Archbishop Kaziimba calls for effective laws to ensure justice for women

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has appealed for effective laws that enable access to justice for women.

According to the Archbishop, the safety and security of women in homes and the public remains a concern for faith leaders. Kaziimba was on Wednesday speaking to journalists at the Church of Uganda cook day activity held in commemoration of International Women’s Day.

The cooking activity that brought together religious leaders, women and men was held at the COU provincial secretariat to symbolically deconstruct the traditional gender roles that hinder women’s participation in the social, economic and political agenda of Uganda and the world.

In his statement, the Archbishop said that it is important to continue providing and strengthening opportunities and strategies to empower women and girls to have a strong voice and be equal contributors in strategic decision-making at all levels.

“It is crucial to also recognize the constraints and challenges which hinder women and girls’ empowerment especially structural, religious and culturally based biases and stereotypes. The unpaid domestic care workers that stifle women and girls’ progress in the labour workforce is one of the key areas for both policymakers and other stakeholders to urgently address,” Kaziimba added.

Besides the unpaid domestic care workers, Kaziimba also noted limited access to clean water, greater risk of injury due to disasters, sexual and gender based violence and other issues that need urgent attention.

Uganda commemorated International Women’s Day under the global theme ‘Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.’

While addressing the nation during the national celebration at Kololo Airstrip, President Yoweri Museveni highlighted the different government programmes that have been put in place to facilitate women empowerment.

The president mentioned the Emyooga and the new Parish Development Model –PDM saying that it is only through financial empowerment that women can be less vulnerable. The 490 billion PDM is meant to eradicate poverty through the execution of development activities at the parishes.

*****

URN