International Women’s Day; A Day of Holistic Wellness
In a world that often asks LBQ womxn to hide or diminish themselves, celebrating IWD flips the narrative. This March, FARUGjoined the global community to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026. Under the global and local theme, “Give to Gain,” we gathered to honor the resilience, creativity, and power of LBQ womxn in Uganda. For our community, Give to Gain was more than a slogan. it was a call to radical solidarity. In a climate where equity is often contested, we recognize that when we give our time, skills, and hearts to one another, we gain a stronger, more resilient movement. Our March activities centered on the belief that wellness is a radical act of resistance and self-love and therefore, we curated a space that blended the meditative power of traditional crafts with the high-energy release of physical movement.
The Art of Beading and Knitting
In a quiet corner of our gathering, the rhythmic clicking of knitting needles and the vibrant shimmer of beads took center stage.Beyond creating beautiful items, these activities served as a form of “craftivism.” They provided a therapeutic outlet for stress, fostered patience, and allowed for deep, intergenerational conversations to flow naturally. The LBQ womxn shared patterns and techniques, passing on skills that represent both economic potential and cultural heritage.
Zumba for the Soul
For our community, Zumba is more than just a workout. it is a celebration of what our bodies can do. It released endorphins, boosted confidence, and allowed us to shake off the weight of societal pressures in a safe, inclusive environment. The womxn gave themselves permission to be loud, to move freely, and to take up space, solidifying the bond of sisterhood through shared joy and movement.
By investing in beading, knitting, and Zumba, we addressed wellness through three critical lenses in reducing anxiety through mindful crafting, improving heart health and mobility through dance and breaking isolation by building a community of care. The theme, Give to Gain reminded us that when we give our time, our skills, and our support to each other, we gain a stronger, more vibrant community. For FARUG, this means creating more autonomous spaces where LBQ womxn can thrive, heal, and lead.
As March ends, the spirit of “Give to Gain” remains. We continue to be a sanctuary for LBQ womxn in Uganda, advocating for a world where our rights are respected and our well-being is prioritized. We thank every womxn who showed up, danced, stitched, and shared. Your presence is the gain we celebrate every single day.
Stay tuned for our upcoming events.
