Who we are
The Women Positive Empowerment Initiative (WOPEIN) is an organization led by women who engage in commercial work, established on December 10th, 2014, by 15 founding members living with HIV/AIDS in Kawempe Division, Kampala District. The area is characterized by extreme poverty, unemployment, overcrowded and poorly structured housing, poor sanitation and related diseases, high crime rates, drug and alcohol abuse, violence, and a high HIV/AIDS prevalence, alongside rapid population growth and movement.
In response to the service gaps affecting women who engage in commercial work in Wakiso District, WOPEIN expanded its operations to Kasangati Town Council in 2021. The expansion aimed to advocate for and promote demand, access, and utilization of health services; foster entrepreneurship; improve access to justice; and create forums for dialogue among women who engage in commercial work. This initiative responds to the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic that continues to impact their lives in Kawempe Division, Kampala, and Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District.
WOPEIN is legally registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee, with 283 members consisting of women who engage in commercial work and community volunteers. These members are responsible for overseeing and implementing programs dedicated to promoting and protecting the fundamental human rights of their communities. The organization focuses on HIV prevention, treatment, and care, while working to eliminate stigma and discrimination through education, mental health awareness, and advocacy.
Additionally, WOPEIN builds partnerships with individuals, institutions, and organizations that share similar values and objectives to advance its mission. The organization collaborates with human rights institutions, networks supporting key populations, and organizations working with women who engage in commercial work to strengthen advocacy and service delivery.
Our Mission
Our mission is to advocate for and promote the demand, access, and utilization of health services, foster entrepreneurship, and create forums for dialogue among women who engage in commercial work living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda.
Our Vision
We want to build a world where no child or youth feels alone and gets every possible help they need as soon as possible.
Our approach
WOPEIN seeks to advocate for and promote the demand, access, and utilization of health services, foster entrepreneurship, and create forums for dialogue among women who engage in commercial work living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. The organization strives to grow through teamwork, respect, transparency, accountability, responsibility, integrity, and diversity.
WOPEIN envisions a society where women living with HIV who engage in commercial work are healthy and living freely in Uganda.
WOPEIN exists to advocate for and promote the demand, access, and utilization of health services, foster entrepreneurship, and create forums for dialogue among women who engage in commercial work living with HIV in Uganda.
Our Goal or Aim
To advocate for and promote the demand, access, and utilization of health services, foster entrepreneurship, enhance access to justice, and create forums for dialogue among women who engage in commercial work.
Areas of Operation
WOPEIN operates in the areas of Kawempe Division in Kampala District and Kasangati Town Council in Wakiso District