Each year around the world,
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 (throughout March) to
mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Kitgum Local
Government in conjunction with development partners and women in Kitgum
district with pleasure honored and joined the world in celebrating of women’s
day on 12 March 2015 at Boma Ground in Kitgum Town Council.
Over 3000 women, men, youth and
children from Kitgum district attended the function. The function begun with a
joyful matching of women, men and children and guests arrived in style.
The Days Theme “Empowerment of
Women and Girls in Progress for all”. Three Decades of gains for Ugandan Women and
Girls; suited the rural women of Kitgum District.
Did you know that….?
60% of the world’s work falls on
women’s shoulders, yet they earn 10% of the world’s income? Women can make good
financial managers.
If women were given the same
level of access to resources that men have, they would increase yields on their
farms by 20-30%.
There is therefore need to bridge
the gap by empowering women and building their capacity in sustainable
development skills. One way of doing this is through educating the girl child.
The function was graced with
educative songs and drama from various women and men groups as well as from
school children all highlighting the current peace/security that has enabled
them to go back home and work (farming). They thanked the government and
development partners for all the programs being implemented in Kitgum District
that are aimed at improving access to health, water, sanitation, roads, VSLA,
improved farming techniques and inputs among others.
Some members were recognized for
good work done towards empowerment of women and girls. These included among
other.
The councilors expressed concern
for the limited funding received towards implementation of women related
activities. The poor medical services with limited/no medical personnel and
medicine coupled with poor transport has caused many death including mothers
who die while giving birth.
Men were urged to embrace the women’s day and to support
women in their initiatives.
Much as there noted achievements
among women such as equal rights to education, work, leadership, and business
among others, consistent domestic violence, early school drop out by girl child
and early marriages are persisting in Kitgum District. This is in addition to
limited ownership of assets by majority of women in the district.
While celebrating the past and
present achievements, I call upon the government and all stakeholders to
continue planning for the future by empowering rural women to fully participate
in sustainable development. We must also act jointly to prevent violence
against women and children. Some strategies suggested include; sensitizing
community on importance of education, enactment and enforcement of byelaws,
improvement of sanitation in schools to create an enabling environment for girl
child among others.
Side events included free counseling and testing for HIV Aids, Cervical Cancer screening, family planning that attracted many youth, men and women during the IWD celebration.
Amref Health Africa supported the
IWD celebration with crates of 50 cartons of sodas and 10 boxes of mineral
water. This is in addition to the facilitation made to 20 youth group members
who made presentations and 15 health workers who conducted outreach activities
during the celebration. This amounted to
a total of UGX1355000 (being SDA, transport refund to 15 health workers and 20 youth
group members.
It was a successful celebration
with everybody happy and dancing throughout the day.
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