Femme Forte Uganda has launched Africa’s first-ever Feminist Virtual Museum, a groundbreaking digital archive that ensures the voices, struggles, and triumphs of feminist activists across the continent are never forgotten.
This revolutionary platform challenges the historical erasure of women and marginalized gender groups by providing an immersive, multimedia-rich space where their stories are preserved, celebrated, and used to inspire future generations.
For too long, feminist movements – especially grassroots activism – have been overshadowed by mainstream narratives. This digital museum disrupts that silence. It offers an evolving collection of thematic exhibits, personal testimonies, and historical documents, creating a powerful resource for activists, scholars, and the global community.
Visitors can engage with dynamic storytelling through videos, photographs, and audio clips, deepening their understanding of the resilience and impact of African
Speaking at the launch, Penelope Sanyu, founder of Femme Forte Uganda and Chief Steward of the Feminist Museum underscored the urgency of this initiative. She said: “This museum is a radical act of remembrance and defiance. It refuses to let feminist histories be erased. It is a space where young girls and future generations will see themselves in the fearless women who paved the way before them.”
Beyond preserving history, the museum also prioritizes the well-being of activists. The Feminist Wellness Hub, a key feature of the platform, addresses the mental and emotional toll of social justice work. It offers critical resources for burnout prevention, healing justice, and holistic resilience, ensuring that those who fight for change are also cared for.
The museum also spotlights Africa’s trailblazing feminists, honouring their contributions and ensuring their stories are cemented in history. Among them are: Leymah Gbowee (Liberia) – Nobel Peace Prize laureate who led a women’s peace movement that helped end Liberia’s civil war.
Amina Mama (Nigeria/UK) – Feminist scholar whose research and editorial work (Feminist Africa) has shaped African gender studies.
Sylvia Tamale (Uganda) – Renowned feminist lawyer and academic who has challenged gender norms and advanced conversations on sexuality in Africa.
Aya Chebbi (Tunisia) – Pan-African feminist, diplomat, and activist whose leadership during the Tunisian Revolution mobilized youth-led change across the continent.
This virtual museum is not just a historical archive, it is a global rallying cry for feminist action. Femme Forte Uganda invites feminists, activists, and allies worldwide to contribute to this growing archive, ensuring that no act of resistance, courage, or transformation is lost to history.
“We refuse to let our stories be erased. If your grandmother’s name is missing, bring it to us. This museum is about expanding the feminist narrative, honouring those who fought before us, and inspiring those who will continue the fight,” Ms Sanyu said.