Minister Adoa urges mutual respect between men and women

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The State Minister for Fisheries, Hellen Adoa, has urged both men and women to respect each other, emphasising that equal rights should not erode mutual respect in society.

Speaking at Kaberamaido district’s belated Women’s Day celebrations on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, held at Kaburepoli Primary School in Ochero subcounty, Adoa highlighted the achievements of the NRM government in advancing women’s rights and recognition.

She acknowledged that while women’s rights have significantly improved, there remains a need for both men and women to uphold respect for one another.

“The way God has created us is different. We can never be the same. We perform different roles, but a man will always be a man, and a woman will always be a woman,” Adoa stated.

She called on women to respect men, just as men should respect women, reinforcing the importance of harmony in society.

Adoa also commended the NRM government for elevating the status of women and urged continued support to ensure these gains are not reversed.

Addressing the fishing community, Adoa clarified that the government had not banned fishing but was enforcing the use of proper fishing gear.

She revealed that she had received a report of a fisherman who had drowned due to using a small boat.

“We do not want to lose you, fishermen. It is safer to use the bigger boats recommended by the government so that you stay alive and take care of your families,” she advised.

Kaberamaido LC5 chairperson, Victor Rex Ekesu, praised the NRM government for uplifting women, stating that it had taken them from “the kitchen to the boardroom.”

He said the government’s efforts had significantly improved women’s standing in society compared to the past.

Women raise concerns

The chairperson of the Kaberamaido district women’s council, Barbra Adongo, noted that while the government has introduced various programmes to empower women, many still struggle to access them.

She pointed out that the stringent requirements for some government projects make it difficult for ordinary women to benefit, and even when funding is available, it is often insufficient.

“We appreciate the government’s efforts to uplift women through different programmes, but we request that the conditions be made more favourable for the ordinary woman,” Adongo said.

She cited the GROW project as an example, saying it had good intentions but had not significantly benefited the women of Kaberamaido, as they were grouped with women from Soroti.

Kaberamaido woman MP, Jane Awichi, acknowledged the challenges in government programmes but urged women to take advantage of the opportunities available.

“Amidst the challenges we face as women, let us embrace the different government programmes that reach us. Let us not give up simply because the conditions seem tough,” Awichi said.

She expressed disappointment that some community members were rejecting beneficial projects meant to improve their lives.

“Why should you refuse to allocate a small piece of land for a borehole to be drilled? Don’t you think it’s you who will miss out by rejecting such an opportunity? I urge you all to embrace development projects so that our communities can grow,” she added.

A unique celebration

The event also featured an entertaining competition where men married to parish councillors carried their wives on their backs.

In the spirited contest, six parish councillor couples participated. The women first rode bicycles with their husbands as passengers for 700 metres, before the men carried their wives on their backs for 100 metres.

Ochero County MP, Julius Peter Emigu, described the activity as a fun way to engage and entertain the community.

He also hired service providers to prepare meals for the women, allowing them to rest and enjoy the belated district Women’s Day celebrations.

Kaberamaido resident district commissioner, Linos Lotem Tumkori, warned men against assaulting women who attend government or social functions.

He vowed to take action against any men who mistreat women at public gatherings, stating that such behaviour would not be tolerated.