Toro queen mother woos women into crafts industry
Sep 18, 2023
Kemigisa said through her foundation, she has been able to secure an international market for souvenirs from Toro.
Queen mother Best Kemigisa recieves some of the hand craft products from the women groups.(Photos by Rogers Sunday)
Rogers Sunday
Journalist @New Vision
________________________ Queen mother Best Kemigisa excited after being gifted with a pair of mats. looking on is Harriet Nyakake the Kingdom deputy prime minister
Toro Kingdom Queen Mother Best Kemigisa has urged women to embrace the making of arts and crafts as a business for self-sustainability.
On Saturday, Kemigisa hosted two women groups from Burahya and Kitagwenda counties.
The two women groups, who benefitted from the Micro Finance Support Centre's financing programme, showcased to Kemigisa several of the art and handcrafts they produce: Baskets and mats, among other souvenirs.
Kemigisa said through her foundation, she has been able to secure an international market for souvenirs from Toro.
“The market for souvenirs is available. As women, all you have to do is to mobilise yourselves and be able to produce enough of them,” she said.
Arinitwe Rita, the chairperson of Kitagwenda women’s SACCO, said the funding from the Micro Finance Support Centre has helped them to actualise their business plans.
With their products ready now, Arinitwe says marketing them has been a challenge.
Harriet Nyakake, the Toro Kingdom deputy Prime Minister, told Kemigisa that women's empowerment is the major solution to the ongoing domestic violence.
“Women's financial empowerment is a key pillar in the fight against domestic violence. Most women and girls are depressed because they are financially constrained,” Nyakake said.
Toro youth minister Patrick Kamulindwa said once well mobilised, Toro has the capacity to produce enough souvenirs for the international market.
“It is now time for all the youths in Toro to wake up and embrace the available market opportunity,” Kamulindwa said.
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