By Nagasha Shallon
Op_Ed
As Women for Green Economy Movement Uganda beings a three-day collective self-care and wellbeing session, the conversation is not only about taking a break, it is about creating stronger, healthier and more sustainable movements.
Women are often expected to carry many responsibilities at once. At home, in their communities, in workplaces and in advocacy spaces, women continue to contribute their time, energy and knowledge to creating better societies. Yet, in the middle of this work, one important question is often forgotten: Who takes care of the women doing the work?
This is why collective self-care matters
Beginning today ,12th August 2026, women for Green Economy Movement Uganda is holding a three -day collective self-care and wellbeing session. The activity provides an opportunity for women to pause, reconnect, listen to one another and reflect on their wellbeing.
Self-care is sometimes misunderstood as an individual responsibility -something as simple as resting, taking time away from work or doing something enjoyable. While individual self-care is important, women working in communities and social movements also need spaces where they can care for one another. Collective self-care recognizes that our wellbeing is connected to the environments in which we live and work.
For women involved in climate action, environmental justice and community development, the work can be demanding. Climate change is already affecting livelihoods, food systems, access to resources and household responsibilities. Women who are responding to these challenges often carry an additional burden because of existing inequalities.
We cannot build resilient communities while ignoring the wellbeing of the people leading the work.
The three-day session therefore creates space for honest conservations about stress, exhaustion, emotional wellbeing, relationships, boundaries and the pressures that women experience. It is also a space for learning from one another and strengthening the relationships that allow women-led movements to continue their work.
There is power in women coming together and saying: Our wellbeing matters too.
Collective self-care should not be treated as a luxury or an activity that happens only when people are already exhausted. It should become part of how organizations and movements work. Healthy organizations need spaces where they can rest without guilt, speak openly without judgment and seek support when they need it.
For WoGEM Uganda, investing in collective wellbeing is also an investment in women’s leadership and climate resilience. When women have supportive spaces, they are better positioned to participate meaningfully in decision -making, organize within their communities and continue advocating for environmental and social justice.
As the three-day session unfolds, the hope is not simply that participants will leave feeling rested. The deeper goal is to strengthen a culture where women look out for one another, recognize the importance of wellbeing and understand that caring for ourselves and each other is part of building sustainable movements.
The climate and gender justice movements need women’s voices, ideas and leadership. But those voices should not come at the expense of their wellbeing.
Collective self-care is therefore not a retreat from the work. It is part of sustaining the work.
