KAMPALA —Uganda’s Femme Forte on Friday launched the first-ever feminist virtual museum in the country, a groundbreaking digital platform dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of feminist activism in Uganda and Africa.
The museum, curated by Femme Forte Uganda, a feminist organization committed to advancing gender equality and social justice, is a living archive that shares stories, resources, and digital exhibits. This innovative initiative is poised to revolutionize the way we preserve and celebrate the histories of African women.
Penelope Sanyu, Chief Steward of Femme Forte Uganda, said the museum was a response to the lack of documentation and celebration of feminist histories in Uganda and Africa.
“For too long, the stories of African women have been sidelined, their contributions footnoted or erased altogether,” Sanyu said. “This museum is a radical act of reclamation, designed to center African women’s histories and provide a space where their knowledge is preserved on their own terms.”
The virtual museum features a range of interactive and immersive exhibits, including virtual tours, oral histories, and personal stories of African feminists who have shaped the continent’s history through their activism, scholarship, and leadership.
“The museum is designed to be a dynamic and interactive space, where visitors can engage with the stories and histories of African women,” Sanyu said. “We want to create a space where women’s stories are told, their voices are heard, and their contributions are acknowledged.”
The museum’s digital archive is a repository of historical documents, personal testimonies, and resources that incorporate self and collective care strategies for activists. The archive is searchable and features historical documents, interviews, artifacts, and artworks related to feminism in Uganda and Africa.
“The digital archive is a critical component of the museum, as it provides a safe and accessible space for women’s stories and histories to be preserved,” Sanyu said.
The museum also includes educational resources, such as lesson plans, articles, and guides for educators, students, and researchers interested in gender studies, feminist theory, and history. Additionally, the museum will host workshops and webinars featuring thought leaders on topics such as digital activism, intersectionality, and the future of feminism.
“We want to create a space where feminists can learn from each other, share their experiences, and build solidarity,” Sanyu said.
Community engagement is at the heart of the museum, with an online feminist wellness hub offering workshops on resilience, burnout prevention, and holistic healing. The museum will also host virtual events, panel discussions, and live Q&A sessions with feminist leaders and influencers.
“The museum is not just a digital platform, it’s a community,” Sanyu said. “We want to create a space where feminists can come together, share their stories, and support each other.”
The virtual museum is accessible online, providing global access to the stories and legacies of African women who have shaped the continent’s history.
“We invite everyone to join us on this journey, to explore the museum, share their stories, and contribute to the preservation of feminist histories in Uganda and Africa,” Sanyu said.
