As COVID-19 hit the whole world in manner that was reminiscent of the plague of the past centuries, all that we could do as health workers was to mobilise the only thing that we knew. We delivered clinical health advice and support to those in need. This was initially online. A little later, in 2021, we moved to communities to help the neediest. The pleading looks of women, children, the disabled, and elderly hit us most. Something formal and organized had to be arranged to respond to this need.
The idea behind Seeds of Women Empowerment and Disability Initiative (SWEDI), started even before I completed my training as a nurse. My father sacrificed all that he had to ensure that I got medical training in Canada. When I reviewed the degree at which my father had made this sacrifice, I thought about my family, saw images of my siblings who had not gotten this opportunity I had, and reflected on the community in which I had grown up in Uganda, in East Africa. These are the deep thoughts that occupied my mind as I finalized my nursing course in Canada. Then, I made a resolution that, my success would not be mine alone.
In 2019, when COVID-19 stalled the whole world, the relevance of my conviction to give back to communities, in Canada and elsewhere, became urgent. At that time, there was a lot of helplessness, fear, and uncertainty that almost killed the spirit among patients to keep going. As a nurse, I saw this in the eyes and body language of patients. To me this was the right time to act. And I did. Not only did I perform my clinical duties with added zeal in Canada, I also added a social support role. I counselled hope and resilience.
In 2021, I extended this role to needy students, families, and their communities in Mityana district of Uganda. Together with a couple of friends, we distributed scholastic materials to students, supported needy families with household supplies, and provided much needed counselling. In short SWEDI was born and active.