By Richard Onapatum
Kotido, Uganda – August 14, 2024: The Kotido Local Government has committed to gender-sensitive budgeting following a public advocacy dialogue organized by Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA) at the Youth Center Hall. The event, held on Wednesday, aimed to break barriers to women’s political participation by bringing together women leaders and key local government decision-makers.
With the theme “Advocacy for Change in Development,” the dialogue focused on increasing and strengthening the quality of women’s political participation and leadership across the district.
In his opening remarks, LC5 Chairman Lotee Paul Komol, affectionately known as “Kacheri Boy,” praised the donors for funding NARWOA and supporting Kotido’s local partners. He expressed his gratitude for the strong network of women that NARWOA has built across the district, crediting the efforts of the Executive Director for uniting women from various parts of Kotido.
Lotee highlighted the critical role NARWOA has played in promoting peace, recounting how women from the organization walked on foot from Kotido to Turkana during a peak in insecurity. He called on donors to continue supporting NARWOA, emphasizing the importance of finding additional partners to sustain the organization’s work.
Ngiro Roselyn, Project Manager for the Women Political Participation Project, requested an extension for the current project, which is set to end in September. She expressed hope that with continued partnership and funding from GIZ, the project could expand beyond the three sub-counties in Kotido District and one in Alerek, Abim District, where it is currently implemented.
Roselyn introduced women from Renge, Kacheri, and Kotido sub-counties, noting their leadership roles and community involvement. She praised the women for their boldness in addressing challenges and implementing the knowledge gained from a study tour in Mukono.
Project Overview
NARWOA, in partnership with GIZ and with funding from the European Union, has been implementing a one-year project aimed at enhancing meaningful participation of women in gender-responsive programming and decision-making processes in Kotido and Abim. Since its inception in November 2023, the project has led to significant achievements, including increased recognition of women’s contributions by the community and strengthened coordination between women leaders and local government.
Through sensitization and coordination meetings, women leaders have gained valuable knowledge and skills in council proceedings and decision-making processes, leading to greater participation in political positions across the district. The project has also provided platforms for women to raise their concerns during international days and media engagements.
Challenges
Despite these successes, several challenges persist, including underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles, negative cultural norms, and high levels of illiteracy. Economic disparities continue to hinder women’s participation in politics, with men often holding superior economic positions. Additionally, limited knowledge and skills in leadership, communication, and advocacy remain significant barriers for women at the grassroots level.
Voices of Change
Deborah Christine Magyezi, a visiting panelist from Busoga Kingdom, emphasized the importance of the meeting as a platform for women leaders to interface with government officials and share the challenges they face. Town Clerk Logel Jane acknowledged the improved representation of women in Kotido’s special interest groups and encouraged women to form groups to benefit from government programs.
Senior CDO Kotido, Lemukol Lilly, urged women to adopt government policies that promote women’s rights and participation in leadership. She also called on parents to prioritize education for their children, highlighting the barriers of bribery and “thigh power” in accessing jobs in Uganda.
Lt. David Aisu, DISO Kotido, emphasized the critical role of women in the economy, noting that women have become the primary breadwinners in many families. He urged women to consolidate the peace they have worked for and to continue advocating for resources.
Mrs. Ataa Jessica Ruth, Executive Director of Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA), expressed gratitude to GIZ and district officials for their support and participation in the advocacy dialogue. She praised the strong collaboration between the women’s network and local leaders, emphasizing NARWOA’s inclusive approach to empowering women, regardless of background. Mrs. Ataa highlighted the progress achieved with women leaders through the project and thanked donor Tassilo von Droste for his unwavering support. She expressed hope that future initiatives would focus more on grassroots women and commended the day’s panelists for their exceptional contributions.
Tassilo Von Droste, Head of Programs at GIZ-GCSP (Strengthening Governance and Civil Society Programme), commended the women leaders for their courage in voicing their concerns. He pledged continued support from GIZ and encouraged leaders to identify key issues for future project phases.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NARWOA and several stakeholders, solidifying their commitment to supporting the organization’s mission.