By Richard Onapatum
KARENGA,UGANDA-On August 5th, the Women’s Dialogue convened in Karamoja, Uganda, bringing together women of Mercy Corp Consortium Nakere Rural Women’s Activists (NARWOA), Karamoja Peace and Development Agency(KAPDA),Sustainable Approaches to Community Empowerment(SAPCONE), who are implementing a cross boarder programme Climate Charge Leaders Advancing for Peace(CCLAP) in Karamoja Uganda and Turkana Kenya.
Joined by other NGOS aimed to address issues among them Womens leadership in natural resource conservation,peace and gender-based violence, and street children. With a collective voice and unwavering resolve, the women of Karamoja rose up to shape a brighter future, led by Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, State Minister for Gender and Culture, in a landmark gathering that confronted entrenched challenges and forged a path forward, empowering women to reclaim their rights and build a more just, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The event, held on August 5th at the Jubilee 2000 SS grounds in Karenga district, coincided with the Karamoja Cultural event.
State Minister for Gender and Culture, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, who graced the occasion as the guest facilitator. In her keynote address, emphasized the need for increased women’s participation and gender transformative development to address the pressing issues of GBV and promote peace in the region. She highlighted the importance of Natural resource management and women’s economic empowerment in achieving sustainable development and reducing poverty.
“The empowerment of women is crucial for achieving sustainable development and reducing poverty,” Minister Mutuuzo said. “Women must be involved in decision-making processes, and infrastructure development must address their specific needs and priorities. We must work together to create a brighter future for women and girls in Karamoja, free from GBV and filled with opportunities for growth and prosperity.”
The women participants proposed several resolutions, including increasing women’s participation in project planning and decision-making, incorporating gender-sensitive design, prioritizing sustainability, engaging with Karachuna youth, educating on alcohol consumption, removing of Karamoja children from the streets and pledged to promote peace and natural resource improvement.They also requested enrollment in government forces, government appointments, and additional support for women’s empowerment initiatives to combat GBV and promote peace, settle the conflict between UWA at Kidepo and surrounding communities which have surrered corruption during compensation. Govt ends Female Genital Mutilation( FGM) practices in the region
The women participants made several requests to the Government, including providing scholarships and bursaries, implementing economic empowerment programs, improving access to healthcare and social services, ensuring representation in decision-making bodies, and strengthening laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect women and girls from GBV.
They also requested support for women’s peace efforts, increased awareness about the dangers of alcohol consumption, enforcement of alcohol-related laws, and support services for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.
Minister Mutuuzo assured the women participants that their resolutions and appeals would be taken seriously and implemented accordingly. “I pledge to support your efforts and work with you to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all,” she said. “Let us work together to create a brighter future for women and girls in Karamoja.”
The event culminated in a closing ceremony, which was graced by President Yoweri Museveni, further emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting women’s empowerment and sustainable development in Karamoja.
President Museveni commended the women for their collective efforts and pledged to support their initiatives. “Women are the backbone of our society, and their empowerment is crucial for our nation’s prosperity,” he said. “We must work together to address the challenges facing women and girls in Karamoja, including GBV, poverty, and limited access to education and healthcare. My government is committed to supporting women’s empowerment initiatives and ensuring that women have a seat at the decision-making table.”
The implementing partners pledged to continue supporting women’s empowerment initiatives in Karamoja, including capacity building, advocacy, and community engagement. The women’s dialogue in Karamoja demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts in empowering women and promoting sustainable community development, peace, and addressing GBV. Implementing the proposed resolutions will create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
