As Uganda and the rest of the world commemorate International Women's Day today (Wednesday), female traders at Kibuye Market have urged the Government to ramp up efforts in fighting domestic violence.

Some said they are enduring abusive relationships and marriages.

Others attributed the use of force in marriages to alcohol that has some men beat their wives under the influence.

Some draw weapons on their lovers during such fights, with some turning fatal.

The female traders at the market said they have to double, or even triple, their efforts at work in a quest to break gender barriers on the job.

Sarah Nabisere (62), food vendor

Noeline Nakyanzi is a trader at Kibuye Market but resides in Bunnamwaya.

"Every day, I see violence against women. As I celebrate Women's Day this year, my cry is to the Government to help us end violence against women, which is too much in our country. Many women and girls have been left vulnerable to violence," he said.

Sarah Namawejje sells charcoal at the same market and says they have to work even harder than their male counterparts to earn a living.

"As women, we have to work hard to sustain our homes and not to wait to go to supermarkets. I am a mother and I have to work hard. We gain financial independence and sustain our homes, because some of us are single parents."

Women carrying luggage at Kibuye Market on Tuesday March 7, 2023

A visibly concerned Namawejje also urged the Government to help protect children in schools against vices.

Also at Kibuye, 62-year-old Sarah Nabisere works a food vendor at the busy market.

She resides in Masajja and ensures that she is at the workplace before 7am, calling it her "office".

"As women, we work hard, but we gain little. I have nothing to do [about it]. I have to work to sustain my family. I call upon the Government to come down and help us.

"Maama [Robinah] Nabbanja (Uganda's prime minister), come and visit us as you did to other markets.