Who Are We?
Anikana Foundation is a community centered non-profit organisation committed to empowering vulnerable children, youth and women through education support, skills development, menstrual health initiatives, community outreach and environmental coservation.
We exist to create long-term, sustainable solutions that uplift families and build stronger, self-reliant communities.
Our Story
Anikana Foundation is a Ugandan Woman led organisation working with vulnerable women and children, youths and teenage mothers, sex workers and individuals struggling with drug addiction.
The foundation was created by a passionate woman Ms. Nakirya Mary Mariam who witnessed the challenges faced by marginalized communities especially in Nakanyonyi in Jinja City in Eastern Uganda. Motivated by a desire to protect women’s rights and improve community well-being, she built an organisation centered on empowerment, dignity and social transformation.
Since its early beginnings, Anikana Foundation has focused on promoting social-economic empowerment, health awareness, environmental protection and human rights education. The organisation works actively to reduce gender-based violence, stigma and discrimination while equipping youths and teenage mothers with practical skills that open opportunities for a better future.
Through community centered programs, Anikana Foundation continues to advocate for mindset change, improved health practices and supportive environment where the vulnerable people can thrive.
Established in 2019 and officially registered on 27th March 2023 under registration number INDR162555607NB and permitted to work as an NGO under permit number INDP0005607NB on 27th March 2023. The foundation has grown into a trusted voice for women’s safety, youth development and social inclusion within Eastern Uganda.
Why Women?
Women face discrimination in many forms
Women continue to experience social, economic, and cultural barriers that limit their opportunities. From access to education and healthcare to decision making spaces, women remain unfairly disadvantaged.
Sex workers face extreme stigma and exclusion
In Uganda being a sex-worker is regarded as a curse mainly in Busoga. Many women involved in sex work experience severe discrimination, violence, and lack of protection. They are often denied basic services, excluded from community support, and treated unfairly when seeking justice or healthcare. Supporting these women ensures they are treated with dignity, respect and equal human rights.
As Anikana Foundation, we counsel such women and girls to transform their mindsets, equip them with practical skills and protect their rights so they can live with dignity, confidence and opportunity.
COVID-19 increased the burden on women
During the pandemic, women were disproportionately affected as many men ran away from their responsibilities leaving women and children vulnerable. Many lost their jobs or income, while still being expected to care for children and manage the household. Single mothers and vulnerable women faced the hardest impact, often with little support. Empowering women helps them recover economically and emotionally from these setbacks.
Women carry the greatest care-giving responsibilities
Even in normal times, women are the backbone of family care raising children, supporting aging relatives, and managing homes. Strengthening women directly strengthens families and communities.
Supporting women reduces violence and poverty
Women and girls face higher risks of gender-based violence and poverty. By empowering them through education, economic skills and protection services, we help break cycles of abuse and inequality.
When women succeed, communities thrive
Research consistently shows that when women have equal opportunities, families are healthier, children stay in school, and communities grow stronger and more resilient.
Our Role In The Community
Anikana Foundation plays an essential role in advancing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention, promoting human rights awareness and expanding access to sexual and reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for all. The organisation actively supports:
- Friendly HIV prevention services
- Access to reproductive health information
- Demand creation for health services
- Transforming harmful social norms
- Psycho-social support for at risk populations
By addressing the root causes of vulnerability, Anikana Foundation works to build healthier, safer and more empowered communities.
Our Vision
A stigma-free environment for all vulnerable persons in Uganda.
Our Mission
To promote social-economic empowerment and development through skilling, improved access to justice, mindset change initiatives, mental health support, psycho-social services and sexual reproductive health and rights for all.
Our Core Values
- Compassion: We serve with kindness, empathy and understanding.
- Integrity: We uphold transparency and accountability in all our work.
- Empowerment: We equip individuals with skills that help build better futures.
- Inclusivity: We believe every person deserves equal opportunity.
- Sustainability: We support environmentally responsible and long-term community solutions.
Our Community Based Programs
Anikana’s Community based programs include:
1. Education Support and Sponsorship Programs
We assist vulnerable students with school fees, learning materials, guidance and mentorship to help them stay in school and pursue their dreams.
2. Skills Development and Livelihood Training Programs
We offer practical skills such as basket and mat weaving,shoe making, pad making, liquid detergent and bar soap and toilet disinfectant making, necklace and bracelet making and sustainable agriculture allowing communities to gain income and independence.
3. Menstrual Health Support Programs
We provide pads and menstrual health education to girls and women who cannot afford them, promoting dignity, comfort and continued school attendance.
4. Community Outreach Programs
Our outreach programs include counselling, donations, awareness campaigns and direct community support for families facing hardship.
5. Environmental Conservation Programs
We promote environmental sustainability through tree planting, eco-awareness campaigns and community-led conservation efforts.
Why All Children?
Because when we focus on only the girl child, the other gender is left to fend for itself leaving them vulnerable despite the fact that at the end of the day, a girl rather a woman whom we protected, educated and provided for will end-up with a boy rather a man who did not have the opportunities she had which is a major set-back in her life.
As Anikana Foundation, we focus on both gender because every child deserves safety, opportunity and a nurturing environment that allows them to grow, learn and reach their full potential.
Our Impact and Accountability
Anikana Foundation measures its impact through the positive changes created in the lives of individuals and communities we serve.
We track our progress through program reports, community feedback and ongoing monitoring to ensure every initiative brings meaningful results.
We remain fully committed to transparency, responsible use of resources and accountability to our supporters, partners and the community. Every donation and effort is directed towards sustainable life changing impact.
Our Future Plans
Anikana Foundation is committed to expanding its impact across Uganda. In the coming years, we aim to establish community empowerment hubs that provide continuous skilling, counselling and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights(SRHR) services to vulnerable groups. The foundation also plans to strengthen its outreach programs, increase support for teenage mothers and launch sustainable livelihood projects to promote long-term economic independence.
We envision building stronger partnerships with local leaders, schools and health facilities to scale up awareness on human rights, mental health and gender based violence prevention. Additionally, Anikana Foundation hopes to develop scholarship programs for vulnerable children and invest in digital platforms that enhance access to information, support and opportunities for all.
Founder’s Section:
Ms. Nakirya Mary Mariam
Founder/ Director
Anikana Foundation
Anikana Foundation was founded by Madam Nakirya Mary Mariam, a compassionate community advocate dedicated to uplifting vulnerable women, teenage mothers and youths at risk. Her personal experiences and interactions with marginalized groups in Jinja inspired her to create a safe space where individuals facing stigma, violence and exclusion could receive support, empowerment and hope.
Driven by a passion for women’s rights and community transformation, Madam Mariam leads the organization with a focus on justice, dignity and practical empowerment. Her vision continues to shape Anikana Foundation into a pillar of strength for those whose voices often go unheard.
Contact Information:
Nakirya Mary Mariam
Founder/ Director
Contact:+256 -75135-9379