BE ROAD SMART UG

BY KENNETH MULINDE FROM UGANDA

The goal of this project was to create awareness on the urgency of road safety for women and girls, by advocating with decision-makers to position gender-responsive road safety strategies that meet the safety and travel needs of women and their participation in road safety decision-making processes in Kampala.

This was to be achieved through a creatively driven awareness campaign on gender and road safety, capacity-building workshops on safe mobility and sustainable transport, and advocating with decision-makers through a petition to enact laws that protect vulnerable road users, specifically girls and women, from verbal and physical harassment while on the roads.

ABOUT THE PROJECT LEAD

Kenneth is a multimedia producer. He works with Action Aid International Uganda and Youth Arts Movement Uganda. "I believe in youth power and creativity for a sustainable present and future, if equipped with the right tools and support, youth can lead change for a world we desire". What inspires him most is knowing that he can do something to save more youth lives from road crashes and that every individual or collective action could potentially contribute to the achievement of the sustainable, equal and just world that is desired.

PROJECT GALLERY

• 647 petitions signed and presented to 3 decision-makers. 

• 2 stakeholder forums conducted, engaging 13 decision-makers, resulting in 5 commitments. 

• Developed a Feminist Road Safety Strategy and disseminated it to stakeholders.

• Increased the awareness of youth and women on their rights to safer mobility, and empowered them to demand gender-responsive road infrastructure and spaces that meet the safety and travel needs of girls and women.

• Created a community of road-smart boda boda riders, aware of women's rights and road safety, ensuring safer and harassment-free mobility for all.

• Led to the formation of the Road Smart Ninjaz Community. This is a network of creatives, activists and rights defenders geared to support efforts to reduce youth deaths and injuries.

• Youth Arts Movement Uganda has been added to the Uganda Road Safety  Forum, and is now a member of the Road Safety Advocacy Coalition Uganda (ROSACU).

ABOUT THE LEAD ORGANISATION

Under Youth Arts Movement Uganda (YAMU), young people perform youth advocacy work and creative organising for social change. The organisation offered artists, trainers, office facilities, and partners.