Fort Portal women leaders have called for combined efforts to accelerate gender equality by addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination.

Speaking during the celebrations to mark the belated women’s day celebration for Fort Portal city that was held on April 5, 2024, at Boma grounds, Betty Mujungu, a female city councillor who also doubles as the city deputy mayor, stressed the need for promoting women's economic empowerment by removing barriers to employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership positions.

“We must enforce laws that protect women's rights and hold perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable. This requires concerted efforts from all levels of government, civil society, the private sector, and individuals,” Mujungu said.

According to Mujungu, there is a need to challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes which she said perpetuate inequality and limit women's potential.

Minister Rose Akello dancing to the tunes of a cultural troop during the belated Women's Day celebration for Fort Portal on Friday.

“We must foster an inclusive environment where women thrive and lead without fear of discrimination or reprisal. This will enable women and girls to realise their full potential, free from discrimination and violence,” she said.

Mujungu noted that gender equality through women empowerment is not just for the sake of women, but for the sake of humanity.

She told the congregation on Friday that the commemoration of International Women’s Day is an opportune occasion to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality as well as women's economic empowerment.

“While the National Resistance Movement government led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has made significant progress in advancing the rights and opportunities of women, in leadership, and economic empowerment through various government programs, there remains much work to be done,” she said.

Skills and innovation

Female city councillor Traxier Komuntale called on the government to consider establishing a skilling hub for females in Fort Portal.

According to Komuntale, while a section of women have engaged in craft making among others, they lack skills on marketing their products.

“The women here in Fort Portal are weaving baskets, mats, making pots among others but unfortunately they are stuck with these products at their homes due to lack of market both nationally and internationally,” Komuntale said.

Komuntale wants the government to equip women entrepreneurs with online marketing skills to be able to sell their products globally.

“Most women here have smartphones but they do not know how to use them to market their produce. Unfortunately, women do not have enough money to go and rent stalls in the city centre, so they make their products from home and at the same time remain stuck with them,” she said.

Government programs

Linda Irene the Fort Portal city woman MP appreciated the government for its affirmative action towards uplifting the standards of a woman.

According to MP Linda, several anti-poverty programs that among others include the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program, Parish Development Model, and Emyooga among others have greatly impacted the lives of women.

Specifically for PDM, MP Linda said that the women in Fort Portal have so far received sh1.2bn.

“30% of the PDM money was specifically designated to the women as per the guidelines and as women leaders, we are so much proud of that,” the MP said.

Boy child forgotten

Ethics and integrity state minister Rose Lilly Akello challenged stakeholders not to neglect the boy child and men, saying they are also victims of gender-based violence.

“Let us not forget that our men also in this challenged situation are suffering because the fact is that even some men are currently being battered by us the ladies,” Minister Akello said.

She disclosed that quite a number of boys have started dropping out of school simply because all attention is being given to the girls.

“I need us as mothers to work out a formula to uplift both the girl and the boy child,” she said.