy: Upholding the right of women to make decisions about their bodies, free from coercion, discrimination, and violence.
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Gender Equality: Promoting equal access to health services and addressing the social, cultural, and economic barriers that hinder women’s health and rights.
Our Work
Our work is in border grassroots communities many of which have never had any intervention. We are currently working in 85 villages in Arua District in West Nile Subregion with a total of three projects.
Image Gallery
Explore Our Gallery
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Witness the impact of our initiatives and the vibrant communities we work with.
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See the faces of resilience and determination that inspire us every day.
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Discover the behind-the-scenes efforts that drive our mission forward.
Each photograph tells a unique story and represents a step towards a more just and equitable world.
We invite you to browse through and experience the essence of our commitment and dedication.
Thank you for your continuous support and for being a part of our journey!
