UMWA is thrilled to welcome you to the third edition of the Other Voice (TOV) E-paper that continues to shade light on gender issues affecting women, PWDs, Children and Youth in Uganda.

In this edition, coverage is particular on challenges faced by women with disability in accessing reproductive health services as many are discriminated and stigmatized across socio-economic levels, the silent trade of children into marriages for money by parents, the journey of raising children with special needs like Dyslexia, women in technology, and other insightful stories.

Reportage is mainly from Kampala, Acholi region and western Uganda with stronger saliency on the very marginalized voices through the stories sourced.

TOV is an analytical and in-depth news platform that aims at enhancing women visibility through increased coverage of women issues that are largely marginalized by mainstream media. It also targets inclusion of women voices in decision making processes in bid of leaving no one behind, towards gender equality and social justice.

With support from the Royal Danish Embassy, we are able to bring you an edition of this developmental and women focused e-paper every two months. We thank you for your valuable and continued readership of every edition brought forth.

Please take a deep dive into this edition’s stories!

The post Just a click and you are with us! appeared first on The Other Voice.

Following the various attributed causes towards the increased rise in gender based violence occurrences, poor economic conditions stands out in a sobering revelation as the real cause associated with the rise of this societal problem.

Gender Based Violence (GBV) is an everyday threat for Ugandan women and girls. The National demographic data from 2020 reveal that 56% of married women aged between 15 – 49 years have reported having suffered physical and sexual violence by male counterparts.

The Ministry of Gender has highlighted a disturbing trend in the major causes of the rise of Gender Based Violence (GBV), shedding a light on the harsh economic conditions on families as the main cause. Startling statistics indicate that at least 56% of women in Uganda have once encountered some form of violence a very distressing situation, attributed to the prevailing tough economic climate. Economic violence on the other hand, takes the form of for example, property damage, and restricting access to financial resources, education or labor market or not complying with economic responsibilities and many others.

According to a Gender report, there is evidence that shows that the leading causes of gender based violence are economic related including; poverty, alcoholism for both men and women, cultural practices like; early marriages mostly for economic gain, bride price, limited counseling and drug abuse among others. Poverty has also strongly been linked to violence in a number of ways. Most scholars as well as lay persons believe that those who live in poverty more frequently engage in acts of violence as a consequence of conditions that they are subjected to.

Peace Mutuzo the State Minister for Gender linked the surge in gender based violence to the turbulent economic times, where men find themselves unable to provide for their families, leading to the heightened tension within households. Despite initiatives like the 16 days of activism aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of GBV, the prevalence of such cases remains distressingly high.

This in turn she says, contributes to a cycle of violence that affects both men and women and for that matter the Ministry of Gender stresses that combating this societal menace requires a concerted effort.

Meanwhile Mifumi a Women’s Rights Organization believes, the violence against women is a result of historically unequal power relations between men and women that are reflected in existing gender relationships in society today. This unequal power often places women in a position of societal disadvantage.

Mifumi too further believes that poor economic factors create patterns of violence and poverty that become self-perpetuating, making it extremely difficult for the victims to extricate themselves. When unemployment and poverty affect men, this can cause them to assert their masculinity through violent means against women.

By the end of March 2023, members of the Gender Based Violence sector working group (SWG) managed to identify 1,526 incidents reported in all the thirteen refugee hosting districts in Uganda. The main types of GBV disclosed by survivors included; psychosocial / emotional abuse (32%), physical assault (24%) and denial of resources (24%).

Therefore, as Uganda grapples with complex interplay between economic challenges and domestic violence, there is a pressing need for a multi-faceted approach to address both the root causes and the immediate consequences of Gender Based Violence (GBV).

The post Rise in gender based violence associated with poor economic conditions. appeared first on The Other Voice.

 JACQUELINE ASIIMWE

Founder & CEO, CivSource Africa

The journey to self is never-ending.  Somehow, we think it is an arrival lounge. No! It is truly an ongoing journey. I have learned to see my life in seasons. What is the season you are in now, and what do you need? Reach out for help. There are so many ways to get help, right from our phones to our friends to our communities. What community are you building around you that is buffering?

Develop the practice of self-reflection, and self-awareness, and have a community around you of people who are also invested in your wellness. Sometimes, we surround ourselves with people who are just taking, extracting and that’s all they are doing. Do you have people that are also filling your cup? People who mind that your cup is full? Surround yourself with those people.

Practice gratitude. I have kept a gratitude jar for the last 5 years and every day I write what I am grateful for that day on little notes. Find a minimum of 3 things a day to be grateful for. This helps to lift the spirit and make you aware that you are more blessed than you actually know. Start to name and notice the ways in which you are blessed.

The more I reflect on my life, the more I think about my footprint and legacy, what am I leaving? My footprints have varied in my life. There was a footprint of an activist, there was a footprint of being a mother, a carer a nurturer and now there is a different footprint. So, what is your footprint, determine it for yourself, contribute to it, and write it. Are you telling your story, and in what ways?  You just never know what or how you will impact someone with your story. Be it wisdom, foresight, or even your mistakes.

HELLEN NANTEZA KAWESA

Assistant Director Ceremonies, Parliament of Uganda & Public Relations Specialist

If reputation were a colour, red and white are best suited. Red is often seen to signify danger, your reputation should be held as such and guarded jealously as it can make or break you. White on the other hand brings to light the purity of a good reputation, thus it is critical for one to ensure that they keep their reputation clean.

Family is very critical.  You must ensure that you build and maintain your relationship with your family, this may be the immediate family or extended family. Their support will help you in your life journey. 

Let’s not compromise our standards in our work. Take the straight path and not shortcuts and stand for the truth, be professional, and hold the hands of other people so that you operate as a team because we can never succeed alone, we will succeed with teams. 

Give back to humanity because when God puts us in a position that we hold, it is our responsibility to support others.  There is always somebody out there who wants to learn from us, and there is someone you can help. It is very important that you keep asking yourself, what can I give to somebody?”

If you are passionate about something, embrace it and enjoy it, especially if it is your profession. These are some questions to think about. Do you understand it? Have you mastered it? What do you have to do to grow in it? And growing is about creating networks and getting on top of the field?”

Build your brand and be present. Educate yourself in your line of specialty and be confident. Take advantage of social media to market these attributes. Be available to volunteer or help in the different communities you are in, be it Whatsapp groups, as this helps you build networks.

DR SABRINA KITAKA

Senior Lecturer, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist and Academic

If you are not sitting at the table to decide on the menu, you will end up being part of the menu. It is important for you to work your way through and be part of the table of decision-makers not simply do your job as is. I was once the president of the Uganda Pediatric Association and was at the helm of advocacy at that point, the tagline “Every child should grow up and reach their fullest potential” spoke to me.

It is important to give adolescents and young people confidence, energy, and a desire to want to excel in their space.

The boy child too needs to be empowered, supported, and given the confidence that they need. This can even be from participating in a sport. If an adolescent scores a goal and is celebrated, for instance, this builds their confidence, music dance drama, and public speaking are also some confidence-building aspects. Confidence can’t be bought in a supermarket; it starts with practice.

Parents need to be present. Parents are suffering from TB (being Too Busy). Parents are looking for cash yet it is not everything. Sometimes children and adolescents just want you to be present. And do not practice presentism. This means you are in the house but you are using your phone. Keep that phone away, keep that newspaper away, and just listen.

A family that prays together stays together and that doesn’t mean in the same house but staying together means they are bound together and solidifying their community practice, family values, and their family norms. If a parent says I will be home by 7pm then be home by 7pm. Parents should learn to trust their children and also believe in them and let them know that they always have their back.

“My formula to wellbeing is ABCD. A- Ask for what you want, B- Be who you say you are, C-Care for others, and D- Dare to live your dream. The fifth one, keep smiling and enjoy yourself.

MS DIANA NINSIIMA KIBUUKA

Country Lead, Girl 4 Girls and Director BNI Uganda

Stop waiting for people to give you permission to excel. We attach a lot of importance to the thoughts of others. At the end of the day, no one is going to sit down and determine the days you live and when you die which is sad and very powerful too. The one who has control is you. Begin to make these decisions now. There is no guarantee of tomorrow so you have to live it out today.

Be accountable but take ownership of your decisions and actions. Consult widely but take ownership.

Entrepreneurs need to look beyond passion and factor in the process and people element. You must have the right people with the right skill set supporting your business and you must be able to be compliant. Business owners need to set goals, they need to measure the goals and be able to achieve those goals.

Women entrepreneurs need to separate their business from personal expenditure. The challenge we face as women in business is that we don’t separate our personal costs from the business costs. The result of this is that we are unable to plough back our profits into the business so we are always in need of capital injection. There are so many opportunities for women-owned businesses. Be intentional and search for them, for instance, via your banks.

Women need to challenge themselves and be courageous. A lot of them need to believe in themselves, look in the mirror, and say I can do this, it is possible, that inherent belief in self is what we unlock and create a sisterhood where they believe they have a support system.

Our mentorships programme at G4G is supporting women to take up that space in their community, in their family or work space and own it. Say, I am a leader and because I am a leader, I can do it. Have the belief that I am a powerful tool in God’s hands, I can create change. I am uniquely positioned to be a tool of change… Women still feel like they need to be given permission. They feel like they have to be invited to the table. At G4G we are reminding them that they don’t need to be given permission. You can actually take a seat at the table, if there is no seat for you, bring your chair and if no space absolutely, create your own table and bring people around it, both men and women but most importantly don’t fail to ask yourself the question, what difference can I make here?

The post Celebrating Remarkable Women appeared first on The Other Voice.

Get ready to kick off your Saturday afternoons in style as a new fem vibe joins the airwaves. It is set to inspire, empower, and celebrate the achievements of extraordinary women.

Welcome to “Her Story 256,” the latest talk show on 101.7 Mama FM, brought to you by the Uganda Media Women’s Association. As we tune in to this groundbreaking program, get ready for a wave of inspiration, a chorus of accomplishments, and a celebration of women who have left an indelible mark on society.

“Her Story 256″ is here, and it’s all about celebrating the incredible achievements of remarkable women from various walks of life. This fantastic show is proudly brought to you by the Uganda Media Women’s Association and airs on 101.7 Mama FM. So, grab your snacks, put on your comfy PJs, and let’s dive into what makes “Her Story 256” so darn exciting!

“Why a women’s radio talk show?” you might ask. The answer is simple but profound. Women’s voices have often been underrepresented or overshadowed in the media. “Her Story 256” aims to rectify this by providing a platform that amplifies the incredible stories and achievements of women across a multitude of fields. It’s a powerful avenue for acknowledging the struggles, contributions, and impact of women who have shaped our world.

It is indeed high time we give a shout-out to the fabulous women who’ve been making waves in our world. “Her Story 256” is all about making sure women’s stories don’t go unnoticed. It’s like the ultimate “you go, girl!” moment where we take a step back and appreciate the contributions, struggles, and achievements of several amazing women in Uganda particularly and thus the 256, the Ugandan telecommunication code.

But this show is more than just about women; it’s about the world learning from their experiences, listening to their wisdom, and recognizing the value they bring to every aspect of society. In a world where the phrase “her story” too often goes unnoticed, this show is a beacon, shining light on the incredible journey of remarkable women. Mama FM is therefore about to change “her story” from an afterthought to a headliner, and you’re invited to the front-row seat.

Get ready to be captivated, inspired, and motivated, and downright entertained! Every Saturday from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., “Her Story 256” will rock your world. Here’s what you can look forward to as you join us on this thrilling journey through “Her Story 256.”:

• Inspirational stories: You’ll be treated to awe-inspiring stories from women who’ve achieved greatness in a wide range of fields. Whether it’s science, law, arts, entrepreneurship, politics, or social activism. You’ll hear tales of resilience, determination, and success. these tales of grit and determination will give you all the feels.

• Expert insights: Her Story 256″ will provide listeners with expert insights from incredible women who are making a difference in various spheres. Whether you’re looking for career guidance, life lessons, or tips on leadership, our guests have the wisdom to share

• Heart to Heart: This talk show is all about candid and meaningful exchanges. Expect engaging and thought-provoking discussions on issues that matter to women today. From gender equality and empowerment to career challenges and personal growth, our talk show will be a forum for open dialogues and meaningful conversations.

• Spotlight on Unsung Heroes: We’re turning the spotlight on the unsung heroes, the women whose achievements might have slipped under the radar but truly deserve recognition. It’s time to unveil these hidden gems and celebrate their accomplishments.

• Your Host and Guest: The debut show will be hosted by the fabulous Ms. Flora Aduk, a remarkable woman in her own right. She’ll be joined by the incredible Ms. Jacqueline Asiimwe, the Founder and CEO of CivSource Africa, who will share her insights and experiences in a conversation that is not to be missed

What more can I say? “Her Story 256” on 101.7 Mama FM isn’t just a radio talk show; it’s a movement, a party, and an inspiration all rolled into one. It’s a celebration of women’s accomplishments, a space for their voices to be heard, and an inspiration for the generations to come. In a world where “her story” often takes a back seat, this show is the driving force, reminding us that women’s achievements are an integral part of history.

So, as the101.7 Mama FM slogan goes; “the voice to listen to.” Tune in every Saturday from 3:30 to 5 pm, and celebrate with us as “Her Story 256” fuels your weekends with greatness. This radio talk show isn’t just a program; it’s a beacon of accomplishment, empowerment, and, most importantly, her story. Get ready for a good time and some serious inspiration!

The post Her Story 256: Celebrating Remarkable Women on 101.7 Mama FM appeared first on The Other Voice.

Dear reader,

The Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA) is thrilled to welcome you to the second edition of The Other Voice (TOV) e-paper!

The past two months have been a thoughtful endeavor to enhance coverage of women voices in society towards gender equality and social justice through TOV.

Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – Promoting Gender Equality – TOV, through its two-monthly issuing, envisions equal representation and inclusion of women voices in decision-making processes and accountability mechanisms, without leaving any one behind.

In this issue, we offer a widened coverage and representation of women voices and Persons With Disabilities from both Central, Western and Northern parts of Uganda.

Insights into this edition’s stories reflect a clear urgency to strength advocacy on women rights as a core consideration to promote human rights and social justice. The stories also illuminate that economic vulnerabilities of women double their exposure to gender based violence.

This edition particularly highlights domestic violence, safety and security of female journalists, women’s fight for land rights, socio-economic gender gaps and mental health.

Whereas Uganda is a signatory to international instruments on women rights like the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, and the stipulated principles therein are domesticated within Uganda’s constitution and policies, the country still grapples with women rights violations.

Article 33 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda emphasizes rights of women and the demand for women to be accorded the same rights as men.

The visibility of these rights through equal participation in decision-making processes and development are underscored by the Beijing platform of Action. It emphasizes media as vital in women empowerment and seeks for enhancing women visibility in media through equal portrayal.

According to the 2022 Annual Criminal Report by Police, domestic violence and defilement were among the highest crimes registered. Similarly, in the media, female journalists continue to be soft targets for abuse, thus contributing to their newsroom exit and later, limited coverage of women in news media. The 2020 Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) report revealed that women are only 24 per cent visible in news media as sources and subjects, a low representation that means least coverage of women issues and their voices in society amidst observed gender based violence in society.

Therefore, beyond representation and exposure of gender gaps that are hindering efforts of women empowerment, this second edition of TOV seeks to draw the attention of all responsible stakeholders to the urgency of addressing the gaps that fuel violence against women, girls and PWDs.

The Other Voice e-paper is being supported by the Royal Danish Embassy

The post Women Rights take a Regressive Bend in Uganda appeared first on The Other Voice.

The 2030 Agenda on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is keen on inclusivity for holistic development. Among which,  (SDG) 5 recognizes the need to promote gender equality and empower women and girls. This universal call re-emphasizes all other international protocols and national laws on women rights that demand against discrimination and gender based violence towards equality and social inclusion.

Whereas Uganda has made positive strides in addressing violence against women and girls through women centred programming, legislation and enforcement, the problem reflects strong gender based violations with the new digital age.

According to a 2018 report by International Media Women’s Foundation, one in every two women has faced online violence. This is through cyber harassment, trolling, blackmail and these sometimes translate into physical attack on victims.

As we celebrate the SDG festival organized by Office of the Prime Minister for public engagement on national SDG achievement, UMWA is holding an expertise panel discussion to draw reflections on:

1. Analyse the current state of GBV coverage: understanding the existing portrayal of gender-based violence against women and girls in digital news media, including any biases, stereotypes and sensationalism that may exists.
2. Impact of digital media on perceptions: Investigate the influence of digital news platforms in shaping public perceptions of GBV, both positively and negatively, and its implications on societal attitudes.
3. Responsible journalism and ethical guidelines: deliberate on the importance of responsible reporting and adherence to ethical guidelines while covering GBV, exploring methods to avoid re-traumatising survivors.
4. Amplifying survivors’ voices; examine ways in which digital news media can empower survivors by giving them a voice, providing them with agency, and promoting a survivor’s centric narrative
5. Tracking online harassment: address the issue of online harassment faced by female journalists and activists while reporting on GBV and discuss strategies for creating safer digital spaces,
6. Engaging audiences for positive change: explore how digital news media can engage audiences in understanding GBV issues and mobilise them to support solutions and foster a culture of respect and gender equality

The panel composition includes individuals with expertise in media, gender advocacy, digital media and survivor support. These are: Dr. Patricia Litho, an Academician/researcher with expertise in media and gender representation; Sarah Kagingo a representative from a leading digital news platform to share insights on content policies and guidelines; Clothtilda  Babirekere, a Gender expert from civil society offering insights into the impact of meidia coverage on GBV and GBV survivors. Another key expert is Carol Beyenga a prominent journalist and editor knowledgeable on gender related reporting and digital media, and Trisha Akankwasa, an online influencer.

Under the theme: “Harnessing Citizens’ Potential: Fostering Ownership, Expression, Enjoyment and Innovation for SDGs”, the two-day festival (Thursday 10/Friday 11, August 2023) being held at KCCA Lugogo grounds targets various stakeholders in Government (Ministries, Departments Agencies and Local Governments); CSOs; the Private Sector; Development Partners and Special Interest Groups. This will provide platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue to discuss issues regarding Uganda’s development, showcase innovations and also share best practices.

The panel discussion by UMWA will yield valuable insights and recommendations on fostering responsible, survivor centric and inclusive coverage of gender-based violence on women and girls in digital news media. The outcomes will be documented and shared widely to create awareness, initiate positive changes in media practices, and inspire collaborative efforts towards addressing GBV.

By analysing the coverage of gender based violence on women and girls in digital news, an atmosphere of empathy, understanding, and informed reporting will be fostered. UMWA believes that responsible journalism and inclusive media practices can play a significant role in combating GBV and creating a safer digital space for all.

According to the Kampala SDG festival, the event seeks to mobilize, inspire and connect people and organizations for the acceleration of the implementation of SDGs in Uganda. The festival will uphold the principle of “Leave No One Behind” which calls for the inclusive participation of everyone at all levels.

The Festival will discuss progress on the SDGs and identify areas and gaps that need to be fast-tracked for the realisation of the 2030 Agenda. The overall objective of the festival is to provide a platform for creating awareness and promoting the localisation of the SDGs in Uganda.

The post Coverage of gender based violence on women and girls in digital news appeared first on The Other Voice.

Dear Esteemed Reader,

The Other Voice is now a click away!

UMWA is thrilled to welcome you to this inaugural e-issue of the historical newspaper, The Other Voice (TOV), henceforth re-publishing as an E-paper with support from the Royal Danish Embassy; to whom we are grateful. This publication has been operated by the Uganda Media Women’s Association since 1998. Previously, issues were released based on availability of resources until 2014, when we closed shop. We are excited to be back, this time just a click away online!

Today, we are proud to unveil our groundbreaking digital news site dedicated to championing women’s rights, empowerment and gender equality. With a resolute commitment to amplifying women’s voices and addressing gender disparities, our platform seeks to spark positive change and inspire a world that celebrates diversity and inclusion. This editorial heralds the birth of a powerful medium for women’s equity and showcases the vision and mission that drive us forward.

This inaugural issue is offering coverage on the recent social outburst of DNA testing and the related gendered issues including fueling of domestic and gender based violence. Though sadly, little attention was given to the children caught up in this DNA conflict. Other articles will focus on profiling transformational stories of women, sexual reproductive health and HIV/AIDS mitigations mechanisms and opinion articles amongst others.

For 12 years, Ugandans awakened to a newspaper pull-out in the New Vision that amplified women’s voices. We have reawakened this initiative digitally by highlighting voices of women, Persons with Disability, children, youth and the gender based issues they face, least portrayed by mainstream media.

TOV is an analytical and in-depth news platform that aims at enhancing women visibility through increased coverage of women issues that are largely marginalized by mainstream media. It also targets inclusion of women voices in decision making processes in bid to leaving no one behind, towards gender equality and social justice.

Through a two-monthly based issue, The Other Voice shall publish stories on women and gender topical areas on national topical dialogues; legislative agendas, budgetary allocations, service delivery, public interest agendas, Economic affairs; business, taxation and revenue generation, Gender Based Issues and, transformational stories: Profiling of inspirational transition stories of women.

The Other Voice will maintain its coverage of issues affecting women and other marginalized groups; PWDs, Children and Youth which are otherwise given limited attention by the mainstream media. We shall focus on providing information on development processes necessitated for inclusive social change. These issues include but are not limited to; women voices on national topical discussions to bridge their involvement in decision making processes, gender based violations least shown by mainstream media, transformational stories of women towards empowerment.

Evidently, media in its evolving landscape has persisted with least representation and irresponsive portrayal of women and the associated issues affecting them. Women are continuously presented in a stereotypical, sexiest and passive form through media content.

The establishment of TOV in 1998 was a responsive initiative to the aforementioned gender gaps in media and invisibility of women voices. Twenty-six (26) years later, the 2020 GMMP report reflects that despite marginal improvement in women’s visibility. Current statistics indicate that women’s visibility in media is just at 24%. Gender gaps of sexism, stereotypes, discriminatory inclusion and gender irresponsive media laws still facilitate these low figures.

Inevitably, new media through digital transformation for the internet, online news and online platforms has created an alternative platform for information consumption and freedom of expression. Digitalization has created boundless space of interconnected interaction and visibility and this is much witnessed on social media platforms in Uganda. 

Whereas this is a positive achievement worth celebrating, not many women have socio-economically transformed, the strong gender digital divides still persist. The traditional media gender gaps that The Other Voice sought to redress have now greatly translated in the new media; which have also presented new challenges

In 1995, Uganda was a signatory to an international protocol; The Beijing Platform for Action that through its recommendations, emphasis was put on the role and need of the state and diverse stakeholders including civil society and media to enhance equal and equitable visibility of women in both mainstream and new media. The protocol urged that this would be a viable mechanism of increasing women participation in decision making processes.

Premised on the above reflections, TOV is relaunching digitally to provide an inclusive and responsive platform to enhance rightful representation of women, limiting issues, the wins of gender equality and equity. Also, to counteract cross-cutting gender gaps that diminish women and their ability to inclusively thrive in development and democratic processes in Uganda.

We look forward to your unconditional support towards our epaper The Other Voice and the issues it seeks to address. Here, we shall focus on a path of enlightenment, education and empowerment. Let us join hands in lifting each other up for a more equitable tomorrow. Together, we can pave the way for a more equitable world, where every one’s potential is realized and celebrated and equity reigns supreme.

Margaret Cho, an outstanding women rights activist once stated that, “The power of visibility can never be underestimated”. Please leave a comment for UMWA to see that the unseen about women is more visible through each Edition we put out.

Take a deep dive into the stories of this inaugural Issue. THANK YOU

The post Unveiling The Other Voice e-paper to promote gender equity appeared first on The Other Voice.

Re-publication of The Other Voice would never have been possible without the tireless efforts of the Executive Director, Margaret B. Sentamu and the Board chaired by Dr. Patricia K. Litho.

Executive Director – Margaret B. Sentamu

Margaret B. Sentamu is a Development Communications expert who for the past 20 years has been involved in information and media work aimed at benefiting the majority poor with specific reference to women living in the rural areas.  She has worked (as a team leader, or otherwise) on a number of communication strategies, some of which she has designed or managed. Currently, she plays a lead role at Uganda Media Women’s Association, UMWA where she oversees the Association’s programs and project design, supervising their implementation and the overall delivery. She is one of the brain child of Africa’s first women focused radio station Mama FM managed by women.

At the Association, she has coached and mentored over 280 women now working with reputable organizations in Uganda and abroad and also has been a Chairperson of a Lead Agency of a partnership of Women Media Associations in Eastern and Southern Africa, involved in exchange of personnel to appreciate different cultures as well as offering different knowledge and skills

BOARD

Board Chair

Dr. Patricia K. Litho

Vice Chairperson

Dr. Emilly Comfort Maractho

General Secretary

Catherine Ageno

Treasurer

Dorothy Nanyonga

Committee Members

Sylvia Nalukwago

Beatrice Birungi

The post Management and Governance of UMWA appeared first on The Other Voice.

For many African Women, the 1995 Beijing Platform of Action and the various International instruments on women rights signed by Uganda, are yet to translate into positive changes in their daily lives. Many women still remain at the bottom of the social hierarchy, with poor access to social resources such as; land, credit, health and education.

In Uganda, despite the positive steps that have been taken to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, the case is not any different. The position most women hold in society is still shaky and influenced by a number of challenges some of which include; cultural biases that unjustly stall women’s career progression in public spaces, lack of academic qualifications and skills (given the already marginalized position of women and training) and low self-esteem. 

Empowering women is essential to the health and social development of families, communities and the country. When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potential, contributing their skills to the workforce and can raise happier and healthier children.

Meanwhile, a recent study by the Economic Policy Research Centre indicated that “in Uganda women and girls spend a lot more hours on unpaid care work, twice as much time as men and boys.” 

This disproportion entrenches social gender norms that continue to disempower and impede them from gaining quality employment. Unpaid work absorbs a lot of women’s time and energy, reducing their competitiveness in the labor market. Consequently, women are more inclined to accept lower income and insecure jobs, often in the informal sector. 

However, placing the women’s agenda at the forefront of budgeting and planning service delivery points, may effectively tackle the cycle of women’s economic disempowerment. Provision of government assisted low interest schemes, will help them in the informal sector to boost their businesses. 

As women will be required to repay these loans, this will encourage hard work, as well as provide capital options for businesses that would otherwise need to close due to lack of funds.

Also on the agenda, publicly provide accessible alternatives to ensure that women can thrive sustainably, market funding initiatives, affordable health care access for women working in markets and better access to health services would allow women to focus on earning a living thereby, cutting the amount of time spent queuing to access medication. All these measures will enable Uganda to work towards achieving Agenda 2030 and ensuring that no one is left behind.

The post More efforts still needed to achieve the women empowerment agenda appeared first on The Other Voice.