Fort portal Women leaders want root causes of gender inequality addressed
By Rogers Sunday
Fort Portal women leaders have called for combined efforts in accelerating gender equality through addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination.
The Chief Guest, Minister Akello Rose lilly being welcomed by women leaders at booma grounds Fort portal.
Speaking during the celebrations to mark the belated women’s day commemoration for Fort Portal Tourism City that was held on Friday 5th at Boma grounds, Betty Mujungu voice of Toro’s Gender Desk Team leader stressed the need for promoting women’s economic empowerment by removing barriers to employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership positions.
“We must enforce laws that protect women’s rights and hold perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable. This requires concerted efforts from all levels of government, civil society, the private sector, and individuals” Mujungu said.
According to Mujungu, there is need to challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes which she said perpetuate inequality and limit women’s potential.
“We must foster an inclusive environment where women thrive and lead without fear of discrimination or reprisal. This will enable women and girls to realize their full potential, free from discrimination and violence” she said.
Mujungu maintains that the gender equality through women empowerment is not just for the sake of women, but for the sake of humanity.
International women’s day
Mujungu told the congregation at Boma grounds on Friday that the commemoration of the international women’s day is an opportune occasion of to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality as well as women economic empowerment.
“While the National Resistance Movement government led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has made significant progress in advancing the rights and opportunities for women, in leadership, and economic empowerment through various government programs there remains much work to be done.
Skills and innovation
Traxier Komuntale also a female City Councilor has called on government to consider establishing a female skilling hub in Fort Portal.
According to Komuntale, while a section of women have engaged in craft making among others, they lack skills on digital marketing of their products.
“The women here in Fort Portal are weaving baskets, mats, making pots among others but unfortunately, they are stuck with these products at their homes due to lack of market both nationally and internationally” Komuntale said.
Komuntale wants government to equip women entrepreneurs with online digital marketing skills for them to be able to sell their products globally.
“Most women here have smart phones, but they do not know how to use them to market their produce. Unfortunately, women do not have enough money to go and rent stalls in the city center, so they make their products from home and at the same time remain stuck with them” she said.
Government programs
Linda Irene the Fort Portal City Woman Member of Parliament appreciated government for its affirmative action towards uplifting the standards of a woman.
According to MP Linda, several anti-poverty programs that among others include the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP), Parish Development Modal (PDM) Emyooga among others have greatly impacted on the lives of women.
Specifically for PDM, MP Linda said that the women in Fort Portal have so far received sh 1.2bn.
“30% of the PDM money was specifically designated to the women as per the guidelines and as women leaders we are so much proud of that.
Be mindful of the boy child too
Rose Lilly Akello the State Minister for ethics and integrity challenged stakeholders not to neglect the boy child and the men saying that they are also victims of gender-based violence.
“Let us not forget that our men also in this challenged situation are suffering because the fact is that even some men are currently being battered by us the ladies” Minister Akello said.
Minister Akello disclosed that quite a number of boys have started dropping out of school simply because much attention is being given to the girls.
“I need us as mothers to work out a formula to uplift both the girl and the boy child” she said.
Minister Akello specifically thanked NRM government which she said has built the capacity of the women to take on leadership roles that were mainly male dominated in the past.
“The president has empowered women in all the capacities in this country. You can see very many women in various positions of leadership in government “she said.