TONIMO Foundation: Empowering Girls in Northern Uganda

TONIMO Foundation: Empowering Girls in Northern Uganda

After surviving the horrors of abduction and forced conscription by the Lord’s Resistance Army in Northern Uganda, our founder knows firsthand the depth of trauma that children experience during conflict.  Even now, it is difficult for others, especially those who were fortunate enough not to endure such experiences, to fully understand what it means to reintegrate into a community and reclaim one’s life after such unimaginable hardship.

As if surviving conflict were not enough, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck shortly after, bringing unprecedented challenges that affected communities everywhere.  It was in this context that our founder, now a young adult, felt a calling to act, not only for themselves, but for others who had suffered similar experiences.  By engaging fellow survivors and community members, they began the journey to establish an organization rooted in service, healing, and empowerment: the TONIMO Foundation.

From the very beginning, our focus was on identifying the real needs in our communities and finding meaningful ways to respond. Our first initiative addressed a critical but often overlooked issue: the menstrual hygiene of girls in Northern Uganda. Many of these girls, having survived abduction and forced conscription in the forests, returned to school at different ages, carrying the trauma of experiences no child should endure. Each month, they often missed school simply because they lacked access to menstrual products. We knew this had to change.

In our first community project, TONIMO Foundation organized efforts to produce and distribute menstrual hygiene pads to five local schools. But we didn’t stop there. Understanding that sustainable change comes from knowledge and skills, we began training girls in small ways to make their own pads. This was a groundbreaking step toward independence, dignity, and empowerment.

We recognize that access to menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue, it is a human rights issue. Every girl deserves the resources and support to manage her body with confidence and without stigma.  We want the world to know that these girls’ rights matter and that communities, organizations, and governments have a role to play ensuring those rights are upheld.

This first event marked the beginning of TONIMO Foundation’s work in Northern Uganda.  It was a small but powerful step toward healing, empowerment, and community-driven change.  From surviving conflict to addressing urgent community needs during a global pandemic, our journey is a testament to resilience, hope, and the belief that even the smallest initiatives create lasting impact.

TONIMO Foundation stands committed to continuing this work, by the community, for the community, and with the community.