Mrs Blair to support Ugandan women on financial literacy

By Jeff Andrew Lule       

Cherie Blair, the wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, is to support 30,000 women in financial literacy, managerial and entrepreneurial skills.

Mrs Blair who was visiting the Nabagereka of Buganda Sylvia Nagginda at Bulange Mengo on Monday, promised to train the women subscribing to Nabagereka Development Foundation (NDF) through her Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.

She stressed that after the training women will be able to effectively manage projects and finances, thus improving their livelihoods.

"Many women out there are suffering and need financial support to improve their lives. No country can easily develop when women are left behind, because they are the majority," Blair noted.

She commended the Nabagereka for her efforts to support women and promoting culture in the kingdom.

She called upon the government to support women in accessing funds to run their business to leave meaningful lives.
Cherie Blair Foundation for Women supports women in Africa, South Asia and Middle East.

Nagginda stressed that she started NDF to support the women after realizing the difficulties they were going through.
She said that the organization focuses on using culture as the vehicle to change the lives of women, youth and children by empowering them socially and economically.

She added that that the kingdom has the power and ability to organize and fundraise for the communities for resources necessary for development.

NDF has over 30,000 women members who are supported to achieve sustainable economic independence through savings, and adding value to their produces and commodities.

She highlighted the royal enclosure (Ekisakaate), which is one of her other projects for children between  6-15 years that has been running for nine years as one of the most efficient approach for cultural grooming where leadership, morals and other social skills are imparted to  children. Over 6,500 children have benefited from the project.