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KAMPALA - Women in the agrifood systems need a peaceful environment especially in their homes, to thrive.

Agnes Linda Auma, Vice-chairperson Uganda Women’s Council (UWC), Woman Member of Parliament for Lira district, and deputy vice chairperson for the committee on agriculture says, despite women contributing over 70% of labour in agrifood systems, many don’t enjoy the fruits of their sweat because they live in toxic homes.

Others are victims of cultural biases.  

However, she notes that some of the conflicts in homes are perpetuated by the women themselves.

Over the years, she says, many individuals and human rights groups have been advocating for women's emancipation and gender equality and the campaigns have yielded positive results. Many women now know their rights. 

However, on the flipside, gender equality has become a double-aged sword in a way that some women abuse it hence escalating domestic violence and divorce cases in the farming communities.

“The rate at which couples separate worries me. Gender-based violence is also high and this affects children greatly,” she says.

Auma made these remarks while officiating at the National Women gathering which brought together hundreds of women and key players in the agrifood systems. The event happened last Friday, April 12 at Hotel Africana, Kampala.

Prior to her current roles, Auma served as a Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and during that course, she came face to face with the effects of gender equality. She handled many cases where women felt empowered and could behave as they wished.

Auma cautioned women against divorce saying instead of running from one man to another, it’s better to create harmony in that home and ensure to balance work and family such that the children are not neglected, lest they get stunted. (All Photos by Ritah Mukasa)

Some would go drinking and return home late just because their husbands also did so.

“Truth is; we are not equal in marriage. A woman should be humble. That way you will soften a bad-mannered husband and he will support your work,” she says.

Auma referred to the Bible that encourages women to be submissive and husbands to love their wives.

“Peace has to start with you and where you stay if you want to become a successful farmer, wife, and mother,” she added.

Auma cautioned women against divorce saying instead of running from one man to another, it’s better to create harmony in that home and ensure to balance work and family such that the children are not neglected, lest they get stunted.

 “You can still be a good mother, wife, and successful farmer. Just be respectful and also balance work and family,” she urged.

Auma implored stakeholders to demystify gender equality to the women in agrifood systems such that they understand it well.

On the other hand, Margaret Nakato, coordinator for Katosi Women Development Trust (KWDT) says, women are also responsible for holding back fellow women. If a woman stands up to do something outside the social-cultural norms, some women pull her down. 

On whether they overstep their rights, Nakato says, it should be understood that women are coming from centuries of disempowerment; being told that they can’t be this or that. 

“We are working to break those cultural barriers. Human rights should be enjoyed by both women and men,” she says adding that; “That notion that women have gone beyond limits is sometimes made up by men who are threatened by the empowered women.”
 
Nakato advocates investing in empowering both men and women while eradicating discriminatory traditions.

Meanwhile, the national women's gathering was organized by Food Rights Alliance (FRA) in partnership with Stand for Her Land, World Vision, SNV, SEATINI, Landnet, KWDT, Caritas Uganda, ActionAid and Uganda Community Based Association for Women and Children's Welfare (UCOBAC).