Kabaka awarded over gender violence fight

The UN Women has rewarded the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II for championing the fight against gender inequality in Uganda.

While handing over the award, the UN Women country representative Hodan Addou said they were thrilled to have the Kabaka launch the HeForShe campaign in Buganda region and harness the power of his cultural voice in addressing gender inequality and gender-based violence.

"HeForShe is a global solidarity movement for gender equality, where men and boys pledge to take action against all forms of violence and discrimination faced by women and girls," she said.

The UN Women is a global champion for gender equality, working to develop and uphold standards and create an environment in which every woman and girl can exercise her human rights and live up to her full potential.

Addou made the remarks on Wednesday at Bulange Mengo during the official launch HeForShe campaign, a drive aimed at achieving gender equality and women empowerment in Buganda and Uganda.
The campaign is spearheaded by the Nabagereka Development Foundation (NDF), Buganda with support from the UN Women.

Addou explained that HeForShe invites men to build on the work of the women's movement as equal partners in the crafting and implementation of a shared vision of gender equality.

"The overall objective of the campaign is to raise awareness among men and to rally them into a pro-active commitment to gender equality and changing the discourse among men regarding violence against women and gender equality," she added.

She noted that the campaign will set men-to-men discussions about their own role and behaviors in realizing women's rights and ending violence against women.

"I call upon all the men to sign up to the commitment to eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls," Addou stressed.

The Kattikiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga reported that when Kabaka speaks, Buganda listens. "Issuing a call to all boys and men in Buganda to rally behind ending gender inequality as well as women and girls' vulnerability to gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS," he added.

Accompanied by the Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, the Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II reechoed that the fight against HIV/AIDS was still important among Ugandans.

"We have plans to fight HIV/AIDS among the people Buganda through right messages that we will broadcast through media," he said.

The Kabaka also lauded the Organisations and individuals who helped in the fight of HIV/AIDS in Buganda, Uganda, Africa and world in the years of 1980s.

"The fight against gender inequality between men and women will yield more results especially in curbing the spread of AIUDS/HIV," the Kabaka said.

He urged women to work towards economic empowerment so that they can also become bread winners.