Betty Akullo is the executive director for Women and Rural Development Networks, a women’s rights organization she founded in 2003 to support women and girls in rebuilding their lives in northern Uganda’s post-conflict setting. Akullo holds a master’s degree in gender studies, a bachelor’s degree in law (LLB), and a postgraduate diploma in legal practice of Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
She is a seasoned social analyst in the field of human rights as well as a human rights lawyer and an advocate with over 20 years of experience and specialty in gender mainstreaming, advocacy, peacebuilding, and legal protection of female victims of human rights abuses. She has led impactful programs addressing gender inequality, economic empowerment, peace and security, climate change, women’s leadership, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender-based violence. Her work supports women affected by conflict, incarceration, displacement, and discrimination.
Akullo has mobilized women and girls into leadership roles, trained them in advocacy, and organized campaigns such as the “16 Days of Activism.” She has participated in international forums to elevate women’s concerns. Recognized as a national gender champion by the president of Uganda, she also serves on several boards, including the Association for Rehabilitation and Reorientation of Women for Development.